Alison Woolley, Director
I've lived and worshipped in Bradford since 1996. I became Director of the Seeds of Silence project in 2016, having completed my theology PhD research into contemporary Christian women's spiritual practices of silence at the University of Birmingham in 2015. During my studies I also spent two years training as a spiritual accompanist. I combine these part-time roles with work as a Music Therapist with young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Outside work, I'm equally sustained by my long-term practices of Centering Prayer and 5 Rhythms dance, my involvement in two feminist theology research groups, photography, writing poetry, countryside walks, and time with my partner and our cat.
I've lived and worshipped in Bradford since 1996. I became Director of the Seeds of Silence project in 2016, having completed my theology PhD research into contemporary Christian women's spiritual practices of silence at the University of Birmingham in 2015. During my studies I also spent two years training as a spiritual accompanist. I combine these part-time roles with work as a Music Therapist with young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Outside work, I'm equally sustained by my long-term practices of Centering Prayer and 5 Rhythms dance, my involvement in two feminist theology research groups, photography, writing poetry, countryside walks, and time with my partner and our cat.
Paul Booth, Advisory Board
I am a retired Anglican priest who has lived and worked in Bradford for 37 years - more than half my life, just! As a spiritual director for the past 17 years, I am immersed in the ministry of listening, contemplative prayer, stillness and silence. Married to Linda, we jointly have 5 adult children, and 9 grandchildren. I write poetry, enjoy exploring the countryside by foot and bike, and love to travel. Having a daughter in Morocco and a step-daughter and family in Italy helps keep my travel bug alive. My joy in travelling is to experience and celebrate different cultures, and this also connects with my passion for food - preparing it, cooking it and eating it!
I am a retired Anglican priest who has lived and worked in Bradford for 37 years - more than half my life, just! As a spiritual director for the past 17 years, I am immersed in the ministry of listening, contemplative prayer, stillness and silence. Married to Linda, we jointly have 5 adult children, and 9 grandchildren. I write poetry, enjoy exploring the countryside by foot and bike, and love to travel. Having a daughter in Morocco and a step-daughter and family in Italy helps keep my travel bug alive. My joy in travelling is to experience and celebrate different cultures, and this also connects with my passion for food - preparing it, cooking it and eating it!
Ruth Hilton, Advisory Board
A lifelong Methodist, I’ve worked for over 10 years at Touchstone, an interfaith project in Bradford. Listening is central to our understanding and practise of interfaith work. My role focuses on finding creative ways of engaging with those of different faiths and cultures. As an extrovert, my prayer life is fluid and chaotic. Silence is a challenge to me, yet a gift when I embrace it. As a busy mum to 3 teenagers, I am beginning to appreciate the still centre at the core of my being. Married to Rob, I enjoy creating with my sewing machine, reading (I’m a member of a women’s interfaith book group) and family walks to discover good tearooms! This year I started a part-time MA in Peace Studies at Bradford University.
A lifelong Methodist, I’ve worked for over 10 years at Touchstone, an interfaith project in Bradford. Listening is central to our understanding and practise of interfaith work. My role focuses on finding creative ways of engaging with those of different faiths and cultures. As an extrovert, my prayer life is fluid and chaotic. Silence is a challenge to me, yet a gift when I embrace it. As a busy mum to 3 teenagers, I am beginning to appreciate the still centre at the core of my being. Married to Rob, I enjoy creating with my sewing machine, reading (I’m a member of a women’s interfaith book group) and family walks to discover good tearooms! This year I started a part-time MA in Peace Studies at Bradford University.
