THE GREATER MANCHESTER MAGISTRATES' ASSOCIATION
The MA is a national membership charity principally for magistrates, but also for those who agree with our aims and objects. These aims include "... the education and instruction of Magistrates and others in the law, the administration of justice, the treatment of offenders and the prevention of crime".

Much of this activity is carried out a national level ensuring that those who make the law and control how the courts work are made aware of how their decisions affect the delivery of justice.

Across the country some 55 MA branches ensure that this activity is also carried out at local level.
The Greater Manchester Branch covers magistrates in the Bolton, Manchester and Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Wigan magistrates' courts.

If you wish to become a member of the Magistrates' Association, please approach the national office of the Magistrates' Association or email us at enquiries@gmma-mic.net

The Branch Team :

Executive Committee:
  • Patron:  District Judge Paul Carr (Rtd)
  • President: HHJ Andrew Berkley
  • Chair: Rachel Medcalf JP
  • Dep. Chair: Paul Brearley  JP DL
  • Secretary: Peter Faulkner JP
  • Treasurer: Gary Palmer JP 
  • Training Officer: John Garforth JP
  • MIC Coordinators: Rachel Medcalf JP 
  • & Kirsty Hart JP
  • Website, Social Media: Nicholas Sheardown JP
Courthouse representatives & other officers:
  • Bolton: 
  • Manchester & Salford: Jean Carter JP
  • Stockport: Paul Brearley JP DL
  • Tameside: 
  • Wigan: 
  • Family Court Rep.: Jean Carter JP
  • BAME Rep.: Shazia Book JP
  • JTAAAC Rep.: Peter Faulkner JP
  • FTAAAC Rep.: Jean Carter JP
  • Young Magistrates Rep.: Tara Bharadia JP
  • Retired Member Rep.: Ghulam Shahzad JP OBE
 Advance Notice for members:

Greater Manchester MA AGM - 2026
Date: The last AGM was held on Monday 20th October 2025. 
We will provide details for the 2026 AGM in the New Year.
Location: Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS