Who’s Who
There are 4 couples in our leadership team.
Kevin Ashby – Kevin moved to Eastbourne in 1988, working in education until taking retirement in 2016. Married to Barbara, they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren whom they love to visit and spend time with. He has had the privilege of serving in church leadership throughout most of his adult life and has a heart to see God grow his church to its full potential. He enjoys most sports, although nowadays mainly as a spectator, but still likes to go fishing and have the occasional hack around a golf course.
Barbara Ashby – Barbara worked for many years as a music teacher and although retired from the classroom continues to work for one of the exam boards producing and marking papers. She plays the oboe and enjoys playing for two local orchestras and chamber music groups. She loves playing her oboe for worship and is also part of the team of worship leaders. She likes nothing more than spending time with her family (3 married children and 5 grandchildren), and her biggest prayer is that her grandchildren will all grow up to know and love Jesus.
Mark Hayllar – Mark is born and bred in Sussex and moved to Eastbourne in the 90’s. He was involved in Scouting for many years where his love for youth work grew. He has worked for the NHS for over 30 years, first as an engineer and more recently as a Manager. He came to faith in Jesus whilst doing an Alpha course and soon became involved with church youth clubs and all areas of Sunday tech.
Mark is passionate about building people up to fulfill their potential both in Christ and in the workplace. He loves the church but “doesn’t do religion.”
Flossie Hayllar – Born in Woking Surrey, Flossie attended the Salvation Army until she was 18 when she trained as a nurse in London. After meeting and marrying Mark, they moved to Eastbourne in the early 90’s, where they raised their two children. Over the years she has had a varied work life and currently works as a GP receptionist. She loves to worship Jesus and her favourite scripture is 2 Chronicles 5:13-14. In her spare time you can find her in the gym, on the beach or spending time with her grandchildren and family
Dave Smith – Dave is originally from Birmingham but has lived in the South East for the last 35 years. Dave is our paid church leader and also heads up the Chaplaincy team who serve Langney Shopping Centre each week. He has a passion for evangelism and works closely with other church leaders to build relationships and find ways of working together. Some things don’t change with a move of location though and Dave is still a die-hard Villa supporter!
Julie Smith – Julie loves Jesus and people. As a busy mum of two special boys, she works alongside Dave making sure the church functions well and she also leads the MakeLunch programme that runs in the school holidays. She oversees discipleship in the church and has a passion for seeing people grow in their faith. Julie loves to be creative and DIY is just one of the ways she likes to relax!
Dave Walke – Dave’s Dad was in the Navy so Dave was born in Plymouth. Liz and Dave settled in Eastbourne in 1989 and were joined by a quartet of boys. Dave mainly enjoyed a career in insurance as an underwriter and happily retired in 2017. He is a member of the church Leadership team, a Street Pastor and involved in the local Chaplaincy team. Dave loves caravanning, keeping cold water fish, interest in modern military history, watching international rugby union and lately enjoying grandpa duties.
Liz Walke – Liz was born in Littlehampton just twenty minutes after her identical twin sister. The family moved to Eastbourne when she was 2½ and has lived here ever since apart from a 3 year stint in Caterham. She is married to Dave, has four sons and five grandchildren. Liz is self-employed and currently works about 3 days a week and hopes to retire in the next 5 years. As well as being on the Leadership team, Liz volunteers as a public/patient representative for local NHS healthcare provision and is also a Street Pastor.