John first turned up at Great Wood as an uninvited boyfriend of a teenage camper at the Easter youth Camp run by John Inchley. This was in 1968, and since then he married Jan and Great Wood has been an important part of both of their lives. Through running camps for teenagers and support for SU’s camping ministry worldwide John has come to realise the huge impact good young adult role-modelling has on the spiritual development of children and young people. The effective formula of Christians who take their faith in Jesus seriously being able to have fun and develop deep friendships is a part of the brilliance of Great Wood.
John was involved in the evolution of Great Wood from a minor part of SU in England to a thriving Charitable Trust in its own right, whilst retaining essential and valued links with SU’s ministry. He remains responsible for the overall direction and vision of the Trust, ably supported by a talented bunch of co-trustees – and of course, by two valued and enthusiastic members of staff.