Upton Vale - The Extra Scoop

Martin Brace is a man who thrives on supporting others. Coming from a surname meaning "arm" and protective armor, he carries that strength into his work as a 'Senior Operating Department Practitioner' at Torbay Hospital. What makes Martin truly remarkable is his unwavering positivity. In a profession and certainly his early life that has demanded so much. Through everything, he remains a constant...

Imagine moving halfway across the globe from the Sunshine State of Florida to start completely fresh here. That's exactly what Emily did just a few months ago when her husband, Chris, accepted the Youth and Families Pastor role at Upton Vale. As a complete newbie, not only to our church but to Torquay and England itself, Emily is navigating a whole new world. Kirstin Neilson-Hunter sits down w...

Have you ever stopped to think about the people behind the scenes who keep a church running — and the stories they carry with them? Kirstin Neilson-Hunter caught up with Mat Miller, Premises Manager and soon found they weren’t just going to be chatting about maintenance and planning but a journey through past struggles, big turning points, and some powerful moments of faith that have shaped who an...

With a lifetime career in nursing, Rosa Marshall has experienced extraordinary moments — from working abroad in remote and challenging environments to a childhood shaped by being raised in a children’s home and separated from her younger sister. Even before she was born, the shadow of the Holocaust had already begun to shape her story. A life of resilience and remarkable perspective. Kirstin Neils...

Les Tidball is a man who has encountered danger regularly with his travels across Eastern Europe. His childhood adventures spent on the railways were also quite hazardous but exciting for a young boy. His career in building and architecture, was a little safer but no less rewarding.  Let's find out more about Les Tidball, as Kirstin Neilson-Hunter meets up for a chat in 'The Extra Scoop!&#...

Join Kirstin Neilson-Hunter as she chats with  Neil Abbott  about how he grew up in the Bay, not knowing much about church or Christianity but then working many years abroad as a minister in France and his own personal struggles. Let's find out more about Neil Abbott in  The Extra Scoop!

Join Kirstin Neilson-Hunter as she meets up with Andy Manley, to discover his not so conventional childhood, his enthusiasm for music, the story behind his guitar, meeting his future wife and so much more. If you can't see his smiling face in the room, you will certainly hear his infectious laughter. Let's find out more about Andy Manley in 'The Extra Scoop!'

Kirstin Neilson-Hunter meets up with Ian Clarke in his driveway, where he has something a little 'out of the ordinary' parked there! With over six decades of being a part of Upton Vale, Ian chats about his life with Kirstin Neilson-Hunter for another Exclusive in 'The Extra Scoop!'

Join Kirstin Neilson-Hunter as she chats with Zoraida Ali Smith in her home. With a Brazilian background, and being of a determined and independent character, she has a great deal to share about her life. Find out more with Kirstin in The Extra Scoop!'

Being no stranger to 'Exclusives'  David Scott  talks to Kirstin Neilson-Hunter about his newspaper days and his latest book Born 2b Different, which explains and reveals his shocking family secret! Find out more with Kirstin in  The Extra Scoop!

Join Kirstin Neilson-Hunter, for her last exclusive interview, before Christmas, as she chats with Mark Angoy, a member of our Welcome Team, with a background in both insurance and mental health/nursing. Find out more about Mark Angoy in 'The Extra Scoop!'

Barbara Sumner, is quite at home on the open seas as well as here on dry land and is a talented linguist and musician. To hear more of this Exclusive, join Kirstin Neilson-Hunter as she meets up with Barbara in the Extra Scoop!

Kirstin Neilson-Hunter had the privilege of interviewing Gerald for 'The Extra Scoop', where he shared his interesting and sometimes unconventional life journey, the moments that shaped him, and the ways he experienced God's presence.

Chief Executive, elected Trustee of Upton Vale, husband, and father to four energetic boys, Alex Kittow is very much a 'man of action' and hard to miss, not least because of his impressive height. Kirstin Neilson-Hunter catches up with Alex at his smallholding, where conversation turns to leadership, family life, and his love of the great outdoors. Discover more about Alex Kittow in  The E...

Listen to a relaxed David Coffey, in conversation with Kirstin Neilson-Hunter, find out all the things you didn't know about David in his summer house, for an Upton Vale Exclusive, in 'The Extra Scoop!'