Staff and Leadership

Please find below an introduction to our church leaders and staff members.


     Minister - Rev Sandra Platford
Hi I am a fairly new returnee to this church, having been called as the minister in 
June 2021 and Inducted in September 2021.  I am married to Bryan and we have 5 grown-up children and 5 Grandchildren.  We are so excited to see what God has planned for us in this new season at Waterlooville Baptist Church, we cannot wait to connect with the Community of Waterlooville.   I have a nursing background and experience of running my own business and I trained at Spurgeons College and Graduated in June 2013 with a BTH Hons Degree.  I was Ordained here at Waterlooville Baptist Church in July 2013 before leaving to go to my 1st Pastorate in Aldershot Baptist Church, followed by Godalming Baptist Church.  



           Mike Davis - Treasurer
       IT  Technology  & Safeguarding Trustee

On the 20th May of 2012, myself and my wife Sandie were welcomed into membership of WBC – by Rev Sandra Platford in her first ministerial role in the church! I grew up in Ashford, Kent, I was dedicated at the local Baptist church and have attended Baptist churches ever since. As part of the church, I attended Boys Brigade and this led me to be involved in voluntary youth work. After an initial career in the construction industry as a planning engineer, I felt called to train with the Oasis Trust and take up a full-time position in Christian youth ministry; employed by Cosham Baptist Church for four years before moving to the YMCA. I continue to work in the world of young people and education with a charity called ASDAN, providing programmes and qualifications used by many schools. I have always had an interest in technology and as a teenager, I operated the sound desk at my home church. I also developed an interest in stage lighting and I have run a hobby business with a friend offering sound and lighting for churches and community groups. Although a ‘Man of Kent’; from the age of 7, I have supported Liverpool FC and remain an avid armchair supporter, when I am not watching cricket or F1. I now find myself as Church treasurer and will endeavour to serve the church to the best of my abilities


          Richard Ostler - Deacon

I was fascinated as young child with things mechanical and electrical - how they work and how to repair them. When a teenager I realised that I was not working as God, my maker, intended and I asked Jesus to sort out my life. Work brought me to Waterlooville in 1981 and to Waterlooville Baptist Church. The Bible is my "Repair Manual" and with prayer my Lord lovingly guides and offers to sort out each day what needs putting right.


            Margaret Penson - Deacon
Many of you will already know me as I have been worshipping and serving at WBC since the late 1970’s. I was born into a Christian family and am the middle one of 3 daughters. I gave my heart to Christ at eight years of age but was not baptised until much later on. I enjoyed all physical activities at school and was a member of the school hockey, netball, rounders and athletics teams. I love craft of all types and enjoy nothing more than a walk in the countryside with a dog by my side. I am a qualified chef and spent many happy years at Highbury College working as a chef/ lecturer. This was not the career I planned but looking back I am sure that God had a plan for me as my catering skills have been of service for many years both within The Campaigners youth organisation that I grew up and served in, and here at WBC. Having worked all my life in a ‘service industry’, service is second nature to me. Church is no different and as I serve on the diaconate and within the fellowship. I trust that God will continue to encourage and use me as I serve Him.


            Dorothy Earley - Deacon

I grew up with my Grand Parents  who were Christians.  I was baptised May 2000.
I pray each morning for the Lord to keep me walking with him throughout my day.
I started attending WBC in January 2000.
A funny little thing happened when my grandson was sitting on my knee, suddenly 
he asked "Nanna why have you so many cracks in your face?!"
I said "O no perhaps I am getting old?"  he said "No you got to go to the doctors!"


 Pat Knowles - Deacon
 Pastoral Care



 
                        Sarah Newell
                              Deacon 
  
I am still getting used to being a deacon. I can't believe it really happened! I enjoy the privilege of being part of the church team and working together with everyone. Hopefully I can serve well and make a good contribution. I really feel positive about where WBC is heading under our new minister Rev Sandra Platford and there are lots of exciting plans. I came away from our last deacon's meeting feeling really energised and close to the Lord. To be surrounded by such godly people had a great effect. God bless, Sarah
 

           Steve Harding - Deacon 
                         Fabric/Worship

You may not know this about me but I am a Sheffield United supporter, sorry Pompey. I played for Sheffield FC (The oldest football club in the world!) when I was (a lot) younger and received coaching from Emlyn Hughes (Former England and Liverpool Captain) before I set off for London to find fame and fortune, both of which I failed at. However, I did meet my brilliant and lovely wife Annie and we have three equally brilliant and lovely grown-up children, Tom, Hannah and Ben.
It is clear that the leadership of the Church here at WBC has been given a vision and a heart from God for Waterlooville and it is also clear that we can all as a fellowship become involved in that.