Graham Cooke (Pastor)

Graham has been Pastor at Kennet Valley since 1998. He used to teach Maths in a comprehensive school in Derby, but left to take up a post as pastoral worker at Aspley Evangelical Church, Nottingham. After completing a Theology degree at London Bible College he was called to preach and teach God's word here in Reading.

Graham loves hill-walking, reading, and enjoys various sports, until recently playing for a local hockey club. He is married to Cate, and they have three children, Elizabeth, Susanna and Micah.

Frank Davies (Assistant Pastor)

Having undergone three years of ministerial training at the Banjul Bible Training Centre (BBTC) of Living Word Missions (USA), Frank relinquished his medical scholarship to pursue God's call in the late 90s. Over a decade, his skills in teaching the secular sciences and the bible have blessed many at his entrepreneurial Frank's Tutorial Syndicate (FTS) and BBTC respectively.
In 2009, Frank embarked on a degree in Applied Theology with Moorlands College and later worked with the Barnabas Fund. Ministry in both countries has provided him with some experience across the board. He enjoys football, theatricals and loves to worship when he is on the keyboard.
Frank is happily married to Haddy, a former Muslim and convert of his from FTS. They are committed to their long term vision for their home country, the Gambia. They are trusting God for triplets (lol)!

Graham Challand (Elder)

A Shropshire lad, I came to Reading in 1968 where I joined Thames Valley Water Board as a humble Accountancy Assistant. I determined that it would be just a 5 year stay, but the Lord deemed otherwise! Promotion doors opened, and opened, so that I was still with Thames Water when I retired in 1997 and in Reading I remain!

I have been most happily married to Rosemary for almost 41 years and we have a son, Ross, who is also pursuing a financial career with Nat West Bank.

I became a Christian in the late 1950's; have an evangelical Church of England background and came to Kennet Valley at the beginning of the 80's - almost a founder member but not quite! I became an elder in 1994. It is a real privilege to serve such a gifted company of God's people, and my desire and prayer is that many from the community around the church building will soon be added to the Kingdom.

I have a keen interest in most sports, but have been known to bemuse (and bore) folk with my passion for those football giants, Shrewsbury Town and Telford United! I love most strands of music; the theatre; travel and walking.

Roy Bishop (Elder)

Originally from the Midlands I spent 10 years in Colchester before moving to Reading in 1982. I've been married to Margaret for over 45 years; we have two sons and seven grandchildren.
With an Anglican background I became a Christian in 1976 and have been actively involved in a variety of Christian work since then. I became an elder at Kennet Valley in 1984. After resigning from my career in insurance in 1989 to take up full time Christian work I have worked mainly as a Christian counsellor, including three years at a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. I am accredited with the Association of Christian Counsellors at Emeritus Counselling Practitioner/Supervisor level.
I was a regular member of a pastoral team at Spring Harvest, and have been on a number of short term visits overseas with several Christian ministries and projects. My involvement with Sierra Leone began in 2002 with Rainbows of Hope and continues through City of Rest, DISCET, and Grace Sierra Leone a UK based charity. Since 2005 I have taught the Core Module of Crisis Care Training International in the UK and overseas.

Concerned about the effects and consequences of current sex education in this country I developed an alternative sex education programme, from a Christian perspective for schools to present 'Kingdom values' to young people. This is now done on a much more organised and professional basis by a team working with Learn4Life (formerly RSCWT) using materials produced by Oasis Esteem.

My counselling activities prompted me to try to address issues of domestic abuse and violence with a view to working with male perpetrators. I have worked on several projects including a course which I developed to raise awareness of the issues and took to DISCET Sierra Leone in 2009, and have recently become involved with Restored here in the UK.

I enjoy reading, walking and travel but sadly more active sport mainly from the armchair.

David Marett (Treasurer)

David was born and raised in Reading. Initially working as a builder he then trained in mechanics and then Civil Engineering before becoming a Chartered Accountant!

In his youth David has been to a number of African countries on short-term trips undertaking building and mechanical work.

He is married to Lisa and they have two children, Abigail and Benjamin.

Iain George (Church Administrator)

Iain has been administrator at Kennet Valley since January 2006 and a member of the church since 1985.

He is a self employed fully qualified Chartered Accountant (interesting chap!).

Iain enjoys stamp collecting, fishing and watching almost all sports.

Iain is married to Sharon who plays saxophone in the church music group.

Maire Sheppard (Deacon)

I grew up in an evangelical Anglican Church in Surrey and decided to follow Jesus when I was still a child.

I have lived in Reading since I was married in 1980 and have 2 grown up children. I originally worked as a Personal Assistant in a chemicals company but in recent years I have worked part-time as a Teaching Assistant in a local primary school, as well as being my husband's part-time secretary!

Martin and I have been members of KVFC for about 11 years and very much enjoy the fellowship as well as serving the Lord as Growth Group Leaders. I also enjoy working with Bubble (10 - 13 years) on a Sunday morning.

In my spare time I enjoy walking, visiting friends and the Telegraph crossword!

Mark Tamcken (Deacon)

Clive Coombe (Deacon)

Andy Turnbull (Children's Worker)

I was born and grew up in a small country town in Shropshire where I gave my life to the lord at 6 years old.
After studying sport at college I went to Switzerland for three months in 2003 to do some children's work training with Child Evangelism Fellowship. When I returned I put my sports qualifications and coaching experience to good use as I took up a job as a sports development officer before moving to reading in June 2006 to continue my career within the sport and leisure industry. In Feb 2010 I accepted the call from Kennet Valley Free Church to leave my role as sports facility manager at a local leisure facility to take up the role of Children's worker.

I have many interests including sport and outdoor activities as well as socialising with friends and playing the drums.