Revd Kat Gregory-Witham has been appointed as the next Vicar of Accrington St John with Huncoat St Augustine, subject to the usual safer recruitment checks. Kat is currently Associate Priest of Burnley (Habergham Eaves) Saint Matthew the Apostle with Holy TrinityPlease do be praying for Kat and her partner Esther as they prepare to move house and as Kat prepares to take up her new post. The Bishop of Burnley intends to institute, and the Archdeacon of Blackburn intends to induct Kat on Sunday 22nd November 2026 - time and location to be confirmed."Esther and I are excited about this new opportunity and believe God has called us to this role. It will be incredibly difficult to leave Burnley though! You have welcomed us, taught us so much and loved us so wellMy final day ministering in this parish will be Sunday 1st November. You are all warmly invited to a Service of Thanksgiving for all that God has done in our midst in the last few years. The service will take place on Sunday 1st November at 4pm at St Matthew's and will be followed by a bring and share tea - Esther will be bringing ice cream, of course!Previous Role: Associate Priest at St Matthew the Apostle with Holy Trinity in Burnley (Habergham Eaves), where she previously served as the church's first female curate after being ordained a deacon in 2019 and priest in 2020Community Work: Known for running "Fun Church" gatherings, leading outreach and support for vulnerable families in Burnley, co-organizing local pilgrimages and fundraising walks, and co-hosting BBC Radio 4's Sunday Worship from St Matthew's"Fun Church" Group: Operating out of St Matthew the Apostle, Burnley, this initiative was specifically funded via a national Church of England grant to foster community in highly deprived estate areas. Gathering up to 55 parents and children every Monday afternoon, the project acts as an informal drop-in providing crafts, music, food support, mental health advice, and a free hot tea for familiesIn October 2026 Rev Kat was elected to serve as a member of the #churchofengland General Synod.

Guitar Virtuoso Dave Kilminster's radical techniques and mesmerizing sounds captivate fans and fellow musicians alike. Dave won the 'Guitarist of the Year' competition in 1991, run by 'Guitarist' Magazine.That recognition propelled him on a super-charged career as a multi-faceted guitarist, vocalist, engineer, producer, writer and instructor. Dave is a familiar figure worldwide to fans of progressive rock, having played with the likes of John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson, UK), Carl Palmer (ELP) and Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep). He later toured with one of his musical heroes Keith Emerson, and Keith credited Dave for inspiring him to go on the road again.In 2006 Dave was asked to join Roger Waters (ex Pink Floyd) band as lead guitarist and vocalist on the extraordinary global staging of 'Dark Side of the Moon - Live' and the subsequent (and even more successful) 'The Wall - Live' tour. In fact 'The Wall - Live' is the highest grossing tour by a solo artist, and the third highest grossing tour OF ALL TIME!!! In amongst these tours Dave still found time to collaborate with John Wetton and Geoff Downes on their 'ICon' Project (resulting in an album 'Icon 3' and a short tour), and remix/re-master his solo album 'Scarlet - The Director's Cut'. Not to mention perform at the special 12-12-12 concert for Sandy Relief, an event that was broadcast to over two billion people!!!Around this time Dave also began a unique collaboration with vocalist Murray Hockridge, whose soulful voice has been compared to Prince, Sting, and Stevie Wonder and spans over three octaves. Their unique blend of vocals & acoustic guitars has been dubbed "Acoustic Soul" but is truly indescribable. The pair recorded a special album of covers together entitled 'Closer to Earth', and have completed several successful tours in Europe.After 'The Wall' tour Dave went straight back into the studio.... the result is a brand new solo album for 2014 entitled '...and THE TRUTH will set you free...'Fans and critics agree that Dave's work is in a class by itself, encompassing technical mastery and enormous power. A favourite because of his likeable enthusiasm and unmatched on stage energy, Dave wins rave reviews from fellow musicians. Dave's unusual and unexpected techniques add new dimensions to their work. Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK, and is sought after as a collaborator, band member and solo performer. "He is the best guitarist since Hendrix," enthuses Qango member John Young, adding that Kilminster's technical proficiency seems effortless.