Meet the Team

Here’s our wonderful team for 2012-13.

Hello, my name is Ruth and I have been with the Youth Service for just over two years. My home town is Wallsend, near Newcastle, but I feel very thankful to be living in Keswick. Since I moved over here I have started to enjoy looong walks and being outdoors. I recently learned to Kayak and went Kayaking down the River Wye earlier this year, sleeping in a teepee along the way. When I am not working I enjoy going to the cinema, meeting friends and generally relaxing after a hard day’s work. It’s great to be part of the Youth Service team and to have the opportunity to help people grow closer to God. I am privileged to meet so many people of all ages who say their time at Castlerigg has changed their life. It’s a special place to come and means a lot to so many people. It’s also great to meet so many young people through the other things we do too, they are a real source of inspiration.

Hi, I’m Fr Philip. This is now my fifth year as the chaplain to the Youth Service. I live at Castlerigg Manor. It’s a fantastic place to live and work in the midst of the mountains that I have always loved. I’m finding it an amazing privilege to work with all the young people who come to Castlerigg for retreats and to journey with the young people of our diocese on the various pilgrimages, events and missions that we organise. Living here I really enjoy getting out into the hills, running, cycling, and I enjoy travelling, reading (when I get a moment). It’s great to be part of a wonderful team here; life is rarely dull and always full of surprises!

Hello, my name is Patricia I come from Fleetwood near Blackpool. I have been a Catholic all my life and it has played a major part. I have an amazing large family and I love them so much- Mum and Dad, I have 3 brothers, 2 sisters and a baby Nephew. Also Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and lots of cousins. They mean the world to me. I went to Cardinal Allen High school and after school I went and studied child care at Blackpool Fylde College. I enjoy spending time at the beach and in the mountains with family and friends. I love all music love being creative drawing and painting. I came to Castlerigg Manor when I was younger on family holidays but also with school it has made a big impact in my life. It’s a great place! I really enjoy working here, and getting to know people, it has helped me grow in confidence and recognise who I am. Throughout my time here at Castlerigg I have been to Lourdes, Madrid, Dublin and Rome on different retreats and World Youth day to Germany. It’s an amazing experience. Love every minute.

Howdy, I’m Kevin but you can call me Kev or any other random nickname you can think of (but it must be nice!!!). I’m from North London and I have made the 302 mile journey up north to be part of the Castlerigg Community. I have been working with young people now for over 7 years now in various roles from Youth Worker and Minister, Scout Leader, Confirmation Catechist and Head of Altar Servers. After Praying for a new challenge at the Papal visit, the opportunity arose to come and work at the Manor and I took this as an sign of God answering my Prayers. You will generally find me using an Indian accent at some point, playing the piano and singing at random times during the day – I can assure you I am not weird I just go a little crazy now and again. I also am a massive telly addict and am a Massive fan of Eastenders, Neighbours, Waterloo Road and the much missed show of The Bill. I have amazing memories of going and taking groups on retreat and I hope you do too. Love and Prayers.

Hi!! My name is Jimmy and I’m from Blackpool! I’m 22 which means I’m the oldest member of the Youth Team this year, although you probably wouldn’t think it!! I come from a large family and I have three sisters and one brother and in my wider family I have 42 cousins so I’m used to large crowds!! My Mum, Dad, sister and one of my cousins have all worked at Castlerigg Manor through the years so I’m looking forward to adding my name to the wall! I’m a huge fan of Blackpool F.C and Celtic so if you want to be bored to death, then you talk to me about football!! I am really looking forward to this year at Castlerigg, especially meeting all the young people who I will work with in the coming year.

Hey, I’m Sophie, I’m 19 and I’m from Rochdale. This is my second year working with young people, but previously I was at a different centre all the way down South so I’m looking forward to my year here at Castlerigg, surrounded by some fellow northerners. I’ve never lived anywhere quite like the Lake District before so I’ve been learning to enjoy the countryside. I love being able to see all the fantastic views around the house. A few basic facts about me are that my favourite film is ‘Closer’ and my favourite musicians are Frank Turner and Dry the River and I absolutely love Spanish food. I could probably say a lot more but I’m rubbish at talking about myself, so hopefully I’ll see you on a retreat.

Hi my name is Kieron and I’m 18 from Oldham. I am a Manchester United fan, who has a fascination in film – something that one day I want to pursue a career in. My favourite film is The Hustler (1960). This year I have taken to Castlerigg for a gap year, something I have wanted to do for a few years now and the opportunity arose for me to come. I hope to gain much experience from this year and take with me many memories and friends.

Hi, I’m Richard. I’m 20 and from Workington so I’ve not travelled too far to get here. This is my second year here at The Manor. I love it. For me there is no greater pleasure than spending time with my family and friends. I would do anything for them, a custom I was taught from a young age. Since I went to Lourdes in 2009 I knew I wanted a career in which I would help others, old or young. This is my opportunity to do that so I’m very excited for another year here. Since joining the team last October I have gained so much working here and being on events with the Diocese of Lancaster. My life wouldn’t be the same without it. Going to Lourdes is one of the best things I have ever done in my life, such a humbling experience. So apart from that, I love football, cycling and running. I hope to finally run the Keswick half marathon this year after missing it last year through injury. I follow Arsenal and Carlisle for the football, both a big love of mine. My aim in life is to become an RE teacher and have a nice family. I don’t mind where, that isn’t too important.  Over the last year so many doors have been opened for me and I expect many more to be opened too. To be as clichéd as possible, I’m loving life. God is good! Let the good times keep coming!

Hello! I’m Anna, I’m 19 and the resident Yorkshire lass. I’ve just finished college in Leeds and I am taking a year out before university.  My life consists of Bioware video games (Mass Effect and Dragon Age being favourites), reading books containing dragons, elves and wizards, coffee (preferably a nice latte from Starbucks – however Costa is just about acceptable too) and the loveliest friends and family I could ever hope for. I’m very excited to spend a year in the Lakes, getting to work with lots of wonderful people. Mountains are a refreshing change from the somewhat dull cityscapes of the north. I listen to a lot of music of almost every genre; my favourites being Il Divo, Mumford and Sons and Nightwish and I enjoy playing Irish music on my trusty violin, The Honourable Freddie IV. Since going to Lourdes, my faith has become very important to me and I want to do what I can to live by it, develop it and share it with others.

My name is Nicholas and I’m very pleased to be on the Castlerigg Manor team this year. I’m 21 years old and I’ve recently graduated from Lancaster University. Home for me is Spark Bridge, which is a small village near Ulverston in the South Lakes area. My hobbies include walking (of which I do quite a bit and of which I’m very fond), listening to and playing music (I play the piano and the french horn), tennis (by far my favourite sport), reading (I’m currently reading ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens which has been great fun to dip into when I can find a spare minute), cooking and drawing. I’m looking forward to getting involved with lots of different activities at Castlerigg this year and I look forward to what this year has in store.

My name is Johannes (age 19) and I am from Brake, a town in northern Germany. I was brought up as a Catholic by my beloved mother who has played as well as my father and my two brothers a huge part in my life. Through trips to Taizé and Kolping (a Catholic Organisation), faith became the biggest part in my life. I love to have a walk or just cuddle with my dog Paula. Volleyball is my favourite sport and I hope fell walking will be it as well in the near future. I am looking forward to meeting lots of people to share stories and faith with them. I am looking forward to getting to know this country and area bit by bit.