Minister: Currently vacant
Linda Paterson
Secretary
Hi, I’m Linda; I was born in Watford but have lived in Colchester for over 30 years. I’m married to Brian and we have 3 grown up children, a son in law, a daughter in law, and a lovely granddaughter who exhausts us when she visits!
I am a Learning Support Assistant, having worked in both a local Junior School and for the last 7 years at Colchester Sixth Form College. I enjoy working with individuals and helping them to do their best.
For most of my life I have been involved in going on Scripture Union holidays for young people, and for 30 years I led a sailing holiday which happens every summer on the Norfolk Broads. It is something really special seeing people have amazing fun and exploring their faith in a non-threatening atmosphere.
I come from a family that has always encouraged me in my faith and I made a significant step of faith whilst at another Christian holiday when I was 12, being baptised when I was 18. Jesus has always been important in my life, and I seek to know His peace and presence in all the ups and downs of everyday living.
My favourite bible verses include Isaiah 40 which talks about how amazing God is, and Philippians 4 v 13 which says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
At church I am the Secretary, sometimes play the piano or lead worship, and lead a homegroup. For fun I enjoy walking, knitting and puzzles.
Brian Paterson
Treasurer
I am married to Linda; we have three grown up children, all of whom are married, and two grandchildren. I taught Maths for nearly forty years and retired from the Sixth Form College in Colchester in 2022 having been there since it opened in 1987. I cycle to and from most places as it is often as quick if not quicker than trying to drive. I enjoy walks with Linda and regularly go for longer cycle rides. I play guitar in church and have been the treasurer for a while but I did have a break for three years from this. I also help with odd jobs and Toddlers. Since retiring I have been volunteering at Fingringhoe Nature Reserve as part of a work party who maintain the paths, benches, fences and hedges which I call my constructive exercise.
Spare time:
I am a keen reader and enjoy most authors including Thomas Hardy. I enjoy SciFi films and series as well as action, comedy and murder mystery. My favourite author is Terry Pratchett who manages to mix mystery with humour and very bad puns. I am happy to try most DIY and have found YouTube videos a good source of advice when tackling an unusual task. I prefer to try to fix things that are broken rather than bin them straight away but this means that there is a store of spare parts which might come in useful one day in our house (or our children’s for that matter!).
Favourite meal:
I think I would go for Christmas dinner, especially if I didn’t have to cook it myself. I enjoy trying to experiment to recreate some recipes where we had pre-prepared packs and a list of ingredients (but no quantities) which results in some interesting meals.
Favourite verse:
Proverbs 3 v5 &6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do and he will show you the right way.
Richard Bolam
Leadership Team
I am a teacher and have been for twenty eight years. I am married to Julie and have a son called Samuel and a daughter called Anna.
Spare time: reading, running, orienteering and spending time with my family.
Favourite Bible verse: I have a few Bible verses but the one I keep coming to is Jeremiah 29 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, give you a hope and a future.”
Favourite food: I really like Chinese food with sweet and sour coming out on top.
Favourite holiday destination: Crete.
Influential book: The book that most intrigues me is “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” which, forty years after reading it I still find amazing.
Hilary Hannan
Leadership Team
I am married to Ronnie, have 2 grown up daughters and am now a proud grandmother to Poppy. I was brought up in a Christian home and gave my life to Jesus when I was 14. After travelling around while Ronnie was in the RAF we came back to settle in Colchester in 1989 and I started to worship at Orchard and have been here ever since. There have been many ups and downs at Orchard but I have always felt it to be my spiritual home. I teach in the Sunday School and am part of the Welcome team.
I work for Beacon House, a Christian charity that supports homeless people in Colchester. I find this both challenging and rewarding. Meeting people there, often at their lowest point, reminds me that Jesus came to save the whole world and that he loves each of us the same. The passage that inspired me to work at Beacon House is Matthew 25, v34-46, and it reminds me that what I do for the guys who come to us I do for God and that is truly humbling.
In my spare time I love to sew and am interested in all things textiles, I am also a fair weather gardener and enjoy walking and reading.
My vision for Orchard is to share the good news of Jesus with the local area and for the Church to become the hub of the community.
One of my favourite verses is Colossians 3:12-14 from The Message, "So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” I feel that God is really speaking to me and I know I don’t achieve it but it’s what I aim for.