About Us
Meet the Trustees of Friends of Luton Parish Church
At the heart of Friends of Luton Parish Church is a passionate team of trustees and supporters, each bringing their own story, skills and love for St Mary’s Church in Luton. Here’s a closer look at the people helping preserve this historic building and grow its role in the community.
Nic Pestell, Chair
Nic Pestell leads the Private Client Team at Machins Solicitors, specialising in wills, trusts and estates. Based in Bedford, Nic is deeply involved in Grace Community Church, where he serves on the leadership team alongside his wife Louise. They have three grown-up children and a shared love of community life. Outside work, Nic enjoys music, skiing, shooting, classic car restoration and cheering on Luton Town and Chelsea FC. His legal expertise and local ties make him a vital part of the Friends’ leadership.
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John Spurgeon, Treasurer
John Spurgeon first connected with St Mary’s while studying next door, joining the church family not long after the Friends group was founded. He fondly remembers forming a guard of honour for the Queen during her annual visits to Luton Hoo. With a career in local government planning and a lifelong interest in heritage and maps, John brings a wealth of experience to the role. He’s passionate about seeing St Mary’s thrive as a place of worship and beauty. His hobbies include choral singing, walking, cycling, organ music, meteorology, and heritage railways, all rooted in a love for the UK’s rich landscape and traditions.
Andrew Beale, Communications
Andrew Beale has been a Trustee since 2016 and is Managing Director of Beales Hotels, a family business dating back to 1769. He also chairs Youthscape, a leading Luton youth charity. Andrew’s connection to St Mary’s spans over a decade, from playing cello at services to organising walking weekends and fundraising for young people. He describes the church as “an amazing building filled with brilliant people, in the prime position in Luton and a place blessed with the ability to change lives.” When not working or volunteering, Andrew enjoys boating on the River Great Ouse and climbing in the Alps. He lives in Hertfordshire with his family.
Nicki Denton-Masih, Secretary
Nicki Denton-Masih is an Associate Solicitor at Machins Solicitors in Luton, specialising in private client law. She’s actively involved in her local church in Kempston and serves as a Trustee for the Kempston Net Charitable Trust, supporting isolated individuals in the community. Nicki’s weekends are often spent showjumping across the UK with her horses, supported by her husband Markus. She also enjoys painting, reading and spending time with friends, bringing energy and compassion to her role with the Friends.
Anthony Moss, Executive Committee
Anthony Moss spent 36 years in the energy industry before turning his attention to St Mary’s, where he now serves as Churchwarden and all-round fixer. Married to Catherine, a member of the ministry team, Anthony has been part of the church since 2002. He’s passionate about making the building open and welcoming to all, a place for reflection, friendship and heritage. His interests range from astronomy and butterflies to music, watches and tech. He’s a hands-on trustee with a heart for Luton.
Revd Mike Jones, in attendance, representing St Mary’s Church
Mike Jones has been vicar of St Mary’s since 2012 and is well known locally, not least for surviving being run over and having a car lifted off him! Mike’s ministry has taken him from council estates to cities, villages and even Greece. He loves coffee, food and working with people from all backgrounds. Married to Ruth, an interior designer and teacher, Mike has two children and a deep love for the vibrancy of Luton. He’s a key spiritual presence in the Friends’ work.
Clifford Bygrave, Retired Chair
Clifford Bygrave is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Chartered Tax Adviser. He served as Treasurer of the Friends for over 20 years before becoming Chair, and remains a valued supporter. Clifford is a member of the Methodist Church, a former National Treasurer of the Boys Brigade, and was a long-serving Director of Luton & Dunstable Hospital. His financial expertise and dedication have helped shape the charity’s long-term success.
To join Friends of Luton Parish Church, download our leaflet, fill in the form and return it to us.