Trustees & Officers
Pete Welsby
Chair & TrusteeAn economics graduate from Nottingham University, Pete spent 41 years in education before taking on the role of Chair of the Oldway Gardens Volunteer Group. He places particular emphasis on recognising the contributions of every single volunteer and ensuring the historic grounds receive the care and advocacy they deserve.
Tim Eley
President & TrusteeTim founded the group in September 2019. Holding an HND in Hotel Management, he spent 40 years running a nursery business and 27 years operating Torbay Garden Centre. He is also an RHS judge and Britain in Bloom coordinator — his horticultural expertise is the backbone of the group's gardening success.
Jo Jones
Secretary & TrusteeWith twenty years of finance industry experience and a banking background, Jo brings considerable organisational skill to her role as Secretary. A former school governor and parent council chair, she is a passionate advocate for Oldway's historical significance — both to Paignton and to wider audiences.
Pauline Baker
Assistant Secretary & TrusteePauline joined in July 2021 and has been instrumental in the practical development of the group's facilities. She coordinates the tea hut operations, children's trails, and was central to securing the new electrical installation and the 24/7 defibrillator that now serves the grounds and surrounding community.
Sue Saunders
Vice Chair, Treasurer & TrusteeA professional West Country tourist guide with an honours degree in tourism, Sue previously managed a seasonal language school that made use of the mansion's rooms. She leads on the group's finance and fundraising activities with the same passion she brings to sharing Devon's heritage with visitors from around the world.
Our Volunteers
One of our earliest volunteers, Terry works in the pond and rockery areas with great dedication. He is happy working outdoors across all seasons and takes real pride in the improvements he has helped bring about in these important wildlife habitats.
Graham and Gillian are the friendly faces you're likely to meet at the Tea Hut, keeping visitors refreshed and happy. The profits from their efforts go directly towards plant purchases and enhancements across the grounds.
At 82, Tony is one of our most committed volunteers. With 15 years of prior experience working on a nature reserve in Cornwall, he brings extraordinary knowledge and quiet determination to his work in the rockery, grotto and pond areas — some of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the grounds.
Barry and Jeane started volunteering in the summer of 2020. They particularly enjoy interacting with the many visitors who come to the grounds, and take great satisfaction from the ongoing restoration work they are part of.
A three-year member of the group, Pete focuses on maintaining equipment to keep everything running smoothly. He has a special connection to Oldway — he was married here in 1978 — and his family continues to use the tennis facilities on site.
In her second year with the group, Sally contributes through planting, weeding and clearing undergrowth — essential work that keeps the grounds looking their very best season after season.
With three and a half years' service, Roger focuses particularly on border edging and general maintenance. The sharp, clean lines he maintains along the paths and borders make a real visual difference to the overall appearance of the grounds.
With a year and a half of service, this member works both in the gardens and on the plant stall. They particularly value the warmth and camaraderie of the group — something that makes every session enjoyable, whatever the task.
Jenny has been with us for three years, working in the beautiful Rose Garden alongside a friend. She particularly enjoys chatting with members of the public who stop to admire the flowers, and values the peaceful, purposeful atmosphere that volunteering at Oldway provides.
Could this be you?
We are always looking for new volunteers to join our wonderful team. All ages, all abilities, all backgrounds — everyone has something to contribute and everyone is warmly welcomed.