Meet The Team
The Rev'd Adam Denley - Vicar
Adam joined us in January 2021. He was ordained in Portsmouth Cathedral in 2016 after finishing his training at Oakhill Theological College.
He is married to Mel and they have three children who are huge fun and keep Adam and Mel on their toes and on their knees.
Adam loves all sports, most food, and above all he loves telling anyone who will listen about Jesus Christ.
The Rev’d Tim Gosden - Curate
Tim came to St John’s in June after his ordination at Canterbury Cathedral and after completing his training in North London.
Tim is married to Nichola, and they have three children and one grandchild and two dogs; the combination of which keep them busy and on the go and are mostly a complete joy (referring to the dogs).
Tim comes to us after almost 18 years serving in Healthcare predominately in the NHS but has also worked in the voluntary sector. When he can he loves to be in the hills both locally and further afield. He loves his morning dog walks and time with the family at the beach.
Tim says “I am most looking forward to getting to know the family at St John’s and the opportunities to share the good news of Jesus to the wider community, as I learn alongside Adam and the team.”
Tim.gosden@stjohnsfolkestone.org
Richard Heywood - Youth Minister
Richard joined the team in September 2023. He is currently training for ordained ministry alongside his role as youth minister and is also involved in the music side of church life.
Richard is passionate about creating a culture that is centred around who we are as purposefully created image bearers of God.
God made us. God values us. God loves us.
Richard is married to Jo. and they have a son called Elijah. As a neurodiverse household there is rarely a dull moment, also aided by bear the cat and Obi the dog.
Emily Barden - Children and Families Minister
Emily joined the team in July 2025 and is excited about growing the childrens ministry here at St Johns. She has come from a teaching background and loves teaching children of all ages.
Emily wants all children to know and love Jesus. She is passionate about sharing God’s Word in a fun and caring way. Her aim is to ensure there is a God led ministry for children from the moment they are born here at St Johns.
Emily is married to Liam and they have a daughter called Julia. As a creative household there is always something loud and messy going on!
Peter Edwards - Church Treasurer
Peter is a retired company director with a background in the newspaper industry and advertising. He is a Trustee of the Rainbow Centre, Folkestone, a Christian charity that helps support local homeless people and those in vulnerable housing situations.
Vani Nadarajah - Church Warden
Vani grew up at St John's. From the age of 6, she was a part of various St John's Youth Groups. After 15 years away in London and abroad building a career in leadership development and business education, she returned to St John's in 2020 and has been a Church Warden since 2022. Vani co-leads a Life Group and serves with the AV team.
Now a leadership coach, Vani enjoys long walks in God's beautiful creation, dinner parties with good company, as well as travelling. Vani speaks fluent French and Spanish.
Steve Hyde - Church Warden
Steve is a retired civil engineer who, along with Vani, is responsible to the Bishop for all things to do with St John’s.
He is married to Corinne and has 2 grown up children who have not returned home after university!
Mel Denley - Administrator
Mel joined the administration team in February 2024. She is married to Adam our vicar and they have three children. She enjoys spending time with family which could be anything from playing table tennis to an epic game of Spiderman Monopoly (a family favourite). Mel also leads the ladies Connect group on a Tuesday morning alongside a great team of volunteers.
admin@stjohnsfolkestone.org
01303 246422
Jim Taylor - Hall Hire Administrator
Jim became our new hall hire administrator in July 2023. He is an ex-professional photographer, loves chocolate, football and motor bikes but in no particular order. is the father of three girls and grand father to nine, and they keep him on his toes!
admin@stjf.church
01303 246422
Clare Au - Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
Clare passionately believes that the church should be a safe place for all. She moved to Folkestone in 1987 with her husband George and St John’s quickly became their home church. Since retirement, she has rediscovered the joy of cooking, gardening and Netflix!
Bertie Edwards - Pastoral Care Coordinator
Bertie joined St. John’s with Peter a number of years ago. She loves music and is passionate about singing. She has four children and one grandchild who she adores! Bertie wants to make a big church feel small and make sure the whole church family is well cared for.
Bertie.edwards@stjohnsfolkestone.org