Lee Abbey’s Longest-Serving Local Worker
Dot Parker started work at Lee Abbey Devon in February 1986 for what she thought would be a fortnight. Some extra assistance was needed in the finance office to enter data into Lee Abbey’s first computer, and Dot was available. Little did she know, that was the start of a long career at Lee Abbey spanning 38 years.
She has seen 7 Wardens and thousands of Community members pass through the front doors. Having spent nearly four decades here, Dot has a unique perspective on the longevity and growth of Lee Abbey Devon.
She first came to Lynton to work at a Bible college turned Christian guest house (now Highcliffe House). It was there that she met her future husband Tim Parker, a long-time Lyntonian. Tim’s work with the Lee Abbey Maintenance team introduced Dot to the retreat centre, and she was soon after asked to help with data transfers. Thus began a long relationship with Lee Abbey. She’s worked in nearly every office, from the Lee Abbey Friends Office to Finance and Bookings. She has seen thousands of people come and go, but is “still friends with people from when I first came.”
Dot understands people are drawn here for a reason: “We have a lot of people who come year after year after year because they really find something here that they don’t find anywhere else.”
Andy Golding took over as Head of Finance in 2022 and admires Dot’s servant leadership: “Dot has been invested in Lee Abbey for a long time, and her knowledge and example have been vital to me. She gave up her desk from day one and was dedicated to showing me the ropes.”
Many aspects of Lee Abbey have changed over the years, from Community faces to the buildings themselves. Dot has seen it all. “You’ve got constant changing with different people, it’s not boring and there’s things happening.” She is a true staple of Lee Abbey, and many guests and former Community associate her with the place.
We are blessed by and thankful for Dot!
