Upton Vale - The Extra Scoop

Jeremy Brown, better known as Jez Brown, is an ordained minister with a background in accountancy and rathera soft spot for Torquay United.As Team Leader with the South West Baptist Association, Jez has developed strong connections across the Bay. He’s also a husband and father, and describes himself as a “professional extrovert and a private introvert.”What do you think? Join Kirstin Neilson-Hunter as she chats with him in his garden for another fascinating episode of The Extra Scoop!

Welcome to the second series and the first episode of The Extra Scoop! Helen Elliott shares her deeply personal story of highs and heartbreaking lows, her courage and hope, as well as being an extremely artistic and creative lady. Kirstin Neilson-Hunter meets up with Helen to find out more about her craft work and her artistic talent as well as her life, in The Extra Scoop!

Kirstin is joined unexpectedly by her husband Rob, to present some highlights of past exclusive interviews. Join them as things don't always go to plan and hear some great stories shared by fellow christians in this latest episode of 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 source of calm and light. He credits this buoyant spirit and ability to embrace life to the fullest to his deep, spiritual faith and to his parents. He is a man who knows how to weather the storm, always with a chuckle and a smile on his face.His steadfast faith and upbeat nature keep him grounded. Kirstin Neilson- Hunter meets up with Martin in his home. Let's find out more about Martin, In The Extra Scoop!

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 with Emily to hear all about her journey, her faith, and adjusting to life across the pond. She certainly lives up to her name of being eager and striving. So let's join Kirstin and find out more about Emily in 'The Extra Scoop!'

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 and where he is today. Listen now and find out more about Mat in 'The Extra Scoop!'

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 Neilson-Hunter meets Rosa in her apartment overlooking the bay for an open and deeply personal conversation in "The Extra Scoop!".

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!'