Vicar
Father Timothy Hupfield
Fr. Timothy came to be vicar of St Martin's in March 2021, after serving in a group of six churches just outside Evesham, in Worcester Diocese. He lives in High Lane with his wife (vicar of St Thomas’, High Lane), their two children and Border Collie, Tallis.
Before ordination, Timothy worked as a support worker and trained as a secondary science teacher, before being a full-time stay-at-home dad until training for the priesthood at Westcott House in Cambridge. When not busy with church and family, Timothy enjoys hill walking, bell ringing, board games, crocheting and is slowly learning to play the piano.
Curate
Rev'd Ashleigh Askwith
Rev’d Ashleigh is the curate of St. Martin’s, Low Marple and of St. Thomas, High Lane. She lives in Hazel Grove with her husband (vicar of Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove), her daughter and Black Labrador, Bea.
Before ordination, Ashleigh was a Stay-at-home Mum after a short time of being a Pharmacist. Her ordination training took place with All Saints Theological College which eventually became Emmanuel Theological College. During this time she also trained in Baby Massage, Baby Yoga and as a volunteer for Stockport Council for EPEC as a Parent Group Leader. In her spare time Ashleigh enjoys family walks, photography, crafts, baking and yoga.
Associate Priest - Rev Lynda Pugh
Readers
Readers are Lay Ministers who are licensed to the parish by the Diocesan Bishop to assist the clergy through preaching, teaching and leading worship.
Debbie Moores
Debbie was born and raised in Yorkshire and lived there until the summer of 2010 when she took the momentous, and ultimately life-changing, decision to move to Marple. She quickly settled into life on the 'wrong side' of the Pennines and into the life of St Martin's Church. Having been PCC secretary and then a Churchwarden, a change of direction saw Debbie become licensed as a Reader in October 2019 and she is enjoying her new role very much. Debbie retains links with her beloved Yorkshire by being a member of Batley Gilbert and Sullivan society, and keeping a keen eye on the fortunes, or occasionally otherwise, of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Debbie enjoys reading, spending time with her four grandsons and travelling. She and her husband Rob love camping and enjoy visiting various parts of the UK.
Organist
Alan Thornecroft
Churchwarden and Treasurer
Alan Ashurst
Alan graduated as a chemical engineer from UMIST and has spent all his working life in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry ranging from manufacture to computer control software design and implementation. He served as treasurer to a church in Victoria Park for 10 years while living in Manchester. Some aspects have changed but it still remains basically the same job. After taking early retirement he enjoys spending time in the garden whenever possible and on numerous diy projects which accounts for his current involvement as churchwarden. Other interests include music, photography, caravanning and all things mechanical – even if they aren't broken.
Churchwarden
Teresa Thornecroft
Safeguarding Officer
Helen Rogers
Helen began life in Eccles (west Manchester) before marrying and moving via Sale to live in Marple (1990). She acquired a degree in English Literature and started work as a trainee programmer, remaining in business IT for most of her career, working mainly on a freelance basis. Helen has attended St. Martin’s since the early 1990’s and after completing a stint as a Sunday School teacher, she now keeps St. Martin’s congregation and church hall regularly supplied with Fairtrade goods, submits the quarterly Gift Aid claim and has recently taken on the role of Safeguarding Coordinator. While still working part-time in several jobs, she enjoys puzzles, reading, dog-walking, socialising and holidaying with the family both in the UK and further afield.
PCC Secretary
Mike Powell