Publish date: 14 November 2024
Born and bred in Burnley, Rev Andy Scholes - who is a Baptist Minister - joined us at the beginning of October. With seven years’ chaplaincy experience gained at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Andy is well versed in supporting patients and colleagues in a busy hospital setting.
Raised as a Christian, Andy has always been part of a local church and will, in time, be joining a Baptist Church locally to support his faith.
Of his role here at BTH, he says “It’s a real privilege to be working alongside and offering support to a rich variety of people during what are sometimes difficult times”.
Originally a Technology and Management graduate from Bradford University, Andy later attended a Baptist theological college in London, at the same time as training for the ministry in Southport, which is quite the commute!
He then spent eight years in a church context in Grantham, during which time he volunteered as a retail chaplain, a Further Education college chaplain and a Street Pastor.
Away from his chaplaincy duties Andy is a keen Burnley FC fan - he has the socks and the mouse mat to prove it - and also enjoys fell running, walking and cycling. He is hoping that relocating to the Fylde Coast, along with his border collie Maddie, will give him more opportunities to explore the Lake District to pursue these activities.
Having completed all 214 of the English peaks known as the “Wainwrights”, which took him five years, Andy has now set his sights on tackling the Munros - mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet. There are 282 Munros so we wish him well!
In terms of ambitions a bit closer to home, Andy says he is looking forward to getting to know Blackpool a bit better and may even persuade his chaplaincy colleagues to put on their walking boots – or trainers – and join him in the great outdoors!
