Elder Nigel Akam has lived in Largs and been a member of BEC for 40 years and an Elder for more than 20 years. He is currently Church Secretary and also has responsibility for church administration, building maintenance and interface with external organizations that make use of BEC’s facilities, which is one of the ways that the Church is reaching out into the local community.  

He has two grown up daughters and two grandsons. He is semi-retired and works part time with an educational charity organizing industry visits for secondary school pupils.  When he’s not busy looking after the church facilities, Nigel can be found on the badminton court. 

Emeritus Elder Jim Atkinson and his wife Andrea joined BEC on moving to Largs in 1998. Jim had been involved in various aspects of church leadership before coming to BEC and served as a BEC elder for 18 years before retiring to his current advisory emeritus elder role. He is still involved in BEC’s teaching and music ministries and in other ad hoc activities in support of the Leadership Team. 

Jim is an emeritus professor who retired from university employment in 2012 but retains some involvement in academia. He and Andrea have four married children and nine grandchildren who give them much pleasure and keep them busy! 

Elder Jim Lamont is married to Renee and they have two grown up sons and two grandchildren.  Jim works for a large IT company.  Jim says, “My life changed when I became a Christian in 1995 and it’s fantastic to know that despite me, God loves me completely.” 

As well as being one of the elders at BEC Jim is also involved in leading the Youth Church, seeking to encourage young people in their relationship with Jesus.  Jim regularly leads the BEC services and uses his communication skills and sense of fun to make everyone feel right at home.

Deacon Maura Edwards became a deacon in 2009, after joining BEC in 2005 following the family move to Largs. Prior to this, she lived and worshipped in Glasgow.   Although she had been brought up to attend church, it was only in her 20s that she realised the need for a personal relationship with Jesus, and so became a Christian in 1993.  

Maura is one of the worship leaders at BEC and also directs the church choir. Maura works as a dental consultant for the local health board, including working on projects for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.  Maura is married to David, and they have one son, Callum.