Born in Birmingham, Robin subsequently spent just over 11 years in South Africa in two visits. During the last time he met Susanna at Cape Town High School and they have now been married for some 42 years. Robin began in dairy farming in South Africa and continued when he and the family came to the UK in 1980. In 1993 Robin began training for ministry at Moorlands Bible College, subsequently completed his degree in Theology with The Open Theological College and his MA with London School of Theology. Since ordination in 1995 Robin has pastored churches in Milland and Fittleworth, both in West Sussex, and Chelmsford in Essex and now serving in Derbyshire. He has had the privilege of visiting churches in Toronto, Denver, Auckland, Cape Town, Kenya and Malawi.

They have three sons scattered around the country and in their ‘spare time’ enjoy sailing, walking, gardening and visiting new places. In ministry Robin is passionate about reaching the lost, teaching the Bible, encouraging in discipleship and making the church relevant to all ages.

Training to be a teacher, Angie had religion in a big way, trying to please God. Then He met with her as she was praying – suddenly He became real. Her life was transformed.

Now married for over 40 years with four grown-up children and two grandsons, she has served the Lord here in Willington for most of that time – in mission with WEC International and locally at Willington Baptist Church. She is responsible in the church for the ministry to children and young people. Her passion is to see whole families coming to Christ. She also co-leads a house group with Geoff. She has run several Alpha Courses and follow-up studies with mums of the children who come to the church.

She has recently had a book of Nativity plays published, all of which have been produced at the church over the years. (ref: The Shepherd Spy)

Born and raised in Derby, Beryl has always been a creative rather than academic person and from an early age has had a love of cooking, sewing/knitting and music. She started attending a Methodist church as a teenager where she met Roger and helped him with running a women’s refuge on his farm in Etwall; 4 years later in 1978 they married and now have 4 grown up children and 9 grandchildren.

In 1984 they gave their lives to the Lord and God gave them a ministry “to love the unlovable” and a vision to turn the old farm buildings into living accommodation which are now owned and run by Betel of Britain. Throughout their married life they have used their home and farm as a refuge for hundreds of troubled teenagers which led them to develop Highfields Happy Hens.

They have been part of Willington Baptist Church since 1994 where Beryl has been leading worship for about 20 years. Since the closure of Highfields Happy Hens, she has joined the leadership team and is developing a “ministry of hospitality” in the Church. Her passion is to use her God given gifts and talents for the glory of the Lord and His Kingdom

Geoff grew up in Devon, becoming a Christian as a child. He did a degree at Bristol University and trained as a teacher at Coventry College of Education where he met Angie. They married and then lived in Haslemere, Surrey. Geoff taught Economics at a College in London from 1972 – 1980, before moving to Willington. They joined the SOON Ministries team (part of WEC International), producing evangelistic literature in easy English for about 35 years.

Geoff (and Angie) have been part of Willington Baptist Church since 1980. He has been on the Church leadership for most of that time, serving initially as Church Secretary and later as Church Treasurer. He has also co-led a Housegroup in the Church for many years.

He says, “It has been a real joy to be part of Willington Baptist Church.”

Linda started going to the Baptist Chapel in 1964 and has been a member ever since.  Linda has recently joined the leadership team, helping with administration.

Originally from Liverpool, Linda moved to Willington in the summer of 1964. Her Dad started work at Drakelow Power Station and Linda took on various jobs from working at Repton School Library to being an assistant secretary in the cardiologist department at the (old ) City Hospital.

She married Christopher, a local teacher at John Port School, in 1969, and had three lovely girls. Sadly Chris died almost 9 years ago, but she has 7 lovely grandchildren, all growing up, and walks her 12-year-old chocolate Labrador, Charlie, every day through the village and along the canal.