Bury Parish Church

Revd Julian Heaton, Rector of Bury and Vicar of St. Paul's, Bury

Julian is from south Manchester. When he left home he went to study history in London and after a short period nursing, trained for the priesthood in Oxford. He has served in parishes in Stockport, Knutsford, Altrincham and Sale as well as working as a hospital chaplain in Nottingham, helping people discern their vocation as Assistant Director of Ordinands and contributing to the life of the local church as Rural Dean.

Coming to Bury, Julian brings with him a desire to contribute to the community’s deepening friendship with God and confidence in Christ, to develop a culture of church growth across the generations and to work with other Christians and the local community to make Bury a place where all people can flourish.

Revd Sheila Beattie, Assistant minister for Bury Parish Church and St. Paul’s

Sheila is from Grangemouth, Scotland. On finishing school, Sheila studied Chemistry at The University of Glasgow. After several relatively short term contracts working in diverse areas ranging from looking at the flavour of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk to research on blood pressure drugs, she settled on a career in the chemical industry in technical safety, focussing on fire, explosion and chemical reaction hazards, moving to Bury in order to do so. After some 28 years, she finally succumbed to the call, retiring early to commence her training for the ministry. Having now worshiped at Bury, St Mary the Virgin, for over 30 years, Sheila is pleased to be licensed to serve as OLM (Ordained Local Minister) to Bury, St Mary the Virgin and Bury, St Paul’s.

Craig Giles, Curate

Craig is originally from Northwich in Cheshire and grew up in Salford. Before his ordination, he worked in property law for 10 years while studying to become a Chartered Legal Executive. During this time, he handled property finance and conveyancing matters, most recently working for a national conveyancing firm.

Realising his calling to church ministry, he trained at Emmanuel Theological College. He joined Bury Parish Church on placement as an Ordinand in early 2023 and remained with us to become our Curate upon being made Deacon at the end of June 2024.

Craig is married to Ruth and has 2 children, Sophie and John along with a Labrador called Skye who each like to keep him busy when not ministering!