2017 Team Introduction - Chris Parker

Chris Parker

Hi, this will be my 3rd trip to South Africa with Hands at Work. I am looking forward to returning with Claire and Alice and DJ and I am looking forward to returning to some of the African villages that we visited last year, in particular to the community of Siyathuthuka with whom St Andrew's have now established a partnership and hope to build closer links with. One thing that stuck with me from last year was the joy that these people have, especially when they are singing and praising God.

Before I went to Africa the first time, I thought that we in Britain were the fortunate ones, that we were going to 'give' something to the vulnerable people that we meet, and hopefully we will, but you very quickly come to realise that they have so much to teach us, they have so much of Gods love to give to us, I pray for our group going out to Africa in July, I pray that they will see God in everyone they meet, and that they will allow God to speak to each of them through the wonderful people of Africa.

2017 Team Introduction - Alice Scott

Alice Scott

I’m Alice and I’m 20 years old. 2 summers ago, I went to Hands at Work in South Africa and absolutely loved it. It was a rewarding, humbling and enriching experience so I am very much looking forward to returning to visit communities and hopefully seeing some familiar faces. Having come to the end of my second year at the University of Kent where I’m studying English and American Literature with Religious Studies, this summer seemed like the perfect opportunity to go back to Africa. South Africa is a wonderful, vibrant country but the hardships are a reality for many people, especially vulnerable and orphaned children. The work of Hands at Work seeks to give children the best chance in life, to reinforce community support networks and to nurture their faith. I’m going back to South Africa to see some of the most vulnerable communities, to ‘turn up’ and show love, care and faith to communities whose strength is infectious.

2017 Team Introduction - Rosemary Bentley

Rosemary Bentley

I have worshipped at St Andrew's Church, Biggleswade since July 2016, when I moved to the town from Hampshire. On my first Sunday at St Andrew's a team from the community of faith were visiting Siyathuthuka; and I was pleased to learn so much about Hands at Work once they returned to the UK. At that time it was beyond my wildest dreams that less than a year later I would be preparing to travel to the community in South Africa!

As a geographer I have had the privilege to travel extensively, but it will be my first journey to South Africa. In my initial teaching position at King Edward's School Witley, a considerable number of my students lived overseas, with many of their parents working with CMS, USPG, and the Anglican Church, in all continents of the world. It was heart-rending to hear of experiences, challenges, and Christian witness when the students returned from some of the most materially impoverished areas of the world. More recently, the primary school where I served as chair of governors had very well-established links with in Yurie Yoshimi Primary School in Uganda; the head teacher, Nelson, had contaced polio as a child but in his mid-20's committed to creating a Christian school, with boarding houses, for children whose families had been affected by polio, and other life-changing diseases. Nelson, who walked on his hands, wearing thick rubber gloves in all weathers as protection , is an inspirational young man, and our pupils excitedly looked forward to his visits to Bournemouth and news of our partner school. Yet another reason why I look forward to sharing with the children and families of Siythuthuka.

George Snyman's recent visit to St Andrew's made me appreciate fully the importance of our parish's partnership with Siyathuthuka. His message, and case studies, overflowed with hope, gratitude, and positivity, making me feel even more excited about the challenges, experiences, and sharing of Christian love which await in July 2017.

2017 Team Introduction - Emily Wilcock

Emily Wilcock


Hi! I'm Emily, I'm 24 years old and I live in Letchworth Garden City where I'm a stay at home mum to 3 (cats, that is!). I heard about the trip to South Africa through the notices at St Paul's one Sunday, and I immediately felt called to join. I knew it was something I felt very strongly about doing, despite many difficulties I may face in doing so due to my disabilities and various health conditions. 

Whilst it will inevitably be tough at times, I feel safe in the knowledge that the friends I am going with will be there to support me, and that together we can make a real difference to the lives of others and spread God's love where it is needed the most. 

2017 Team Introduction - Rob Butcher

Rob Butcher


I'm Rob Butcher, a retired GP and now the organist at St Andrews Church in Biggleswade. I've seen the work that HANDS do at several events and spoken to friends who have visited already.

I've always been interested in missionary work since I was a small boy. My uncle was a medical missionary in Africa  in the 1950s and 60s and built a hospital there. I was brought up on stories and photographs of the work that he did. He was my inspiration to become a doctor and I regret that  I never had the chance to see his work first hand.

I'm looking forward to seeing a bit of the country, meeting the people and sharing in the work with the children if only for a short time. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to visit Africa. I'm sure it  will be a moving and thought provoking experience.

2017 Team Introduction - Rebecca White

Rebecca White

My name is Rebecca White. I am 23 years old and I’m from Potton in Bedfordshire. Although I currently live in Ipswich, where I am currently studying for my degree in Fine Art at the University of Suffolk. I will be graduating this year and then I hope to continue towards my career goal of becoming an art therapist.

I have a passion for travelling, which stems from my year teaching abroad as my gap year in 2012. I spent a year in India teaching and living within a small community in a town called Ongole, in Andhra Pradesh, South India. Within this I experienced an entirely new culture, lived with about 100 girls aged 3-18 and was involved with the Christian community that they were a part of. Throughout this experience I also gained a knowledge and experience of other religions, which was a learning experience. This experience was truly life changing and is definitely something that I would love to experience again.

This is why I jumped at the opportunity to go to South Africa. I love travelling. I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Finally I love experiencing worship in different cultures.

2017 Team Introduction - Holly Donaghue

Holly Donaghue

I am really looking forward to SA because I think it is such a great opportunity to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. After hearing Claire talk about Africa for two years I was always interested in the trips ‘Hands at Work’ offer.

I am currently on a gap year but in September I will be moving to Leeds to study classical singing. This passion started in the church aged 8, when I joined the girls’ choir of All Saints Church, Northampton. I loved my time with All Saints. I am also a baptised a member of St Aidan’s Church, Kingsthorpe, Northampton.

One element of our trip I am mostly looking forward to is leading prayer through song and hymns with the people of the villages, as I feel this is a part of prayer I can be most confident in. I really enjoyed meeting the SA team in April, and I hope as a team we can really make a positive difference to the villages we visit.