One of WPoF's core objectives is encouraging interfaith dialogue and discussion. The more we know about each other, the less we fear the unknown.
And we facilitate this by offering a travelling team of speakers, who are more than happy - individually or by way of a panel - to visit faith institutions to participate in that dialogue and discussion.
We particularly welcome invitations to local churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, gurdwaras and other places of worship. In this context, please find details of our speakers below.
Alongside this, WPoF have initiated the 'Education Project', which aims to work with Schools (Primary and Secondary), Colleges and any Educational Institutes to enrich students' experience of Religious Studies with direct links to practising people of faiths and beliefs.
Speakers from different faiths and beliefs visit the school/college and deliver a presentation, assembly and/or Q&A style session.
The visit can be tailored to suit the schools time and the format can be discussed beforehand.
Education Project
Simon Trick (Baha'i)
Simon is the Deputy Chair of WPoF and has over thirty years' experience in Interfaith speaking. A former Primary Headteacher, he then established his Sports Massage business in 2012. He has been a Surrey Police Chaplain since 2010, a published author and was involved in the writing of the schools' National RE and Citizenship frameworks.
Rev Phil Simpson (Christian)
Phil is a SSM based at Christchurch and serves as Interfaith Adviser for the Diocese of Guildford, as well as facilitator for Across Woking and Mahabba UK. He has 35 years of experience of engagement with Churches in the Middle East and Asia and is currently the Chair of WPoF
Dr Syed Naqvi (Muslim)
Dr Naqvi has been an Interfaith speaker for 30 years, attending and volunteering at regional, national and international educational institutes and Interfaith forums. A qualified Medical Doctor and Religious Scholar, he has served the wider communities around the globe. He is Imam, serves European communities in Education and is designing and compiling an 8-book series for children. He is founder member and trustee of WPoF and a trustee or chair of 6 UK charities
Meeta Joshi (Hindu)
Meeta has been an Interfaith speaker for 15 years, volunteering at primary schools, colleges and universities locally and Interfaith forums regionally and nationally. A qualified Engineer and Communication specialist, she was Project Leader in IT / Telecoms for 12 years and gave presentations as a TV producer for Higher Education. She is Hindu Chaplain for Surrey University and Epsom College and a Strength Scope Consultant and Executive Coach
Philip Goldenberg (Jewish)
Philip is well-known in Woking as a former LibDem Councillor and Parliamentary Candidate; he is also the Interfaith Officer at North West Surrey Synagogue, with a wealth of experience in the worlds of law, business, charity and national politics.
Kawther Hashmi (Muslim)
Kawther Hashmi is Head of Project Management, Faith and Communications for Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum and is from the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking. She has a BA in Accounting and Finance and Islamic Studies qualifications from the Institute of Classical Islamic Science, Lahore, Pakistan. She has been teaching Islam for over 18 years.
Keith Scott (Quaker)
Keith was a Quaker chaplain at Coldingley Prison for two years. For the last twelve years he has organised the Woking Debates on peace and social issues. Chair of the Woking Community Play Association who research, write and perform plays on the history of Woking. He served for three months in the West Bank as an Ecumenical Accompanier in Palestine. Currently chair of the events committee at WPOF.
Philip Goldenberg (Jewish)
Philip is well-known in Woking as a former LibDem Councillor and Parliamentary Candidate. But he is also Burials Officer of Guildford Synagogue, with a wealth of experience in the worlds of law, business, charity and national politics.
Kawther Hashmi (Muslim)
Kawther Hashmi is Head of Project Management, Faith and Communications for Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum and is from the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking. She has a BA in Accounting and Finance and Islamic Studies qualifications from the Institute of Classical Islamic Science, Lahore, Pakistan. She has been teaching Islam for over 18 years.