Welcome to the St. James’ and St. Basil’s Team. We are a small team with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do, and we do it with passion. Please come and talk to us, we look forward to meeting with you.
Revd. James McGowan
VicarContact Form
Mobile – 07485 055178
vicar@jamesbasilfenham.org.uk
James arrived in the Parish at the end of February 2019 having previously spent almost eight years on the Isle of Man, first as Assistant Curate at Cathedral Isle of Man and then latterly serving as Vicar of four Churches in the south east corner of the Island together with a number of other roles in the Diocese of Sodor and Man.
After completing undergraduate studies in York, he trained as a secondary teacher at the University of Durham and taught Religious Studies in the North East for a number of years before training for ordination at Cranmer Hall, Durham. He was awarded an MA in Faith and Public Policy from the University of Chester in 2016 and has an interest in the area of Disability Theology and Education Policy and Practice.
James is a Director of Pele Academy Trust and Newcastle Diocesan Board of Education.
Together with his son and daughter they attempt to cajole their stubborn Bedlington Terrier, Maggie and can often be found by the sea day dreaming about life. James might also be seen around the parish on his motorbike – a pastime inherited from the Isle of Man.
Revd. B. Osaro Omobude
Associate PriestContact Form
Mobile – 07456 261946
fr-osaro@jamesbasilfenham.org.uk
Osaro joined the Parish in 2015 as Assistant Curate and began to develop a distinctive ministry to support the Anglican African Community in the City.
Alongside supporting general parish life, Osaro continues to lead the Anglican African Chaplaincy as Priest and Pastor. Osaro works as a Mental Health Chaplain in Hospitals in Northumberland, County Durham and North Yorkshire for the Tees, Esk and Wear Vally NHS Foundation Trust.
Originally from Nigeria, Osaro entered the Minor Seminary at the age of 14 to begin training and formation as a Roman Catholic Priest in his home country. He has studied at the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, The Catholic University in Amsterdam and at Ushaw Seminary and St John’s College Durham before joining the Anglican Church. He now lives with his wife Ellen and their three children in the West of the city
Revd. Ryan McKeon
Assistant CurateContact Form
Mobile – 07384 006683
ryan@jamesbasilfenham.org.uk
Following his ordination in the summer of 2022, Ryan joined the parish as Assistant Curate.
Ryan grew up and lived on the South Coast in Worthing. Attending the local school and college and working in several jobs, It was while working for a church in Worthing that Ryan first felt called to church ministry. Following this call, Ryan moved to Southampton to Work for a church in Shirley. From Shirley, Ryan moved to Bristol for seminary and studied for his degree in theology, after which he moved to the northeast. He and his partner enjoy a number of hobbies, Including hiking, reading and eating!
Simon Davies-Fidler
Director of MusicEmail: jsandbs.music@gmail.com
Simon Fidler is a choral conductor based in the north east of England.
Educated in Newcastle upon Tyne and Sheffield, Simon is the music director and founder of Voices of Hope, the award winning chamber choir. With premiere performances of new works by Agustin Fernandez, Ian Stephenson, Kathryn Tickell and John Kefala Kerr, and collaborations with Sage Gateshead, Northern Chords and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, the choir has become one of the most sought after in the UK.
Vacant
Organist
Charles Wooler left the parish towards the end of 2021.
The PCC are currently reviewing the position of Organist and in due course the Parish will be looking for someone new to join us here.
Margaret Cutting
Church WardenContact Form
Mobile : 07365876816
Email: jamesandbasil@gmail.com
At 10 I became a choir boy at my local church in Middlesex. At 14 was confirmed. After leaving school I became a computer programmer firstly in England then spending a few years in America. Back in England did a stint as an IT manger in Dorset, then moved to Buckinghamshire. Changed profession to gardener. Moved to Newcastle in 2014 and became a volunteer gardener at Js&Bs. In 2018Â started to organise jazz concerts inside the church and then, due to the pandemic, transfered them to the gardens. Became a regular member of the congregation. Joined the PCC in 2022.
Margaret Green
Safeguarding Officer
Email: safeguarding@jamesbasIlfenham.org.uk
Margaret is on the Safeguarding team and can be approached if anyone has any concerns about young or vunerable people. She is also responsible for keeping the electoral roll up to date. If you wish to be on this roll, Margaret is the person to contact.
Tim Bradbury
PCC Treasurer
Tim not only bell rings, leads us in prayer, is a cantor for the psalm, serves but he is also the treasurer. He will be happy to discuss planned giving and how to set up a standing order for regular giving if you so wish. Â
Jeanette Welch
PCC Secretary
Jeanette greets people as they come to a service. She will help you with information, guide you through the service and answer any queries that you might have. She is currently the secretary to the PCC and deals with all the administrative jobs.