Clergy
Rector: Revd David Commander is the Rector of the Benefice of Benenden and Sandhurst. He originally trained and worked as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer for 28 years. He served his curacy at St James's, Tunbridge Wells, before moving to Benenden in October 2013. He and his wife, Helen, have two daughters, two grandsons, a grandaughter, and an extremely friendly dog, Barney.
T: 01580 240658 M: 07710 416978 revdavidcommander@gmail.com The Rectory, The Green, Benenden, Kent TN17 4DL
Assistant Priest: Though she was born in London, Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen has spent most of her adult life abroad, teaching in schools and universities in Uganda and The Netherlands. She was ordained in 2001 in Canterbury Cathedral, and since then has served as a non-stipendiary priest (now ‘retired’, with Permission to Officiate) in Benenden and Sandhurst. Besides a passion for parish ministry her interests include art and literature, handwork and gardening. rosemaryvanwengen@gmail.com
Reader
Sarah Emanuel
Reader Emeritus
David Harmsworth retired in 2005 from a career as a Classics teacher and Director of Studies. He and his family have been worshipping at St George’s since 1975; as well as taking part in leading worship and preaching, he keeps the records for the churchyard. 01580240683 or daharmsworth@hotmail.com
Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection
Ian Malaugh worked for the Police Service until his retirement in 2016. He moved to the Village in 2014 with his wife and daughter. He and his family are involved in many village activities including the Benenden Players. Ian is a passionate football supporter of his beloved team Sunderland.
Ian is responsible, as Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer, for the safety of the children and vulnerable adults with whom St George’s works. Should you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact Ian WITHOUT DELAY. ianmal@sky.com Tel 01580 240999
Safeguarding Policy Diocese of Canterbury safeguarding
Joint Treasurers
Liz Kirby
& Jo Clube
Churchwardens
Cathy Presgrave was born in Adelaide, Australia and moved to Kent with her family in 1968, where she was educated at Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School. Cathy has a long association with Benenden as her parents were resident in the village for over thirty years. She moved to Benenden permanently in 2020 and remains an active member of our local community. She was appointed Churchwarden in 2025, is Lead Sacristan and a member of the Church choir. cathy.presgrave@gmail.com or Tel 07500 119 189.
Deborah Jenkins
Archivist
J
ulia Collard was born in Iden Green and moved up to Benenden just before she started at the Primary School. Since then she has always lived locally and eight years ago returned to live in the village with her husband David. Julia has recently retired as Churchwarden but now supports David in his role. Julia is our Church Archivist and welcomes queries about the history of the church and its former members. Her email address is julia.collard@btinternet.com or phone 01580 241944.
PCC Members
All the above, except for Sarah Emanuel and Ian Malaugh, with the addition of:
Eleanor Cochrane David Collard Guy Hagan
Sally-Ann Marks Mary Parkinson Richard Stubbings
