I am Dorothy Rodham (known to most people as Dot) married to Bill, also for 32 years, and share the same nieces and nephews, adopted or otherwise. I was born and brought up in Great Langton, which is a small village between Northallerton and Richmond right on the banks of the River Swale. I am very much a country girl at heart and have a real interest in the natural world and am never happier than when I am in the countryside or failing that, the garden. I have spent the last 32 years trying to teach Bill the ways of nature, including how to plant seeds, grow vegetables and how to distinguish between weeds and flowers - I think he is slowly getting the hang of it.

I've always considered myself to be a practical person and I am always keen to express my faith in practical ways. My main role on the management team currently is as our bookings officer and whilst this is a very practical job, I am so aware that this may be the first time a person has contact with the Church and that the way they are dealt with should reflect our Christian values.

Since retiring 3 years ago I have been able to spend more time on pastoral work, particularly with the elderly and specifically with dementia suffers and those who care for them. This is something I feel increasingly passionate about.