Who's Who

Ian leads the team and is married to Heather. They have lived in Newcastle and Gateshead since 1977, having studied at Newcastle University, and is part of the City Church staff team. He has five children – Katy, Anna, David, Sarah and Joel. Ian enjoys gardening, doing up houses, playing squash and drinking expensive wine.

Phil is married to Carole and they have two children, Lauren and Sam. Phil studied Social Policy at Newcastle University and on graduating worked in the fields of Community development and regeneration for Blyth Valley Council. Phil is now part of the church staff team, and his interests include eating, music, eating, sport, eating and supporting the mighty Brighton and Hove Albion. He is not mad, honest.

David is married to Jill and they live in the west end of the city. They have three sons, Sam, Adam and Matthew. David works for English Partnerships as an IT Manger. He has a great passion for the nations of the world and for prayer in the Church. He also has a growing enthusiasm for gardening and croquet.

Andy Bramhall leads in much of the pastoral development and oversight of City Church, working into key areas such as our midweek City Groups, pastoring visitors and guests, as well as developing leaders. Andy is married to Ros and they have two children, Josie and . Andy loves listening to music, going to the pub and enjoys most sport. In his time he had a mean right foot and still dreams of scoring in the FA Cup final for Liverpool.

Duncan Podbury coordinates mission-based activities in the church and works to equip the church in connecting to those who don’t yet know Jesus. Duncan leads and coordinates courses such as Alpha, as well as heading up areas such as youth work. Duncan is married to Susannah and has two boys, Rueben and Barnaby. Duncan enjoys cooking curry and eating curry with friends. He also enjoys curry.

Julian Prior leads in the development of social action as well as being our resident communications director. Julian’s time is split between working for local charity Open Door Tyneside whose work focuses on providing accommodation for destitute asylum seekers, and City Church where Ju manages written and verbal communication within the church. Ju is married to Becky and has three children. He lives in Wallsend which is officially the best town in the world.

Ed Morrow is the manager of the CastleGate, and is married to Cindy. They live in Sunderland, in anticipation of a new Church being started there soon. Renowned for his sense of humour Ed was born in Gateshead and currently works as manager of the CastleGate – the home of City Church. They have four children – Catheryn, James, Jessica and Elisabeth. Born in Gateshead, living in Sunderland and working in Newcastle he doesn’t support any football team.

Adèle Dodds is our Office Manager, she works on church administration, manages the accounts and helps run the conference and meetings business at our building “The CastleGate”. She moved from London in 1992 as a student and joined the church. Adèle is married to Jeb and out of office hours, you’ll sometimes find her wearing wellies and overalls, fulfilling her role as farmer’s wife! She particularly recommends the lamb.

Katie McNeill is the events manager . She handles the external bookings for the CastleGate business and also helps run church events such as the leaders weekend away, church conferences and social events. Her other responsibilities include managing the CSO staff and administrating the FP northern training base. Katie came to Newcastle in 2001 as a student; a far cry from her native land of the Orkney isles, she loves the city and has stayed ever since.