A little bit about people involved with the team
Revd Matt Phillips - Team Rector
Matt was appointed Team Rector in September 2025. Prior to joining the Team he was Chaplain of Uppingham School in the Peterborough Diocese. Matt is no stranger to Ely Diocese having trained and served his curacy here. He is married to Caroline and has two young boys and Margey their black labrador (who often features in Matt's YouTube posts).
Matt was appointed Team Rector in September 2025. Prior to joining the Team he was Chaplain of Uppingham School in the Peterborough Diocese. Matt is no stranger to Ely Diocese having trained and served his curacy here. He is married to Caroline and has two young boys and Margey their black labrador (who often features in Matt's YouTube posts).
Revd Geoff Dodgson - Associate Priest
Geoff was ordained in 2020 after serving as a Reader for some 30 years. Geoff is the lead minister for Lolworth and Knapwell but leads worship in many churches across the team. Geoff has been involved in rural ministry for most of his life. He is Chaplain to the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists and a member of the national committee for the Agricultural Chaplains Association. An agriculturalist by training and a marketer by profession, Geoff lives in Fen Drayton, where he tries to tame a 5 acre garden and works gun dogs in the winter.
Sara
Sarah Burles
Sarah lives in Eltisley and is married to Barry. They have three sons. Sarah is an art historian who worked at the Fitzwilliam Museum for many years. She now runs Cambridge Art Tours and is a tour director for ACE Cultural Tours.
When she’s not sharing her passion for art with others, she enjoys seeing family and friends, going for long dog walks, cooking and reading good books. An Authorised Lay Minister, Sarah leads the Breakfast Service at Eltisley Church on the first Sunday of the month and a bi-weekly womens’ Bible study group.Sarah is a Lay Canon at Ely Cathedral and a non- executive member of chapter.
Sarah Burles
Sarah lives in Eltisley and is married to Barry. They have three sons. Sarah is an art historian who worked at the Fitzwilliam Museum for many years. She now runs Cambridge Art Tours and is a tour director for ACE Cultural Tours.
When she’s not sharing her passion for art with others, she enjoys seeing family and friends, going for long dog walks, cooking and reading good books. An Authorised Lay Minister, Sarah leads the Breakfast Service at Eltisley Church on the first Sunday of the month and a bi-weekly womens’ Bible study group.Sarah is a Lay Canon at Ely Cathedral and a non- executive member of chapter.
Revd Nigel Pearson - Associate Priest
A Cambridge law graduate, I worked at Price Waterhouse and married Judy in 1972. We have 3 grown up children and 7 grandchildren. I have also worked in the computer industry for many years and also many years farming. I was ordained priest in 2006. I am keen on fishing, tennis, piano playing and reading.
Anne Pettifor
I have been an Authorised Lay Minister specialising in pastoral care for many years and am responsible for Rendezvous - a Holiday at Home group for seniors, meeting during the summer and at Easter and Christmas. I am involved with 'Open the Book', an assembly and collective worship resource for school. I work on a voluntary basis at Cambridgeshire Coroners Court supporting families attending inquests. In my spare time, I enjoy the arts and singing. Some years ago I formed the theatre group 'Strictly Murder' performing Murder Mystery fundraising evenings for groups and societies.I am also a member of Rock Choir. Family commitments are a big part of my life and my 3 grandchildren keep me on my toes!
Anne Pettifor
I have been an Authorised Lay Minister specialising in pastoral care for many years and am responsible for Rendezvous - a Holiday at Home group for seniors, meeting during the summer and at Easter and Christmas. I am involved with 'Open the Book', an assembly and collective worship resource for school. I work on a voluntary basis at Cambridgeshire Coroners Court supporting families attending inquests. In my spare time, I enjoy the arts and singing. Some years ago I formed the theatre group 'Strictly Murder' performing Murder Mystery fundraising evenings for groups and societies.I am also a member of Rock Choir. Family commitments are a big part of my life and my 3 grandchildren keep me on my toes!
David Potter
I am an Authorised Lay Minister and Church Warden and a retired built environment professional. Interested in old buildings and beautiful landscapes. Enjoys poetry, history, grandchildren and coffee. Wants to be organised but keeps putting it off!