Former members of the Church of Scientology, local residents and leading experts on coercive control will gather in East Grinstead on Saturday 6 June for a public event examining Scientology’s long-standing presence in the town and the experiences of those who have left the organisation.
The event, “Fame, Fortune & Fear: Scientology’s Soft Power”, will feature first-hand accounts from former Scientologists who lived and worked at Saint Hill, alongside discussion about the organisation’s influence on the Town Council and local community.
East Grinstead has been closely associated with Scientology since founder L. Ron Hubbard acquired Saint Hill Manor in 1959, establishing it as an international hub for the organisation. Today, the town remains home to Scientology’s UK headquarters and hosts major international events which are often met by protests and media attention. This weekend’s event will be hosted by several former members who have led the demonstrations and offers local residents the opportunity to voice their concerns.
Speakers include:
- Dr Alexandra Stein PhD, cult expert and Trustee of The Family Survival Trust
- Bonnie Woods, who successfully fought a landmark High Court case against Scientology after a campaign of harassment in East Grinstead
- Danielle Chamberlin, who grew up within Scientology’s elite Sea Organisation and served founder L. Ron Hubbard as a child
- Zoe Hancock, recruited into Scientology as a teenager and sent to work at Saint Hill
- Amir Essalhi, a former Scientology executive who left the organisation earlier this year
- Stephen Jones, East Grinstead resident and former Scientology staff member
- Pete Griffiths, former Scientologist and former Mission holder
- Alexander Barnes-Ross, former Scientologist, advocate and activist.
Organisers say the event is intended to encourage discussion within the community and provide a platform for people affected by high-control groups to share their experiences.
Alexander Barnes-Ross said “East Grinstead has a unique relationship with Scientology. For decades, local residents have lived alongside one of the organisation’s most important international centres, yet many people know very little about what really happens behind closed doors. This event is about giving survivors a voice, creating dialogue within the community and helping residents better understand the experiences of people who have left the organisation.”
The evening will include audience questions and discussion, allowing residents to engage directly with speakers and raise concerns about Scientology’s role in the town.
Event Details
Saturday 6th June 2026 at Trinity Methodist Church, East Grinstead
Doors: 6.30pm
Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
