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 Paul

Ministry 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.

Reader – Jeff

Jeff is a retired Science Teacher. He was licensed as a Reader in the Ely Diocese in 1991 and is an energetic and gifted speaker. He moved to Shiphay in 2014 and has been part of St John’s ever since. He is married to Debby, who is involved with the worship team. His other main interests include bird watching, natural history and the England Cricket Team!

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.

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 - Jenny B

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. Jenny B has recently taken over these duties.

Treasurer -

Deputy Treasurer – 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/PCC Secretary/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/Assistant Treasurer/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.

Please note: Members of the Crystal Group would like to help whenever there is a need. So if anyone needs anything delivered or collected or needs a lift to their doctor etc., please contact any member of the Crystal Group. Details of contact numbers can be obtained from the church office. That number is at the top of this page.

Other activities associated with the church include:

PCC membership
Bible reading and Intercessions at Sunday services
Coffee Bar
Prayer Chain
Flower Arranging
Crystal Group


Please see any church member for details of these and other activities.