Janis

Having worked for 26 years as a Researcher for BBC Religion & Ethics, I decided the time was right to take a career break!  I am now a Part Time Theology student and a very happy volunteer at Grapevine. I have always had an interest in how we can create a more inclusive society, and have been humbled and inspired by the community of Grapevine - a community of hugely diverse people who provide a place of acceptance, support and friendship for anyone who walks through the door.  
 
Prior to joining Grapevine I have volunteered in different areas: As a Mentor to a teenager in the care system (an excuse to indulge my own inner child and do lots of fun things); an Advocate and Befriender for Age UK (involving taking a delightful gent in his 90s for a weekly fish and chips supper and a gossip); as a penfriend to a man on Death Row in America for 20 years; and I've worked on a soup run for homeless people (in my younger days, before I became pathetic about being out in the cold...!)

I'm a proud Geordie though I've been in exile in the North West for 30 years!  In my spare time, I can be spotted, puce-faced and gasping-for-breath, jogging around Buxton in an attempt to stave off middle-age spread; and I love films and drama - I help run a monthly Film Night where we watch a film then chat about the thorny themes it raises. I love living in Buxton – it’s small enough to get to know people. You can't walk into Buxton without bumping into someone from Grapevine, and I love that! 

Richard - Secretary

I spent the first 50 years of my life in the South London/Surrey area working for a British Overseas Bank in London (mainly on the technology side) for 35 of those years. That work involved quite a lot of travelling especially to the Far East. In 2001 my wife and I ran our own retail business in East Yorkshire where I served as a Sub-Postmaster.  Three years later we moved to Norfolk where I spent 7 of the most fulfilling years of my life self-studying Theology. In 2018 we moved to Buxton. My calling is driven by my Christian faith, especially in intercessory prayer and serving others. I like reading, watching birds and walking, especially here in the Peak District and on my favourite island of Guernsey.

Ana - Project co-ordinator

Having moved back up to this beautiful part of the country in 2016 after sending a couple of years by the sea on the south coast. I’m now here to stay. I was pleased to take on the role of Project Co-ordinator in 2017.
 

​I have spent 20 years working within both the education and charity sector, I have worked for a wide range of organisations including Universities, local authorities and independent charities. In this time, I have also gained qualifications in Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming and a range of therapeutic therapies. As well as a degree in Environmental Science.

My love of the environment extends to my hobbies, of walking, gardening and cycling.

Debbie

I became the treasurer at the Grapevine in August 2017. Previously, I worked at the Source Coffee Shop, a Community Interest Company that is linked to Buxton Church in the Peak, as Finance Director and Trustee. I also worked as a barista when needed!

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Other financial experience includes preparing the books for a portfolio of private and social housing properties, undertaking a bookkeeping course prior to my work at the Source, acting as Financial Power of Attorney for family members and budgeting for my single-parent family. I also volunteered for the charity Christians Against Poverty as a debt coach.

I’m a qualified primary teacher but have worked in further education tutoring and assessing adults and families in Childcare, Parenting, Homework, Arts and Crafts, Science and Creative Writing to name a few. I’ve also tutored children in Maths, English and French.

Marc

I worked as an electrician on the south coast before coming north to study 3D Design at Manchester in 1993. Discovering the Peak District shortly after, I fell in love with this beautiful landscape and enjoyed walking in the hills and still do.

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I taught in a primary school in Manchester for many years before following a life-long interest in nature and the outdoors. I joined Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and as a people engagement officer and enjoyed sharing my interest with adults and children alike. I strongly believe in the benefits being in the outdoors has for us all.

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I now work as a housing support officer. I enjoy playing guitar (badly), whittling and photography and have taken up running to keep fit.

Nicola -Treasurer