Clergy
Rector: Revd David Commander is the Rector of the Benefice of Benenden and Sandhurst. He originally trained and worked as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer for 28 years. He served his curacy at St James's, Tunbridge Wells, before moving to Benenden in October 2013. He and his wife, Helen, have two daughters, two grandsons, a grandaughter, and an extremely friendly dog, Barney.
T: 01580 240658 M: 07710 416978 revdavidcommander@gmail.com
The Rectory, The Green, Benenden, Kent TN17 4DL
Assistant Priest: Though she was born in London, Rev. Rosemary Kobus van Wengen has spent most of her adult life abroad, teaching in schools and universities in Uganda and The Netherlands. She was ordained in 2001 in Canterbury Cathedral, and since then has served as a non-stipendiary priest (now ‘retired’, with Permission to Officiate) in Benenden and Sandhurst. Besides a passion for parish ministry her interests include art and literature, handwork and gardening. rosemaryvanwengen@gmail.com
Assistant Priest: Rev. Ylva Blid-Mackenzie was born and raised in Sweden, moving to Kent in 1996. She finished her theological studies at St Augustine's College in May 2020 and then served her Title Post in Benenden and Sandhurst with the Revd. David. She trained as a Landscape Architect and runs Madrona Nursery with her husband Liam. They have three sons, two border collies and some chickens.
T: 01233 820100 M: 07766 711957 rev.ylva@gmail.com