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.
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A book based on my research has recently been published by Routledge. Alison Woolley,Women Choosing Silence: Relationality and Transformation in Spiritual Practice (London: Routledge, 2019). Based in in-depth interviews with 20 women in the UK, it explores the role, value and impact of chosen practices of silence in the lives of contemporary Christian women. It details how their engagement in silence-based prayer brings about transformation in the women's relationships with God, with themselves and with others. |
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Paul Booth, Advisory Board
I'm 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'm 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!
Christine Crabtree, Advisory Board
I’m a Methodist minister trying to help people find silence and space in their busy church lives to connect with God who does not demand but simply loves, and wants to help people find courage to fulfil their potential. I lead Quiet Days in the Bradford North Circuit and Yorkshire West Methodist District. I have trained in Spiritual Direction and am currently using these skills informally around the Circuit to help people explore what the changing face of church means for their faith. I’ve also completed the Five Day Community for Spiritual Formation and am exploring a Rule of Life with one group as we support each other, and open to ways in which this can be shared more widely.
I’m a Methodist minister trying to help people find silence and space in their busy church lives to connect with God who does not demand but simply loves, and wants to help people find courage to fulfil their potential. I lead Quiet Days in the Bradford North Circuit and Yorkshire West Methodist District. I have trained in Spiritual Direction and am currently using these skills informally around the Circuit to help people explore what the changing face of church means for their faith. I’ve also completed the Five Day Community for Spiritual Formation and am exploring a Rule of Life with one group as we support each other, and open to ways in which this can be shared more widely.