About the Sharpe family
Richard Sharpe
Richard was born in Leicester in 1948 growing up on the Anstey Lane. He went to the Gateway School. He studied Medieval and Modern History in Birmingham and then worked in a machine tool factory. He studied for the ministry at St. John's College, Nottingham and theology at Nottingham University. He was ordained in Leicester Cathedral in June 1975 and was a curate with Canon Geoffrey Willett at Holy Trinity, Hinckley. In 1978, he went to work at Holy Trinity, Hull and stayed for seven years, living in the down town area of Hessle Road. He met his wife Jill and together they ran (amongst other things) a Youth Club for lads off the estate, where Richard and Jill were married at the Church of the Holy Apostles, Hessle Road, in January 1986. They moved to another estate, this time on Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, where Richard was Vicar and where their son Christopher was born in 1987. In 1988 they moved to Dosthill, in Staffordshire, where Richard was Vicar for nine years and where he, Jill and Christopher enjoyed a demanding but rewarding ministry. Largely due to Canon Geoffrey Willett (now Rector of Markfield), Richard applied for the vacant Rectory at Desford in 1997 and was invited to come, beginning in November 1997. Richard is also Rector of St. Mary Magdelene at Peckleton with Tooley (incorporating LFW & Botcheston) He is a member of several Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Societies, which reflect his hobbies and interests. He, Jill and Christopher have their own house in North Yorkshire, near the North Yorks Moors National Park. They have four cats which are Cherry Blossom, Jasmine, Rhubarb and Clover.
Gillian (Jill) Sharpe (nee Cooke)
was born in Wiltshire and then moved to Chester before settling in Driffield, East Yorkshire. She was educated at the Bridlington Girls School and qualified from Leeds University as a Teacher. Her main teaching career has been with special needs children, with both moderate and severe learning difficulties. Jill was active in the Girl Guide Movement for many years. Before and since marriage to Richard, they have worked as a husband and wife team. She likes cooking and gardening, in her spare time. (when is that?)
Jill is teaching two days a week at a Leicester Special School, concentrating on literacy.
Christopher Peter James Sharpe
Born in 1987.
Christopher is now living in Islington in London; house-sharing with a friend from Bosworth College days. He is doing teacher training at the Institute of Education, which is part of University College. He is currently doing work at a school in North London, a short walk from where he lives. He is a member of St. Mark's Church, Tollington Way, which is one of a number of churches which have been rejuvinated by Holy Trinity, Brompton. He plays his violin in the church orchestra.