About us

Paul trained as a professional musician at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London. As well as playing in various orchestras and brass groups he also taught music in Bristol before retraining as an RE teacher. A call to be ordained saw him working in various parishes in the south west as well as a period when he was Chaplain at Monkton Combe School. Now retired and living in Timsbury, Paul enjoys making music whenever he can.

Originally from London Elaine first worked in an accountants in Clifton, Bristol before setting up in partnership and running an accountancy practice for over 40 years. She has been an Anglican since childhood and served the church in many different roles including registrar duties during two interregnums. Personal interests include person centred counselling, gardening, cycling and walking.

Born in Essex and educated at Forest School, Peter worked for 27 years in the Flavour Industry working his way up to become Sales Director, travelling across the UK and Europe. Later he became a Sub Postmaster in NE Somerset and nearing retirement took on a part-time position as Parish Council Clerk. He has been a Methodist since a teenager having served the Church three times as a Circuit Steward and also in many other capacities. He has two children and five grandchildren.

Peter Bradshaw undertook teacher training at St Mary’s in Twickenham and a Master’s Degree at Sussex University. He worked in a number of Catholic schools in Birmingham before taking up a secondary headship in West Sussex. Following a period as an inspector in East Sussex he became Principal of St Brendan’s Sixth Form College in Bristol and then served as Co-Director of the Department for Schools and Colleges for Clifton Diocese. Married, with four grown up children and six grandchildren his interests include photography and rambling which he combined in the co-production of five books of local walks in and around Timsbury where he has lived for over thirty years.

With much of her career spend in administration and other office environments including publishing, Ruth has been our Administrator since 2013. She is a member of Peasedown St John Methodist Church, where she is part of the worship team. Her hobbies include playing piano, reading, cooking and gardening.

Originally from Somerset, Debbie has worked in the charity sector for the past 10 years, including as Deputy Lead Manager at the Christian-based Ammerdown Centre, before joining Bibles for Children in 2025. Her strengths are finance management and administration. Married for 21 years with three grown-up children, she enjoys travelling, walking in the Lake District and gardening with her husband.

Now living in Bristol, Lauren studied Politics and Journalism at Cardiff University. She currently works as a Planner at Cardiff Council and is studying for a Master’s degree in Spatial Planning and Development. Having previously gained experience in grant funding and charity work while working at the Ammerdown Centre, Lauren joined the charity in March 2026 as a part-time Development Co-ordinator. Lauren is interested in faith and spirituality and is currently exploring her own beliefs. Outside of work, she enjoys running, yoga, meditation, writing and going to the gym.