Support Team

Jenny Atterbury

Peter and I relocated to Tulbagh during Easter 2025, and on 30 April 2025 I retired from the corporate world.

Retirement has opened an exciting new chapter in my life. I have since become a self-publishing author, allowing me to explore my creativity and interests in a new way. I enjoy baking, reading and spending time outdoors, but I also believe that life after retirement should be about more than personal interests. It is an opportunity to give back, become involved and make a meaningful difference where I live.

I wanted to join the Pantry Partners Support Team because I am passionate about contributing to the Tulbagh community. Food4Good is not only about providing a meal; it is about compassion, dignity, human connection and creating opportunities for people who are struggling.

I would like to use my time, experience, creativity and practical skills to support the work of Pantry Partners and Food4Good wherever I can. Being part of a team that is working towards a stronger, more caring community is something that is important to me, and I hope to make a positive and lasting contribution to the people of Tulbagh.

Peter Atterbury

My name is Peter Atterbury, and my wife Jenny, and I are relatively new to the Tulbagh Valley, having relocated from Cape Town in early 2025.

I’m an entrepreneur by nature and have been self-employed for most of my working life. I have been a co-founder and part-owner of two businesses: first, a clothing company and later, a graphic design business. This ultimately led me to my current core business as a professional photographer, specialising in hospitality and architectural photography.

I’m also interested in property development and, as a side interest, project-manage small building projects.

Although I’m enjoying the latter part of my life and have never quite been able to completely retire, I continue to work. Relocating to Tulbagh has, however, given me the opportunity to reassess and focus more on the valuable things in life — family, community and the opportunity to engage with society on a different level.

I have made Tulbagh my home for a variety of reasons. The valley is beautiful, and I’m very happy to have left the busy pace of city life behind, apart from the occasional visit. Being able to photograph the beautiful landscapes of the Cederberg is a particular passion of mine.

I’m community-driven and believe that, collectively, we can achieve far more when we work together with pride and dignity.

Lea Coleman

In addition to her work in Permaculture, Lea is also a regenerative health practitioner and educator. She believes in the importance of holistic health and wellness, and works to empower individuals to take charge of their own health.

Diane Ingram

Diane is a Christian Self Publishing Author and has published her books under her pen name Diane Carol Edworthy. 

Her professional career path has spanned over many years experience as a Draughtsperson in Town and Regional Planning. She believes in the infrastructure of a growing township development.

She also obtained her BA degree in Christian Counselling at the tender age of 52 years of age.

Lunga Kroza

Lunga Kroza was born on 6 October 1993 and is a passionate community builder dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people. As a former NARYSEC participant, Lunga gained valuable skills and experience that shaped a strong commitment to agriculture and community development.

Lunga has worked with the Department of Agriculture and Lotus SA, where practical knowledge and a spirit of service were developed. These experiences strengthened a deep desire to fight poverty and create opportunities for those in need.

Driven by compassion, Lunga is passionate about helping poor and disadvantaged communities. Interests include life skills development, soccer, and music, which are seen as powerful tools for uniting and uplifting young people.

Guided by the belief “I am the change I would like to see in my community and country,” Lunga dreams of becoming the partner of orphanages across the world, creating safe spaces where children can grow with dignity, education, and hope.

Michael O’Brien

Michael was born in Ireland and while working in the construction industry, very much involved in different charities. Among others he organised fundraising events by producing musical concerts and horse shows, such as Dancing with Stallions.

He moved to South Africa in 2015 and was Chair of the Irish South African Association (ISAA) from 2017 to 2020. In this capacity he linked with Business Ireland/South Africa (BISA), and organised events such as the annual St Patrick’s Night Dinner Dance, with visiting artists from Ireland, such as professional singers/dancers from Riverdance. Shows were performed in Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban.

After moving from Cape Town to Tulbagh, Michael and his wife Valerie became involved with the local children’s Home, initially raising funds and liaising with Gift of the Givers to ensure the Home was brought up to standard.

Valerie O’Brien

Valerie holds an MBA degree and worked in administration with various national and multi-national companies in the UK and Ireland.

Her community involvement included working as a volunteer for the Samaritans, a phone line listening service for suicidal people. She was also involved with Michael, her husband, in various fundraising events for different charities in Ireland and the UK. One such event was a musical show with the Limerick Tenors, who toured the UK and Ireland.

Valerie and Michael are a team and she was involved with most of the events mentioned in Michael’s section above.

Jacqui van der Helm

I’m a trivia night junkie with a passion for social justice and a love for rugby (don’t miss a match when Aus plays SA – I stand up for both anthems 😄 and rock my Wallaby shirt!). The poem “I’ve Come to Take You Home” by Diane Ferrus, which tells the powerful story of Sarah Baartman, really moved me, and I’m grateful for the community that supports me.

When I’m not trivia-ing or watching rugby, you can find me at movie nights, walking in nature, or hanging out with animals (I’m totally passionate about their safe keeping!). Life’s thrown some challenges my way, like skin cancer scarring and surgeries, but I’m managing, thanks to an awesome community that’s got my back.

I’m all about helping my fellow humans and animals – if there’s a need, I’m there 😊. Grateful for the beauty of nature, good company, and a comfy spot to watch the world go by