​​MEET THE TEAM

BEN MANSON - PASTOR/ELDER

Ben has been our pastor since 2016 and along with each of the other elders has responsibility for the spiritual oversight of the church, although he has particular responsibility for preaching and teaching in the church.
Ben grew up in west London and worked as a secondary school teacher for eleven years before moving from teaching physical health to spiritual health. He went to study on the Cornhill bible training course before moving to Kesgrave in 2013. Ben is married to Nicola and they have five children. He loves all things sport, boating and plants.
​

LYDIA BRETT - WOMEN & FAMILIES' WORKER 

Lydia has recently taken up her role as a Women and Families' Worker for the church. She has lived in Ipswich since 2009 and is married to Nathanael; they have two young children.
Lydia has a heart for families and women to thrive, and previously volunteered for a local charity, Family First. She is currently studying in Biblical Counselling.
She loves to chat – especially over good coffee. Podcasts, cooking and spending time with family and friends are some of her favourite things in life. 

JOHN WHAYMAN - ELDER

John joined the Eldership team around 20 years ago. He became a Christian in his teens and committed his life to serving his Lord in many different ways with his desire to share the gospel with our local community. John is also the Church Treasurer.
John left school at 17 and worked almost his entire working life with Ipswich Building Society (now Suffolk Building Society) serving the last 19 years as Chief Executive.
John has many hobbies and interests they even include supporting “The Tractor Boys” for many years. Others include attempting to play golf, gardening, model railways, music and philately.  
John is married to Beryl and they have a son and daughter and 5 grandchildren.

MICHAEL WOODS - ELDER
​
​I have been a Christian for over 30 years and was born in Norfolk. Although I’ve lived in Suffolk for nearly 50 years, I still need a regular dose of the Norfolk landscape when on holiday, particularly the North Norfolk coast.
I love gardening and have a small wildflower area to encourage the bees for pollination. I am a keen walker and love watching birds. I trained as an electrician and eventually went into teaching apprentices at Suffolk College.
I am married to Peg and have two grown up children and 1 grandchild. Our favourite Christian retreat is Sizewell Hall where we can refresh our spirits and have a fun and relaxing time.