Our Team

rEV sILVIA pURDIE

MINISTER
Rev Silvia Purdie came to Cashmere in February 2016. She has been an ordained Presbyterian Minister for 7 years, and has served in the Horowhenua region and in Milson Combined Church in Palmerston North. Her husband Chris is an army chaplain, based at Burnham. They have 3 sons, 2 of whom are living with them here and at Cashmere High School.

Silvia brings to her ministry many years of experience in ministry with children and youth, and she loves leading our preschool Music Group on Thursdays. She is also a writer: her work and reflections can be found on her website: www.conversations.net.nz
She has recently been on a major overseas trip and study leave, taking her to Israel, Italy and England - check out her photos and writings about all this in the Trip section of her website.

Silvia has a Diploma in Ministry (PCANZ), a BTheol from Otago, a BA from Victoria, a Diploma in Counselling, as well as qualifications in child & adolescent psychology, pastoral care (CPE), youth ministry and early childhood (Playcentre). 

Silvia brings a passion for preaching and a dedication to community development. You can call her on 027 242 1113,
or email:  purdies12345@gmail.com 

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Gail weaver

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
Gail Weaver, who arrived in New Zealand with her husband and oldest son in 1995, has been in charge of the office at Cashmere Presbyterian since January 2002. 

Her background is in banking, both in her native England and in her early days in New Zealand. Although she reached lower management level in England, she elected to change to working part-time on having children, but left paid employment following the birth of her second son. After a few years spent concentrating on the tasks of homemaking and child rearing, and involving herself in voluntary community activities such as Plunket and PTA, her return to the workforce was in an entirely new direction. 

She is currently a licensed Anglican lay reader in her home parish, and has been a mainstay of the family worship events in Governors Bay.

Gail says: "The supportive, enabling working environment of Cashmere helped me to grow in my administrative abilities, and has given me the confidence to explore further my own faith."

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Parish Clerks

Anne Shave and Bruce Leadbetter were appointed as our joint Parish Clerks in September 2016. They tell us that they have found Parish Council to be a very focussed and caring group, and are also excited with the environment  that Silvia is challenging us with. It clearly will be an active and busy time ahead and this will result in service and satisfaction.
Anne Shave
Anne’s family has attended Cashmere Presbyterian Church since 1976. During that time Anne has been involved in Sunday School and youth activities, choir, musicals, camps, and has occasionally served on committees. She has also enjoyed leading church services from time to time, and regards it as a special privilege to be involved in the monthly Healing Services that are held in the parish on the third Sunday of each month.

Anne also has ecumenical connections with Anglican and Catholic groups. She has travelled overseas with the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Choir and Orchestra on four occasions. She has recently completed an Honours degree in Theology via the distance learning programme offered through Otago University, and is currently continuing studies through that institution.     

Anne says: “The encouragement and support of the clergy and parishioners who have worshipped at Cashmere Presbyterian over the past forty years has always meant a lot to me. I am happy to be serving as joint parish clerk with Bruce for the current term.”

Bruce Leadbetter
Bruce and his wife, Helen, returned to Christchurch from Dunedin 5 years ago. In Dunedin they worshipped at Andersons Bay Church and Bruce was Principal at Bayfield High School. Before that they were in Christchurch where they worshipped at St Marks Westburn where Malcolm (Bruce’s father) was Minister, and Bruce taught at Cashmere High. Helen was also in teaching and in Dunedin was Head of Columba College Junior School, while in Christchurch she taught at St Albans and Aorangi Schools. They have 3 grown up children and 4 school aged grandchildren.

Bruce says: “Our return to Christchurch has meant reconnection with many friends and this has been special. We seem to be fully occupied with some of the many opportunities Christchurch offers. Helen with Riccarton Inner Wheel Club, Ballantynes and many engagements for Coffee with friends, Grandchildren, (Air New Zealand direct flights to New Plymouth well patronised) , Tap Dancing,  helping at Church with the pre-school music programme and Community Watch shared with Bruce.  Golf, Cycling, Gardening, Ferrymead Rotary, Fishing and time with friends all absorb much of Bruce’s time. We both enjoy the opportunity to often walk along the Sumner Beach although we have not ventured much into the sea.  Cashmere Church is great and we are enjoying this fellowship and Silvia’s ministry. I think Anne and I will work well together and already each has shown abilities which cover most contingencies and also cover a broad view through our respective age and male/female perspectives."

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Musicians

At Cashmere Presbyterian we are blessed to have some wonderful musicians taking turns to play at our Worship services. They can also be hired to play at weddings held here.

Tim Emerson (LTCL  M mus) 





Dr David Troughton​




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Leith McMurray

OUR COmmitteeS

At the AGM held in September 2016, the following people were appointed to Parish Council
                        Bruce Leadbetter  and Anne Shave (Joint Parish Clerks)
                        Dr David Troughton, as Convenor of Church and Society 
                        Cecile Pierce, as Convenor of the Fellowship Team
                        Bruce McAlister, as Convenor of Finance Committee
                        Elisabeth Cooch, as Convenor of the Pastoral Team
                        Warren Campbell, as Convenor of the Property Team
                        Peter Nelson, as Convenor of Strategy
                        Lane Taylor, Congregational Representative
                        Rosemary Troughton, Congregational Representative