Who’s Who

Fr Ian Bullock

Fr Ian became the 25th Vicar of Pontefract in March 2024.

He grew up in Rochdale before moving over to Yorkshire in 1996 to work at Yorkshire Bank’s Head Office in the IT team, after previously working as a Bank Official in a Branch in Lancashire. Ian felt the call to be ordained and trained at Cranmer Hall, Durham, after being ordained in 2008, he served his Curacy at St Giles!

Ian is married to Mikaela, and whilst they don’t have any children, they have three fluffy furbabies (huskies) who you may catch a glimpse of on their walks! Ian is a confessed geek, loving all things sci-fi, and they share a passion for theatre, and Disney! (He also loves a good laugh!)

This is Ian’s third Incumbency, and has become the Vicar of All Saints, Pontefract, St Giles with St Mary’s, Pontefract, St Michaels, Carleton and St Stephens, East Hardwick, and brings with him a wealth of experience in working with multi-parish benefices.

Ian has always had a faith, and has a deep passion for it that he enjoys sharing with others, as well as the opportunity to discuss it with anyone who wants to know more. He also has a passion for community, and believes deeply that the life of the church and the community should be interwoven. He loves to encourage people to grow and use their gifts and talents to the glory of God, and is always happy to listen and help wherever he is able.

Fr Sam Fletcher

Sam has been with us since Summer 2021, as a full-time curate.

He grew up in Sutton-in-Craven, near Keighley, before moving to London for a year as a trainee youth worker, and then going on to study Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford. After university, Sam trained for ordination at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield.

Sam takes great joy in discussing theology, and is passionate about sharing the mystery and wonder of God’s love. He also enjoys writing and reading poetry, especially the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins and R.S. Thomas.

Sam will be part of our ministry team until he has completed his training.

Jill Clapham

Originally from Castleford, Jill has lived all her adult life in Pontefract. She is married to Peter and has four children and five grandchildren.  During the week, Jill is employed as a librarian, managing a research library at a nearby museum.

Jill was licensed by the Bishop of Wakefield as Lay Minister in November 2022 after completing a part-time course with the Leeds School of Ministry.  Prior to her licensing Jill played an active role in the life of St Giles including serving as Churchwarden, Eucharistic Minister, and Altar Server. 

Jill is enjoying all aspects of her ministry, despite having had to step out of her comfort zone.  Jill firmly believes that when God calls us, He equips us for whatever that calling might entail.

Fr Michael Taylor

Michael is 73, and has been married to his wife Judith for 50 years. He has 2 sons, Simon and Richard, and 5 grandchildren. He’s a retired chartered surveyor and auctioneer. He’s been working with people all his life, and sees his ministry as an extension of this.

Michael’s path to ordained ministry began with a casual comment to the Vicar of the Went Valley Parishes, Adrian Judd: “let me know if you want any help”! A pastoral ministry course ensued, which eventually led to Ordination via the Wakefield Ministry Scheme

His view on ministry is well summarised by some words of Archbishop Ramsey: “Being with the people, for the people”.

He has the Bishop’s “Permission to Officiate”, and an important funeral ministry, which gives him the privilege of ministering to friends and relatives.