David has worked in Further Education for nearly 30 years both as a lecturer and as a manager, and is currently Student Services Manager at Mid-Cheshire College in Northwich, Cheshire. He has been a Christian for 22 of those years, during which time (with the odd barren year) he has supported students in establishing and running a Christian Union. It was in this role that he came to recognise the great value that support from organisations such as UCCF, local churches, and now Festive has in enabling Christian students to live out their faith at college.
Sonia originates from the West Midlands but went to university at Bangor in North Wales where she studied English with Biblical Studies as an accessory subject. She had come to faith in her teens but found her faith confirmed and strengthened through the fellowship and teaching of the Christian Union. Sonia taught for two years after leaving Bangor and was then invited to join the staff of the IVF (UCCF) as a Travelling Secretary, ie staff worker, in the universities and colleges of Wales, Ireland, Birmingham and Keele. Four years later she became Women's Secretary and moved to London to be based in the office in Bedford Square. After leaving UCCF Sonia then became an English teacher once again and served in two schools in London before retiring in 1999. Her association with FE Colleges' work came through joining the London prayer group when it was first formed. Moved by some of the hurdles FE students have to face to establish and maintain a witness in the colleges Sonia became committed to pray and do anything she could to support such a work.
Toni has been associated with Christian witness in Further Education Colleges since 1992. After 4 years working in the local college she was appointed by Uccf as Further Education Colleges Co-ordinator, a post she held until 2004. Since then she has completed an MA in Mission, looking especially at Christian witness in FE colleges and been involved in supporting national work through Dare 2 Engage and the National Council of Faiths and Beliefs in FE. All this is part of an ongoing vision to give as much Christian support as possible to staff and students which also led her to be one of the founder members of Festive. Now that Festive is a registered charity Toni sees it as a great privilege
Rev Fred Olney became a Christian when he was a geography student and is now a vicar in Staffordshire. After working as a teacher in the Caribbean, in retail management and for 8 years in pioneer church and youth work in France, Fred was appointed to the new post of UCCF Development Officer for FE Colleges. Between 1986 and 1996 his role included producing resources and especially recruiting, training and encouraging a large network of volunteer helpers for student Christian Unions in FE colleges. A new full time colleague was also appointed for London. Fred also served for 10 years on the West Midlands Churches FE Council and a National FE committee.
John was born in Wales but grew up in Cheshire and became a Christian when he was a teenager. He went to university in Sheffield before returning to his homeland and going to Cardiff University. Here he began his involvement in student witness and was president of the Christian Union for a year. Following graduation John worked as an accountant for the Audit Commission for 5 years before joining UCCF in 2003. He worked for UCCF in North Wales for 4 years which included working with some of the Further Education colleges in the region. John is now co-pastor of a Baptist church in Mold, North Wales. He is married to Katherine and they have two gorgeous children: Erin and Iestyn!
