Who’s Who
Minister - Revd Paul Ireton
Rev Paul came to St John's in 2016. He is married to Jacqui and they have a daughter, Deborah. Please look at the Minister page to read more about Rev PaulMinistry Team - Revd Gordon
Gordon was born and raised in Woking, Surrey. He knew he had a call to ordination by the time he was 10 years old! He did his training at St John's College and Cranmer Hall in Durham before being ordained in Manchester in 1971. After his Curacy he moved to the Derby Diocese where he served in parishes for 23 years and as a Rural Dean for 7 of those years. He moved to Torquay in 1998 to become Rector of St Matthias' Church in Wellswood. He retired in 2012 and lives in Watcombe. He still ministers in other churches in the Diocese so we won't necessarily see Gordon every Sunday! His interests include walking his dog, music, singing, listening to Radio 4, theatre, quizzes, reading and visiting his children.Deanery Synod Representative - Jenny B
Jenny married Bob on a very hot day in June 1975. She is in full time employment as a funeral director. Jenny began her career in this industry over 30 years ago working her way up from a junior post to her current role as director. Her hobbies include cooking, reading and sewing. Jenny has also been our Synod Rep for the past 4 years and enjoys being a member of the Sing for Joy choir. Jenny is also the Deanery Synod Rep for St John’s.Church Warden - Olivia
Olivia is a Housing Services Manager who has lived in Torquay for 10 years. Olivia was previously a church secretary in a Baptist Church in East London. She joined St John’s when she moved from London to Shiphay, Torquay and was elected Church Warden in 2023. She also likes to help with Easy Worship and the coffee bar. Olivia is married to Kyal and has a son, Daniel, who is currently away at University.Church Warden - Jon
I am Jon and came to Torbay in 1984, joining STC, working in Test Engineering. It was during this time that I came to know Jesus through a friend, David, starting my Christian walk in 1985, joining Torbay Christian Fellowship who met in Oldway mansion Ballroom. STC became Nortel where I remained until 2001, after transferring the Product/site equipment to Turkey, Mexico and Canada. I then did a complete career change and worked with adults suffering with Asperger's and then worked with Children with behavioural problems, returning to Engineering in 2005. Throughout this time my wife and I have brought up three children, who are now all working and I am a Grandad. I enjoy Gardening, Walking and Photography. I take up post of Church Warden with a servant heart, knowing I am work in progress, but by God's grace I can be obedient to all He has called me to do. Love and blessings to you all, in Jesus name.Prayer Ministry Co-Ordinator – Jenny L
Jenny is a Specialist MRI Radiographer and has lived in Shiphay for 34 years. She is a mother and grandmother and has been involved with St John’s for over 30 years. She has undertaken numerous responsibilities in the church, ranging from Sunday School work to being the Synod Representative and a member of the PCC. For many years she has co-ordinated the Prayer Ministry Team which is currently her main responsibility. Jenny is also actively involved with the Music Worship Team.Sacristan - Gill C
The Church Sacristan prepares the elements for communion services. He or she makes sure that the correct altar frontals for the church year are in place. Gill is married to Derek who sings in the Music Group and they have been committed members of St John's Church for a number of years. Gill worked for the NHS as a shorthand typist for eight years then left to have her two children Andrew and Louise. She returned to work as an Accident/Emergency Receptionist for approximately twenty years. Since retiring she enjoys a number of crafts, card making and is a member of the Flower Team.Treasurer -
Finance Assistant – Jill
Jill has lived in South Devon for 50 years, moving from Brixham to Torquay in 1997. Before taking early retirement at the end of 2011 and having qualified as a solicitor, she worked as a Legal Advisor in the local Magistrates’ Court. She has been a member of St John’s since Easter 2008. She has been on the Flower Team since Christmas 2012 and was appointed Treasurer in April 2017. In July 2021 Jill joined the Hall and Fabric Committee and in November that year she was appointed Secretary. She is married with a grown up daughter and son.Parish Administrator/Electoral Roll Officer – Sonia
Sonia is the administrator at St John’s where as the receptionist she shows a friendly face to the outside world. She responds to all enquiries, supports the Vicar and Church Wardens and deals with all the bookings for the Church Hall. She aims to make the church office a lively communications hub. She particularly enjoys preparing for marriages and baptisms. Sonia lives in Shiphay with her hushand and youngest daughter.Sunday School Leader – Paul
Paul is always available to teach and give support to any children who attend Sunday School. He has helpers and it’s always a joy to see the children arrive back in the main church ready to wave flags during the last song.Deputy Warden/Outreach Events/Flower Team Leader - Janet T
Janet's parents moved from Coventry after WW2 when Janet was 6 years old to open a hotel in Paignton. She attended Oldway Primary School and Torquay Girls' Grammar School before qualifying as a teacher. Janet and her husband taught in both primary and secondary schools in Devon and Somerset. During her career, Janet mentored Exeter University students and ran workshops for teachers. As a member of St John's Janet is a Deputy Warden, leads the Flower Team and assists with Monday Market. She also organises Lee Abbey visits and community events. Her other interests include theatre, travel, literature, history and arts and crafts.Other activities associated with the church include:
PCC membershipBible reading and Intercessions at Sunday services
Coffee Bar
Prayer Chain
Flower Arranging
Please see any church member for details of these and other activities.