Here you can find out about the LEAF committee, made up of Christians and church leaders from across the New Forest.

Phil Cole (Chairman)
Phil is the leader of Bransgore Community Church. After starting his working life as an auctioneer and then becoming an accountant he trained at Moorlands College (1996-1999). After leaving college he became Pastoral Director at Greyfriars, a large Anglican church in central Reading, before returning to the New Forest area in 2004 as leader of BCC. He is married to Shirley and enjoys most sports (when his body allows him to!) and has a real passion to see people reach their full potential in Christ.

Derek Copley (Church Liaison)
Derek has been training people for service at home and overseas since 1970. He served as Chairman of the national EA for 7 years. He is a missionary, working for the European Evangelical Alliance as its Consultant. He specialises in helping to form networks in the Turkic-speaking region (the 35/45 Window) stretching from from Bulgaria to Western China, particularly Turkey, where he frequently works. He is also on the International Committee of the World Evangelical Alliance. Although he travels extensively, he is firmly committed to the local area, and attends Burton Community Church, and is the Church Liaison Officer for LEAF. He keeps fit by cycling around 4,000 miles per annum and his interests include hybridising and exhibiting orchids. He is the Chair of the Bournemouth Orchid Society. Derek is married to Nancey. They have two adult children, three grandchildren, and live near Bransgore.

Dave Gooderidge (Chairman, Forest Fire)
Dave is the pastor of Lymington Baptist Church. He and his wife Louise have three children, Thomas (11), Jack (9) and Caitlin (8). They moved to Lymington in the summer of 2001 from Hertford where Dave had been the assistant pastor for 5 years. Before studying theology at London Bible College Dave and Louise lived and worked in Birmingham. Dave has a deep concern to see the Bible well taught and applied as well as to see believers released into their areas of giftedness. He enjoys films, PS2 and Chinese food.

Jonathan Wallis (Editor LEAF Newsletter, Diary and Website)
Jonathan and his wife Sylvia were part of the Community Church in Southampton for many years before moving out into the Forest. They lead Wellspring Church (New Forest), based in Tiptoe, and have a passion to see revival and unity among the churches in the New Forest area. Jonathan is an actuary by profession and works as an independent consultant. His interests include all types of music and he is also a keen cyclist.

Mary Dyer (Prayer Liaison)
Mary has lived in the New Forest all her life. She is married to Keith, who pastored New Hope church at Hardley for 11 years. Together they are involved in overseas missions, counselling, running retreats & courses to encourage Christians to mature in their faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary has a passion to see people develop an intimate relationship with God, and to encourage prophetic and intercessory prayer.

Peter Rawson (Treasurer)
Peter and his wife, Phyllida, live in Milford on Sea and worship at All Saints Church. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Peter, a chartered secretary and accountant by profession, was group company secretary of Prudential plc before retiring in 1997 to get more involved in Christian charitable trust work and mission support. He has wide experience of running charitable trusts and has a heart for mission, both within the UK and overseas. Peter has particularly strong connections with India, a land he regularly visits. He retired in 2004 as chairman of FEBA RADIO and is currently serving on the international council of LIFEWORDS (formerly Scripture Gift Mission).

John Currin
John has been Rector of Dibden since 2006 having previously been responsible for two parishes in Derbyshire. He is married to Jill and they have two grown up sons Dan and Joe. John is deeply committed to the local church, its mission and service to the wider community. In his spare time he enjoys walking, sailing and photography. He has had a lifelong interest in mountaineering and having once been part of an Everest Expedition he is again visiting Nepal in 2008 leading a trek in the Annapurna region in support of Nepalese Christian Ministers.