Qualified midwife Revd Andrew Steer has been warmly welcomed into the world of Gargrave with Coniston Cold and Kirkby in Malhamdale.
Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, licensed him as priest in charge of both benefices at a packed St Andrews on Thursday, November 14.
Brought up in Heckmondwike, Dewsbury and Batley, Revd Andrew attended Heckmondwike Grammar School and then qualified as a registered nurse before becoming a midwife at Leeds General Infirmary, working in the Delivery Suite and the Homebirth Team before moving into Community Midwifery.
He spent some time as Lecturer/Practitioner at Leeds University, and was a Supervisor of Midwives and Team Leader.
Alongside work, he also studied for a BA in Accountancy, a PGCE and then a Masters in Midwifery.
“I never dreamed, however, that I might end up being a parish priest in such a beautiful place as this,” Revd Andrew said.
“I am extremely thankful and excited to be a part of these communities and I look forward to being involved in what God is doing here.”
He is married to Jenny, a State Registered Nurse and they have two grown up daughters.
Revd Andrew’s varied interests include folk and world music, real ale, cooking, walking, cycling and running.
He was welcomed by leading community members during the service and Bishop Helen-Ann said his licensing was a very happy occasion:
“There was a really positive atmosphere, lots of good will and people looking forward to getting to know Andrew and Jenny,” Bishop Helen-Ann said.