Stuart Balmer (Pastor)

I’m married to Andrea and we have three school age children – Charlotte, James & Emma.

I became a follower of Jesus when I was 14 and started my first pastorate in a small village in East Suffolk when I was 23. Since then I’ve had the privilege of leading other churches in Ipswich and north London, before starting here at WBC in 2005. My passion in ministry is to see lost people come to faith in Jesus then built up and equipped for ministry themselves. I try to keep my teaching Bible based, Jesus focused and practical to peoples lives.

When I’m not doing church stuff I enjoy riding my motorbike or getting my hands dirty doing DIY or gardening. Unfortunately I had to hang up my football boots a few years ago, but I still retain a love of anything remotely connected with any sport!

As a family we all love cooking (and of course eating!) and our favourite holiday destination is France. Our pets are Streak, Nutmeg and Biscuits (guinea pigs) and a number of chickens which remain unnamed in case they end up in the pot!

Phil Cobbold (Deacon)

Phil is married and has two teenage daughters. He is a self-employed builder/carpenter and claims to have no time for hobbies because he has such a long list of DIY jobs to catch up on! His ideal holiday would be spent outside in the hills, breathing in the clear air, and reading a good book.

Robin Griggs (Deacon, Church Secretary)

John Hopes (Elder)

John has lived in Ipswich since 1961, having moved here from South Gloucestershire. He was married to Doreen for 46 years until her death from cancer in 2003. He has two daughters, two sons-in-law and three grandsons. He has been a Christian since his early teens, been a member of our church since 1984, and an elder since 2003. His hobbies are reading, listening to music, walking and struggling to learn to play the guitar!

Tony Jolley (Deacon)

David Lowe (Deacon)

Jon Mason (Elder)

Jon is an electronic engineer by trade, and can often be found surrounded by wires and tools. He enjoys reading, DIY, playing bass guitar (quite badly), listening to music and keeping chickens. He is married to Wendy, and is kept busy by his three young children.

Brian Rowlands (Deacon)