REVD CANON JONATHAN BAKER
Vicar
Jonathan has been Vicar of Beverley Minster and its Associated Churches since December 2017. He was formerly Canon Missioner and Acting Dean at Peterborough Cathedral, and before that was in parish ministry near Scarborough.
Jonathan is particularly interested in the communication of the Christian faith in a changing world, and the unique opportunities offered by Beverley Minster as a special place.
He is sustained by Sue, who is an English teacher, and Maisie the Labrador who provides exercise and pet therapy. The four Baker children are all in their 20s but still have rooms in the Vicarage. Jonathan enjoys architecture and the visual arts, including film, and feels his table football-playing prime still lies ahead of him.
CHARLIE SHEFFORD
Curate
I worked a variety of jobs in warehouses and construction sites before I began studying theology at Durham University – it was while at Durham that I first began discerning a call to ordained ministry. I had my selection panel at the end of my final year and then went to theological college in Mirfield.
I am married to Zoe and we have one son who was born in 2023..
In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, baking, reading theology, and days out with the family.
ROBERT POYSER
Director of Music
Robert Poyser was appointed Director of Music in 2009 and enjoys the many opportunities for music that the Minster’s diverse liturgical styles offer.
Robert combines his role at the Minster with a busy programme of teaching, accompanying and recitals whilst enjoying cooking, most things railway related and following Gloucestershire’s cricket team.
BEN MERRELL
Youth and Children’s Minister
Ben has been working with the children and young people at Beverley Minster since summer 2014. Before that he spent time working in a wide variety of jobs after graduating with a degree in civil engineering from Swansea University. It was while at uni that Ben realised that he was going to spend his life working for the church, and he is now enjoying the challenge of inviting younger people from outside the church into an inclusive and welcoming community where worship and fellowship can happen inter-generationally. Ben is married to Sarah who is a veterinary surgeon in Lincoln, and they have taken the growth of youth and children at the Minster very seriously since the birth of Isla in 2015, and James in 2019. When he’s not at work Ben enjoys cricket, movies and walking up mountains.
KATE HOWELL
Director of Operations
Most of Kate’s career has been spent working in Senior Management roles in charitable organisations within the care sector. Predominantly her work has focused on establishing and managing creative arts and vocational education services for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, Autism and behaviours that challenge. She has two BA Honours degrees, the first in Communication Arts studies and the second in Business and Management.
She enjoys spending her spare time creating various crafts and painting. She loves looking after her pets and enjoys being out in the countryside. Before covid She used to sing in a rock and metal covers band and she is hoping to get back on to the music scene soon.
LAUREN SIMPSON
Administration Manager
Lauren joined the team at the Parish Centre in October 2017 after a brief stint as a volunteer in November 2014 whilst studying for her Masters degree. She enjoyed her time at the Minster so much that she couldn’t wait to come back! After 3 years as our Assistant Parish Secretary Lauren takes up a new role. Although she will continue supporting the clergy and staff with day to day administration, she will also have a more strategic role in the leadership and management of the Minster and associated churches. In her spare time Lauren enjoys reading, baking, yoga, and walking in the Yorkshire Dales.
JANE MYERS
Shop Manager
Jane has worked as Shop Manager since 2005, she is based in the Parish Centre and also the shop in the Minster. She manages a great team of volunteers who staff the shop and love speaking to visitors. All profits from the shop are donated to The Parochial Church Council of Beverley Minster. Jane is married to Peter and has a son at University and a daughter who attends Beverley High School. When not at work she can be found on the golf course.
LIBBY NAYLOR
Head Virger
Beverley born and bred, Libby has been a part of the Minster family since early childhood when she was brought to the Minster by her mum.
As an adult, Libby became a full-time participant in the life of Beverley Minster in 2003 when she attended an Alpha course. From this point on her membership became truly ‘active’ when she joined the the Minster Catering Team. Libby was a member of the Minster’s Dorcas group, an acolyte at a number of Christmas services and serving refreshments after the new year ‘Watch Night’ service.
Before joining the staff team – originally as Relief Virger in 2018 – Libby ran a successful Painting and Decorating business with her husband Reg, who she married at the Minster in 2011.
In her free time, Libby enjoys doing various forms of quilting and embroidery, reading, spending time with her family, watching the plays of Shakespeare and attending the cinema, theatre and art galleries with her best friend Roz.
PAUL NEWMAN
Assistant Virger
Paul has worked at the Minster for about three and a half years, initially as Relief Virger and subsequently as Assistant Virger. He has lived most of his adult life in the north after being brought up in a village pub in Hertfordshire. His previous jobs were mostly in the care sector, recently working as a mental health nurse. He lives in Beverley with his wife and their two dogs. Paul has three daughters from his first marriage, and his present wife has two daughters through her previous marriage.
Paul enjoys simple pleasures, such as country walks, reading, watching films, socialising and drinking beer. He has been a dedicated runner for years and he can be spotted running on the Westwood most days with the dogs. He has had a lifelong interest in religion and psychology and completed a degree in Religious Studies in his youth. He feels very privileged to work at the Minster and looks forward to the future, working with Head Virger, Libby and the rest of the Minster family.
KATHY BOOTH
Assistant Virger
Kathy is our newest addition to the Beverley Minster Virger Team, having joined us in February 2024. She has lived in Beverley for the last 10 years but is new to Minster life! When she’s not working, she regularly attends Taizé and Choral Evensong. She enjoys gardening, swimming and going to gym classes. She’s a fan of crime dramas, particularly Vera!