The current Master of Abbey Lodge W Bro. Laurence Jennings has been an “action-man” during his time as WM. In addition to having two young children and his own business to look after, Laurence works on Home Community Safety Projects with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and is also an On-Call Fire Fighter at Eynsham and a Community First Responder for South Central Ambulance Charity
At Easter 2019 while ME, Bro Laurence and his twin brother completed the Three Peaks Challenge, that’s Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden, the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales. A total ascent of 3,40 M (cf Mont Blanc 4,808M and Everest 8,849M). The brothers completed the challenge in just under 24 hours including travel between the climbs. Laurence was Installed as WM in October 2019.
As if all that was not enough, in 2020 he was been seconded to South Central Ambulance Charity for 2 months during the first peak of the Corona-19 pandemic, as he is a blue-light qualified driver and Community First Responder, he was a valuable addition to the Ambulance Service during that period of extreme demand on the frontline. At the start of 2021, Laurence was again seconded to the Ambulance service for another 2 months.
Laurence says, “it has been the most incredible, challenging, exhausting and rewarding experience. I have been constantly amazed and inspired by the incredible work of our frontline ambulance crews and, honoured to join their ranks for a while.”
During the lockdown, he and his family even found time to move house. As for what lies ahead? Laurence says “life is gradually returning to some form of normal……exciting challenges and adventures no doubt…..”
No doubt at all!
