Vicar welcomed into new role

A former research chemist is the new team vicar for two Oldham churches.

The Rev Dr Paul Monk, vicar of Holy Trinity, Waterhead; and St Barnabas, Clarksfield; was inducted into his new role by the Bishop of Middleton, the Right Rev Mark Davies.

The service was held at Holy Trinity and the church was packed with members of his two new congregations, as well as members of Oldham Parish Church where he was a curate. Before he was ordained in 2007, Dr Monk (44) was a research chemist at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is married to Jo and they have a seven-year-old daughter Mary.