Impact Schools Team's Darren Mayor is stepping down

Darren joined Impact in 1999, working alongside founder Stuart Burnside as they travelled to every school in Powys. Their early partnership helped establish the charity’s distinctive approach to assemblies - joyful, interactive sessions rooted in storytelling and sharing the Christian faith.

Opening of Impact Roadshow Bus in Dolfor. Pictured: Darren Mayor (Primary Schools Director) Simon Wood (deputy Mayor for Newtown) Mick Bates, Lord Powis and Penri Roberts (Headteacher at Hafren Primary School). (Image: Phil Blagg)

Christ 2000 after school club at Llanfyllin Primary School from May 23 to 26 - 'The Light Factor'. Pictured: Eleri Watkin (9) Peter Owen (8) and Jessica Thomas (9), Tom Ellis (organiser) and Darren Mayor (Impact Primary Schools director). (Image: Phil Blagg)

When Stuart later moved on, Darren became Impact’s sole schools worker for many years. As the wider team eventually grew, the area he covered gradually narrowed - from the whole of Powys, to north Montgomeryshire, and finally to the Llanfyllin cluster.

Impact Schools Team's Huw Ellis said: "Generations of pupils will remember Darren for his warm, engaging assemblies, filled with laughter, storytelling, and his trademark magic tricks.

"His work consistently carried a clear message of hope and faith, delivered in a way that connected with children of all ages."

Another enduring symbol of his ministry was the Impact Bus - instantly recognisable as it travelled between schools in Welshpool, Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin. For many young people, stepping aboard remains a standout childhood memory.

A general view of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, Howell Drive, Welshpool and the Impact Schools Team double decker bus on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. (MS131-2018) (Image: Mike Sheridan)

The Johnson Trust gave Caereinion High School £750 worth of resources and Christian books for the RE Department. Pictured: Darren Mayor (Impact Schools Team) represents the Trust with headteacher Dr David Charles and head of RE dept Sharon Jones, with some of the pupils. (Image: Kate Elliott)

£1,200 worth of new RE books were presented by the Johnson Trust to Welshpool High School. Pictured are pupils from Years 7 and 11 with Cherrill Kann (Head of RE) and Frank Bestwick (Headmaster) back right. Darren Mayor, of Impact Schools Team, (front right) presents the books. PB57A-2006 (Image: Phil Blagg)

As Darren steps back from his schools work, he will now focus on ministry at The Cross Keys in Llanfyllin, where he works alongside his wife, Shan, serving the local community. He will also continue as Chaplain of COBRA Rugby Club, supporting players, families and supporters.

The work of Impact will now be carried forward by Cara Garton and Huw, alongside the charity’s trustees, as they embark on a new chapter built on the strong foundations Darren has laid over nearly three decades.

Reflecting on his time with Impact, Darren said: “It's been a privilege to visit schools in Powys for almost 27 years on behalf of Impact Schools Team.

Huw Ellis, Cara Garton (Impact Schools Team staff), Darren Mayor and Dave Morris (Trustee) (Image: Impact Schools Team)

“Initially I focused on visiting all the primary schools in Powys with our double decker bus but for the last 25 years I have been involved in the schools in Welshpool, Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin catchments.

“I have seen two full school cycles of children over that time. Which now means that children who have attended those schools from five to 45 have experienced the work of Impact.

“It has been a huge part of my life, and I will miss visiting these schools, receiving a warm welcome from all in each visit.”