Meet the Team
Dorothy Newett
Founder & Trustee
"I was Born in 1938 and trained as a nurse specialising in ITU, and later on I obtained a Bachelor of Education Degree, and entered Nurse Education which I did for 8 years prior to retiring. I am widowed and I have a son, daughter, and 2 grandchildren. I live in Lichfield in Staffordshire and go to church at Victory Church Rugeley."
Kath and Dave Whitefoot
Trustees
"My husband, Dave, and I both love children, we have raised our own four and now enjoy our grand kids.
I qualified as a teacher, and was ordained after 3 years of bible college. I also enjoy my other passion, teaching the Word of God.
Dave and I have known our dear friend, Dorothy, from the early days of her ministry. We are moved by her passion for these precious children. In 2015 I had the privilege of representing Dorothy in Cambodia. My heart was filled with love for these children and admiration for the selfless people who care for them.
We are honoured to serve as trustees."
Michael Parkes
Trustee
“I have had the privilege to grow up hearing about all of the wonderful things that Orchid Ministries has done for children throughout south-east Asia. It is my great joy to have know Dorothy all of my life, and now to be able to support the ministry that she has created, both as a trustee and as the Pastor of Victory Church Rugeley. My heart is to see this ministry continue to reach children with the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and to that end, I will serve the organisation as faithfully as I can.”
Howard Cottrell
Trustee
"I am a former teacher and PLC manager for Staffordshire Local Education Authority, now enjoying retirement with my wife Kate for the last 34 years. We have 3 grown up children and 1 new granddaughter. At the present time, having completed a chaplaincy qualification, I am a Staffordshire Police chaplain based at Rugeley and Cannock Police Stations as well as a Motorsport UK chaplain. Just to ensure I am busy in retirement I have recently qualified as a Church of England worship leader for the parish of Brereton and Rugeley as well as being a church warden and parish secretary. Outside of church life, my passion is classic cars and motorsport and I regularly compete with my self built MG Midget in sprints and hill climbs, while taking my MGC GT or Alfa to classic car runs and shows while being vice chair of Christians In Motorsport."
Peggy and Chris Gasson
Trustees/Treasurer
"My name is Peggy and I first met Dorothy when I joined Victory Church Rugeley. She really impressed me with her passion for the children of Orchid and I was glad to become more involved as a trustee."
"I'm Chris, married to Peggy. Dorothy asked me to become the Treasurer. I was already a supporter and felt this was something I could help her with, as I now have more time, having retired."
Tracey Lloyd
Trustee
"I became involved with Orchid Ministries right at the beginning, when I helped Dorothy with some of the paperwork during the initial setting up the charity. I have since been involved in raising funds, including the amazing experience of participating in a sponsored walk through Death Valley in USA. I was honoured to be asked by Dorothy to become a Trustee of such a worthwhile charity."