Julie Hassall - You've Been COGGED!
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
"You've been Cogged!" offers a glimpse into another person's life, allowing you to hear their stories and find out more about their work and personal experiences. Alorah, You've Been Cogged! writer, met with Julie Hassall, the Methodist Minister and enthusiastic community leader from Wellspring in Cheadle.
Describe yourself in three words.
Positive hard-working energetic.
I have a longing for people to flourish.
Are you a member of any groups?
The Methodist Church, the gym in Cheadle, and The Barry Manilow Fan Club.
How do you start your day?
Feed the dog, then prayers. (Quiet time)
What makes you smile?
I started learning piano at 60. I’m really enjoying it. I’m a bit slow, but it’s not a race, is it?
Name 3 things you can’t live without:
My car, music, books.
What’s your proudest moment?
My ordination in 2013, in London. Two busloads of people I knew went down to support me. 3,000 people filled the Central Hall; it was amazing. It was the hottest day, and the day that Andy Murray won Wimbledon.
What was your reason for wanting to be ordained?
I’d been to someone else’s ordination quite a long time ago—a guy who’d been a police officer. I thought at the time, “Are you mad?” It was in Ely Cathedral. When they said, “Do you feel called to this ministry?” they all had to say, “I do.” It was extraordinary because I wanted to stand up and say, “Yes! I do!” I said to my friends, “Didn’t you feel the urge to stand up?” “No, not really,” they said. “I think that’s for you.” And that’s how it started.
In a few words, describe how this has been for you?
It’s been freeing. My heart is open, and every day I wake and think, hurray, what can we do today! I’ve done 16 years in Staffs Moorlands, and I feel the same today as I did the first day.
What’s something you regret?
Not doing what I do now, sooner.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a difficult time you’ve experienced?
‘All things pass’.
Sometimes when you’re in the middle of something terrible, you don’t think it’ll ever stop.
What’s your hidden talent, or a talent you wish you had?
I learned to play tennis in school, and I’ve still got my racquet. I wish I could still play.
If you could give yourself a piece of advice, what would it be?
Relish the moment. Stay in the present.
What are your greatest strengths?
Perseverance. Never give up.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Not knowing when to say no.
What keeps you motivated/passionate when things go wrong?
Faith and a sense of humour.
Local questions
What do you love about life in Cheadle?
The friendliness of the people.
What would you like to see in Cheadle?
Space for the young people/teenagers to gather.
What’s disappeared that you would bring back immediately if you were Mayor/King?
Moorlands HomeLink
Likes and dislikes
Which song can you listen to on repeat and never tire of hearing?
It Might Be You, Stephen Bishop.
If you were a star in a TV show or film, who would you most like to play?
Traitors. I want to be a traitor!
Who did you have a secret crush on in your youth?
Paul Michael Glaser - Starsky. I was 12.
Who do you most admire? Who’s your hero?
My dad.
Who makes you laugh?
Rob Brydon.
What’s for dinner?
Pasta Bolognese with Parmesan.
If you were having a dinner party and could invite anyone past or present, who would you invite (up to 5 people)?
Freddie Mercury, David Mitchell, Dawn French, Barry Manilow, Martin Luther King Jr.
Books/films/music?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Tootsie
Mozart.
What is your greatest motto to live by?
Be kind – you never know someone else’s story.
Shameless plug.
You have 30 seconds to tell our readers about something dear to you that they can help with.
I am, with my team, trying to raise funds and enthusiasm for the new community garden and allotments on Charles Street. A green space in town - Growing, sewing, cooking. We want to create a men’s shed and a tea station.
Anyone who loves to garden or has spare cash, please get in touch!
Julie Hassall - You've Been COGGED! - created 9th June 2026
