Who we are
Priest-in-Charge:
Father Richard Bastable
Father Richard became Priest-in-Charge at St Matthew's in October 2021.
Fr Richard comes from Worcestershire and studied theology at Exeter and Cambridge. After ordination in 2008, he served curacies in both Ruislip and Holborn.
Since 2013, he has been Vicar of St Luke's W12, which ministry he continues to carry out alongside his ministry here at St Matthew's.
Beyond his duties in the parishes, Fr Richard enjoys art, music, and travel.
Assistant Curate:
Father Joseph Barnes
Father Joseph was born and brought up in Stevenage. Whilst reading Politics at University, he felt called to the priesthood. He went on to be a pastoral assistant at St John's, Hatfield, and a chaplaincy assistant at the University of Hertfordshire.
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Fr Joseph trained for ordination at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, and served as Assistant Curate in Bedford from 2023 until 2025.
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Fr Joseph's academic interests lie in liturgical studies, mission, sacramental theology, and commentary on politics, popular culture and religion.
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Outside of church, Fr Joseph enjoys going to the gym, cooking and wine. He likes to listen to classical music, especially Bach, Handel and Pachelbel.
Officers and Staff
Church Warden:
Fraser Steel
Church Warden:
Pauline Milnes
Safeguarding Officer:
Sophie Cleobury
Director of Music
Tom Williams
Organist and
Assistant Director of Music
James Furniss-Roe