WHO’S WHO
STAFF
Rev. Paul Peterson
Danehill Principal
Paul is employed by the Limpsfield Trust on a part time basis to oversee Danehill Ventures. Paul made a commitment to Christ as a teenager at Limpsfield many years ago and hasn’t really looked back. He’s been part of the overall leaders team for around 20 years, and now combines his Danehill work with his role as Associate Minister at Christ Church in Downend, Bristol.
When he’s not at Danehill or Vicaring he can be found wielding a cricket bat, watching live sport, or walking in the countryside. He’s passionate about seeing young people living as disciples of Christ and helping leaders to fulfil their God given potential.
Paul is contactable on: 07939 125 375
Emily Lane
Recruitment and Development Co-ordinator
Emily works part time promoting Danehill to young people, youth groups and potential leaders. Emily joined the team as the Marketing and Recruitment Lead in October 2021, having led on 3 Ventures a year since being invited by a friend in 2018. When not working at Danehill, Emily lives in southwest London and works part time as a student and youth worker at her church. Emily is heavily involved in church life and spends much of her free time serving and spending time with people there. Emily is available to visit youth groups and churches to promote Danehill Ventures.
Helen Deane
Administrator
Helen works part time for the Limpsfield Trust, and part time as the Operation's Manager at her local Church. New to the team in 2023, Helen is really looking forward to getting to know all the young people and their parents and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Helen lives on the South coast, quite near Danehill, with her husband and two grown up daughters. When she's not working Helen can be found reading, cooking, drinking coffee or out on the south downs with her Dog Sybil.
Helen is contactable on: 07507 974 816
Patron
Rev. Kenneth Habershon
Founder and Visionary
“My dad was a fine preacher and teacher; so I grew up in a strong Christian home. I first went from my boarding school to a teenage boys Christian holiday when I was 17; I loved it, made many friendships (some still continue today).
For six years throughout my time at university I continued to help at those same holidays at a school in Dorset. I was then ordained and started teenage holidays myself at St Michael’s School, Limpsfield for boys and girls from schools, colleges and church youth groups from every background.
Teenage is a great time in life to think about Christian truth, experience the fulfilment of following Jesus Christ and grow in Christian discipleship. Many churches today need (and often lack) Christian young people. It helps to keep me young as I minister a bit in our own local church in Sussex and also for many years I have helped with the appointment of vicars in different churches around the country.” - Kenneth Habershon
Trustees
Rev. Graham Watts
Chair
Graham became Chair of the Limpsfield Trust in June 2017. He has been involved in Ventures since the age of 12. He became a Christian on a Venture and Ventures played an essential role in building his foundations of faith. Marrying Sami, a long-term Limpsfielder, only increased his commitment to Ventures and it was with great joy that Graham sent his oldest child, Zeke, to Haslemere Easter 2017 on his own. The next generation hit the Ventures scene! In between Ventures Graham and Sami lead a Church plant in Marlow Bottom, Bucks, aimed at reaching families in the village. They have three kids – Zeke, Keziah and Joss. In any spare time Graham finds he occasionally does some exercise, even less occasionally plays some sport and spends the rest of his time reminiscing about the days his trousers slipped on more easily!
Will Hogg
Treasurer
Will moved to The Good Shepherd Mission in Bethnal Green in 2012 and soon heard how great Haslemere is from members and leaders. The next year he started leading and has continued every summer since. Will became a Christian as a teenager and grew in his faith at university.
Will now works as an actuary for an insurance company in London. He became a trustee in 2017.
Sophie Corlett
Trustee
I first went to Limpsfield in 1976, at the age of 13, dragged along by my sisters but loving it for myself immediately. I became a Christian that first year and came back year after year to learn more, be challenged and to be a leader myself coming regularly until well into the 2000s. It’s been a privilege to be part of the ventures over the years, seeing teenagers’ and leaders’ lives changed and being part of such a caring, inspirational (and enormous!) network of Christians.
I work for Mind, the mental health charity, as my day job and am involved in my local church in Loughborough Junction, south London. I’m out cycling when I can, touring much of the British Isles with a huge group of cyclists from my church.
Fiona Foreman
Trustee
Fiona went on her first Ventures camp as a leader whilst studying at university. She realised what a significant opportunity the weeks are for young people as they meet Jesus and develop their relationship with him. So when she got involved with the youth group in her church in Peckham, she jumped at the chance to take a group to Haslemere. She has done so ever since.
Outside youth camps, Fiona is involved with her church, loves to cycle all over London and beyond, works in education and treasures her relationships with friends and family.
John Lewis
Trustee
I've been involved with Danehill since 2007, leading on ventures for over two decades, and first attended a venture as a member aged 12. Since then ventures have always been an important part of my life. Serving alongside so many fantastic leaders and helping young people grow in their faith is a highlight of my summer. It's fantastic to be part of the bigger Danehill family and to further support them through the Limpsfield Trust.
In my day job I work as an economist specialising in international economics. Outside of work, I am a big fan of football and cricket. I am a loyal follower of Barnet FC up and down the country and I enjoy watching the England cricket team overseas. I love travelling, especially hiking and skiing. And I am a keen cook as well.
George Meressa
Trustee
In 2004 I attended my first ever venture camp when it was based in New Hall. Since then, I have fallen in love with the camps and have not missed a year. My first experience of Christianity was when I turned 17 and that was after one of the talks at Haslemere Ventures.
After becoming a leader at 19, I was offered the part time recruitment assistant role for The Limpsfield Trust which I did for over 5 years sharing God’s love with young people across the country and inviting them to the youth camps. Being a part of these youth camps means the world to me and I don’t enjoy anything else more than seeing young people know getting to know Jesus personally.
In my day job, I own an advertising agency helping eCommerce brands promote their products on Amazon through Amazon PPC, DSP and occasionally Google Ads. I also find myself spending a lot of time at church helping out with the youth work.
Alison Murphy
Trustee
My sister, Elaine and I heard about CYFA Ventures from our youth group and so found the nearest one, which just happened to be, Limpsfield! This was back in 1980 and heralded the beginning of a long association with the houseparties. Even now I lead once a year in the summer as I believe it is a great place to share the gospel with young people in a relaxed atmosphere. Being the treasurer of the Trust is challenging but working as a teacher, part-time I do have time to do this vital work. In 2014 I married Steve but still currently live in Stanford-le-Hope where I do a bit of preaching at my church and keep busy with running, badminton and ceroc as well as having fun with my new extended family.
Christine Penfold
Trustee
My first time at Limpsfield was in 1974 and there has only been one year in 45 years that I’ve not been there and that was 1985 when we had Sarah our daughter. I think Limpsfield is in my DNA!
In 1974 I met Brian Penfold and we married in 1980. With Brian being a Vicar we have been in various churches and have brought many young people to camp over the years. Now as we are about to retire or (re-tyre!) we look to see what’s next. We will always support and encourage the work of Ventures and are already praying our Grandsons will be members one day!
Lynn Williams
Trustee
The houseparties have been a great place to explore my relationship with God as both a member and a leader. I first went as a 16 year old in 1979 having just stepped foot in a church for the first time in my life the year before! I have been involved in youth work since then, teach Biology and am an avid crunchie maker which is a type of biscuit that keeps our youth group going …originally made by Lizzie Dean a long time Limpsfielder. I live in Deal with my husband Dai and daughter Ellie, love drumming and dream of one day touring Britain in a camper van serving tea and crunchie to people, especially any current or former houseparty members!