Our Staff

The Team

Our team consists of eight paid staff [two full-time and 6 part-time] who manage the day-to-day running of the Centre. In addition we have a band of faithful volunteers without whom the Centre would be unable to function effectively. All volunteers are welcome but, due to the size of the centre, we cannot accommodate live-in staff. If you are interested in joining the family as a volunteer you can read more here  

Gary - Gardener

Gary loves Penhurst and it shows. He is the hardest working person we've ever met and despite his very limited hours he keeps the grounds looking fantastic all year round. He is an integral part of the team and much loved by all [but especially by Ruby, the neighbouring farmer's dog].

Janet - Cook

Janet is our rock. She has been here since the Centre opened producing great food with love and care. She is utterly reliable, loving, prayerful and supportive. She has the best memory of all of us [remembering special diets of guests who were last here three years ago] and she holds us all together through the good and the more challenging times.

Jay - Assistant Warden

Jay is an Assistant Warden who shares the post with Vanessa. She has been with us since January 2011 and has already proved to be invaluable. Jay is caring, creative, welcoming and spiritually wise. She is a gardener by trade and applies the same nurturing skills to her work at Penhurst.

Linda - Admin Assistant

Linda is probably the least visible member of the team but she may well be your first point of contact as she is based in our busy office. Linda gently and quietly keeps us all on-track and makes sure the office runs smoothly and harmoniously.

Richard & Storm - Wardens

Richard and Storm have been the Wardens at the Centre since July 2004. Since then they have learned a lot but still feel that there is SO much more to learn. They oversee the running of the house but recognise that the comfort and well-being of the guests is their first priority. They encourage and are supported by the most amazing staff team [as you can see] who in turn all encourage and support each other. This is the Jesus way of working together and it certainly works at Penhurst!

Vanessa - Assistant Warden

Vanessa has been at Penhurst since January 2009 and it's difficult to imagine how the Centre ever managed without her. She has a pastoral heart and counselling skills as well as being a real all-rounder. As a Minister's wife she hones these skills throughout the week and the Penhurst family benefits greatly from that when she is with us on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Viv - House Keeper

Viv is amazing. She definitely has the most energy of all of us which is just as well as keeping this place to the standard she keeps it takes every ounce of energy she can give. She always has the comfort of the guests at heart and she is so efficient that she makes it all look easy. Having previously worked as a chef she is also able to stand in for Janet when needed.