
WHO’S WHO

Vicar
Rich Thomas
Rich is married to Julie and has three children and a Labrador.
Rich grew up in Tunbridge Wells but has since lived in Cambridge and London before moving back to the town in 2016.
Rich loves family, friends, food, football (Derby County) and seeing people following Jesus.

Operations Manager
Emma Thompson
Emma has four children, two of them are adults and have now moved out of home, her two younger daughters live with her and Ian alongside their cat and two dogs. They enjoy, cooking, walking and family holidays together.
Emma loves to socialise and especially enjoys eating out in the many great restaurants Tunbridge Wells has to offer.

Church Safeguarding Officer
Catherine Root
Catherine is married to Martyn and works in education, she is a member of the PCC and is our Safeguarding Officer. Should you have any safeguarding concerns regarding yourself or a member of the church, please contact Catherine on 01892 531031.

Community Pioneer
Josh Carter
A true Sherwood boy through and through, he grew up on the estate and has never lost his love for the local community. Happily married to Anna, they’ve raised three wonderful grown-up kids: Isaac, Edie and Evan.
When it’s time to kick back, you’ll likely spot him cheering from the stands with his Folkestone Invicta season ticket or pottering around his allotment, doing his best to make things grow!

Community Outreach Pastor
Em Cheesman
Em (short for Emily) loves being part of the team and has been passionate about the community of Sherwood for many years.
In her other roles, Em is a teacher and Play Therapist. She loves the sunshine! She also enjoys walking her dog in the countryside, cooking, skip diving, upcycling furniture, being creative and worship.
Em is married to Nick and they have three children and a tri-merle collie dog called Motty.

Ordinand
Ed Tranter
Ed loves serving as part of the vibrant church and community of St Philip’s Sherwood.
He has lived in Tunbridge Wells since he was four and is married to Ali and has three children.
He loves Harley Davidson’s, going to gigs, a good BBQ, and Jesus…not in that order.
A football fan, he has been praying for Spurs since he came to faith.

Church Warden
Martyn Root
Martyn is married to Catherine and has three children and a cat. Tunbridge Wells born and bred, Martyn works in oil and gas engineering near Heathrow.
Martyn is one of the music group worship leaders, playing acoustic guitar or bass. He is an occasional cyclist, very much dependent on the weather!

Church Warden
Cathie Kitley
Cathie is married to David and has two children and five grandchildren. In 2023 she retired from many years of teaching and now feels as though she is enjoying the longest ever summer holiday!
Cathie and David moved to Tunbridge Wells five years ago and joined Cathie's mother, Helen, worshipping at St Philip's. Cathie loves cooking, sharing meals with friends and family, walking, gardening, and sudoku.
