Last July, we shared Scientology’s leaderboard of top donors to it’s UK ‘Ideal Org’ program and thanks to a reader who sent us the latest copy of Saint Hillier magazine, we’re now able to bring you an updated list.
Along with donations to the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) and expensive auditing and training fees, Scientologists are encouraged to also contribute towards the purchase and renovation of buildings it calls ‘Ideal Organisations’.
The program began twenty years ago with London being the UK’s first ‘Ideal Org’ to open in 2006. Birmingham followed 8 years later, opening as as Ideal in 2014 however since then the program appears to have stalled. Despite purchasing multiple properties in cities such as Manchester, Plymouth and Sunderland, the vast majority have sat derelict for well over a decade, awaiting parishioners to cough up the millions required to begin renovations.
Our sources tell us Manchester is expected to be the next UK Ideal Org to open and last year we reported that Scientology had submitted fresh plans to Trafford Council for the works.
Here’s the list of the top financial contributors to Scientology’s UK Ideal Org program in 2024.
- David & Becky Fryer
- Rury & Sarah MacLeod
- Brenda McQuade
- Warren & LeAnn Meyer
- Nicole & Charles Jackson
- Trish Duggan
- Jacques Family
- Stuart & Vicky Guy
- Ian & Kris Smith
- Shahab & Catherine Emrani
- Richard & Melinda Bromley
- Ed Marsh
- The Gaiman & Calcioli Family
- Dave Ali & Evelina Mirceska
- Guy Newman
- Julian Somers
- Dan & Nat Garside
- Frankie McGuigan
- Gilchrist & Wordie Family
- Alastair & Tricia Lycett
- Rawner & Parselle Family
- Brian Swyndro
- Lauren & Mark Pinchin
- Shelly & Gunilla Gerber
- Sandor & Anita Bereczki
- Ildiko & Robert Barkoczi
- Alex & Tash Cronin
- Robert & Anne Lawson
- John Hawkins
- Brandon & Karina Faust
- Julia Price
- Gary & Katie Duxbury
- James Davy
- Brian Dubose
- Tom & Marion Shuster
- Neil Martland
- Rob Elliott
- Stephen & Debbie Corney
- Francois Mairiaux
- Graham & Angie Lloyd
- Stewart & Lisa Coffey
- Marcus Voggenreiter
- Vernon & Vanja Martins
- Bernhard & Joelle Eppert
- Kobe Housen & Nikki Jansen
- Johannes & Lynne Ott
- Serje Gasanov
- Nils Ostermann
- Kristof Cordier
- Stephen Ridley
Some notable names include Stephen Ridley, who’s piano courses recently sparked controversy online for allegedly acting a recruitment front for Scientology and Nils Ostermann, who’s wife Liz is a senior spokesperson and is spotted regularly rubbing shoulders with local politicians at East Grinstead Town Council events.
Taking thirteenth position is the Gaiman/Calcioli family. Although the best-selling Coraline and Sandman author Neil Gaiman has previously tried to distance himself from Scientology, his mother, sister and nephews are well-recognised inside the group as top financial contributors. He is currently facing criticism in the press after 8 women came forward with allegations of sexual abuse.
Mark Pinchin, who previously worked as the a spokesperson and ‘Director of Special Affairs’ for the Church of Scientology London, takes 23rd position and at 38th are Stephen and Debbie Corney, who run the Bournemouth & Poole Mission.
Notably absent is the Wakley family, who have frequently appeared in Scientology’s promotional materials and propaganda films on Scientology TV.
Recognise any of the names on this list? Leave a comment below or drop us an email on info@scientologybusiness.com.
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"Stewart & Lisa Coffey" from Plymouth Org at No 41 are prominent members of Plymouth Org
Stewart is chairman of the OT Committee and the "Boarding Party" – a pirate themed activity (with 'statuses') which involved stripping rubbish out of the derelict Ideal org building.
Service Completions: https://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/s/stewart-coffey.html
Stewart & Lisa were Joint Humanitarians, last I heard ,so they have come on quite a way. Not bad money for a 'dog org'.
The name Brenda McQuade rings a distant bell with me. Could be that she was in the RTC UK office – at the time Aznaran was head of RTC. RTC had offices on every continent at that time.
Nowadays McQuade is active with BEST. Secretary of BEST is Rhoda Zeffert – sister of Sheila Gaiman. Hon. Treasurer of BEST is Angie Gilchrist.
http://besteducation.org.uk/index.php?page=home
PS: A Scientologist since 1994. Stewart Coffey was also New OTV, Ideal Org Humanitarian for Plymouth, and a Family Crusader for the IAS as of 2020.
At 41 are "Stewart & Lisa Coffey". They are prominent members of Plymouth Org
Stewart is chairman of the OT Committee and the "Boarding Party" – a pirate themed activity (with 'statuses') which involved stripping rubbish out of the derelict Ideal org building, and taking it to the municipal tip in cars, so that they didn't have to pay commercial rates.
Service Completions: https://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/s/stewart-coffey.html
Stewart & Lisa were Joint Humanitarians, last I heard, so they have come on quite a way.
Not bad for a 'dog org'…
Tom Shuster used to be a PR in the UK Guardian Office. Marion Shuster also held some staff position – perhaps she was DG UK, but am not certain.
The name certainly rings a bell.. I’ve heard Mike speak about Tom Shuster in the past. Although the fact he’s made this list suggest he’s left the Sea Org. I don’t see how a Sea Org member on £50 a week could amount so much cash as to make the top 50 donor list.
Keep in mind that the GO was non-Sea Org.
Was it?! That’s news to me!
I emailed u.