Revd Jim Dobson

Born just after the Second World War, Jim Dobson was raised in Bolton, Lancashire. On leaving he school went to work in the Royal Ordinance Factory Chorley and then on to Salford University to study Chemistry. Whilst there he met Marilyn and they married in 1971. A number of jobs in Chemistry followed - most notably working as a Spectroscopist. He became a member of the Methodist Church at age 16, a Local Preacher in 1975, candidated for the Ministry in 1979 and went into college at Hartley Victoria in Manchester in September 1980. Whilst at college Jim and Marilyn were blessed with two sons - Simon in 1980 and Matthew in 1983. 
Three enjoyable years in the Widnes Circuit were followed by five fun years in the Orrell and Lamberhead Green Circuit where he served 5 Churches with a Membership of 350 and a new building project in Billinge. He was made Superintendent in his last year. In 1991 he moved to Burscough as Superintendent and this was followed by a period in Farnworth where he helped in the Circuit amalgamation with the Worsley Circuit - becoming Superintendent of the combined Circuit.  Within four months he was asked to look at the Bristol South Circuit because they could not get a Superintendent so they moved South in 2004. This Circuit has been difficult at times not least with the amalgamation of the 5 Bristol Circuits into the one Bristol and South Gloucestershire Circuit. With 50 Churches and 2,500 members it is the biggest in the Connexion with a leadership team consisting of the five Superintendents and in which Jim serves as Lead Superintendent.

Son Matthew has graduated with a 2:1 in design and furniture design and works for Dyson – the vacuum cleaner firm.  He is married to Lucy and they live in Stroud. But Jim and Marilyn miss the North West and are looking forward with anticipation to moving back to live in West Kirby and serving the new Wirral Circuit.

Jim, Marilyn and Simon moved back to the North West to live in West Kirby in August 2009. They are enjoying being in West Kirby and like the area very much.  They especially like the friendships they have made in the Church and the lovely weather, except when it blows.  

Jim is finding the new Wirral Circuit very challenging as we try to plot a way forward together.








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