Parish Personnel
St Edmund’s, Allestree & St Matthew’s, Darley Abbey are two parishes which share a Vicar & a Ministry Team.
Rev'd Rachael Brooks was ordained in 2020, serving her curacy at St Peter’s, Littleover and St Andrew’s, Blagreaves. Not originally from Derby, Rachael moved here with her husband Andrew, when they married in 1991, in order for them both to take up jobs in the city. She spent 12 years as a primary school teacher then special needs support teacher and numerous years in voluntary roles at church, school and as a college chaplain while her son, Isaac, was growing up. Spending three years studying for ordination gave her fresh insight into the pressures experienced on the other side of the school desk. Rachael loves time with friends and family, reading and her book group, exploring Derbyshire and watching crime series - escapist nonsense preferred!
Clive Lemmon was first admitted as a Reader (in St Alban’s Diocese) in 1982, and has been licensed to St Matthew’s since 1987. He is PCC Treasurer and has, in the past, been churchwarden for two terms. He is a chartered civil engineer and his career (before retirement at 50) was spent with British Railways, latterly in the research department, which was what brought him to Derby. He is not without interests, but it is difficult to say precisely what they are!
Melonie Hambly has been a Reader since 2003. All of that time has been at St Matthew’s. She is a parent and grandparent and has been a foster parent. She is a committed caravaner. She has never yet written a blog.
Paul Smith is a Churchwarden at St Edmund's, Allestree. Living in Crich, he and his wife Kate have worshipped here since 1989 and both enjoy singing in the choir. Paul recently retired as editor of a national health and safety newsletter. He started his career as a trainee HM Inspector of Factories, became director of a risk consultancy, and more recently worked as Head of Safety, Health and Environment at E.ON's Engineering Academy in Nottingham. He's a keen recorder player and a member of several local consorts. A life-long biker, he's a Trustee of the charity Derbyshire Blood Bikes.
David Brierley is a Churchwarden at St Matthews. He became warden just before Peter and Julie arrived in 2016. David and his wife Rita have lived in the parish for 30 years. He is heavily involved at Darley Abbey Cricket club and has a long connection with the scout group. David and Rita volunteer at the Derby Churches Winter Night -shelter. He still runs a few races and grows wonky veg!
Caroline Audley is the Church Administrator for St Edmund's and St Matthew's. She moved away from Derbyshire to go to university in Sheffield where she met her husband, Dave. Caroline and Dave married at St Edmund's in 2013 and have now moved back to Derby. Their children Noah and Grace were Christened at St Edmund's. You can usually find her in the Church Office, which is next to St Edmund's Church Hall, at the top of King's Croft. If you face the main church hall doors, her office is round to the left.
Anna Oldknow is the Anglican Youth, Children's and Family Worker based at St Nick's, Allestree. St Edmund's supports this ministry.
