PCC Member of the Month: Tony Ainsworth

This is the eighth in our series of pen portraits of members of St Chad’s Parochial Church Council and its subject is Bells Run organiser Tony Ainsworth

Village move led to regular attendance at St Chad’s

My wife Lisa and I and our three year old daughter Claire moved to Pattingham nineteen years ago, from Essington near Wolverhampton – although we continued to attend Essington Wood Methodist Church for some time.

Our son Joshua came along shortly after arriving in Pattingham.

The Rev John Daimond became priest-in-charge of St Chad’s in 2002 and with his encouragement we soon become regular attendees at St. Chad’s and have been ever since.

Both of the children attended the church’s Sunday school and became choir members. They also regularly contributed to the St Chad’s monthly youth service, growing to become balanced young people.

My involvement with the St Chads has also grown over the years, initially becoming a sides person and then later a PCC member. Lisa became the Sunday school teacher and led it for many years until recently.

As a PCC member I am committed to encouraging families and young people in our community to take part in Church life.

Perhaps I am best known in the village as the organiser of the Bells Run, which I have done for the last ten years. Our cross-country race is well respected within the race community and attracts both UKA affiliated and non-club runners from all over the UK to our little village of Pattingham.

Without the support of approximately one hundred villagers – who either volunteer as race marshalls or help in many other ways – it would be impossible to hold the race. This year the race will take place on Sunday 6th October and will be the 30th year it has taken place.

We always need new people to help, so if you are interested please let me know.