MEET THE MANAGERS
Ken Strelley
Site Owner
Worked at Gateway since?
Since I started building it back in 2002! Before that I was a Dairy farmer here.
Best part of your job?
Watching families enjoy our facilities…and reading nice reviews!
Fave holiday destination?
St Lucia.
Any phobias?
I’m scared of the floor, particularly when I’m high up and far away from it!
Last Supper choice?
Spaghetti Bolognese.
What’s your poison?
G&T (large!).
Favourite animal?
A Bull. I had an old bull called Tommy on the farm…he weighed nearly a ton & could toss me over his head like a paper bag if he wanted to, but I still loved him. He made a great guard dog!
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Mo Salah, a genius footballer who seems like a down-to-earth person you could enjoy a drink with.
We asked Jonny to describe Ken in 3 words:
Impulsive, Stubborn, Impassioned.
Dannika Ford
General Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
2014. I then left a year later as I had 2 children and came back in 2017. I started off working behind the Bar, then moved to Reception, became Reception Manager at the start of 2020 and in 2026 I’ve been promoted to General Manager of Gateway Resort!
Best part of your job?
Listening to customers saying how much they’ve enjoyed their holiday.
Fave holiday destination?
Ibiza.
Any phobias?
Baked Beans.
Last Supper choice?
Dominos Pizza.
What’s your poison?
WKD Blue (& a draught Coke with plenty of ice the next day!)
Favourite animal?
Dolphins…or Elephants.
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Celine Dion.
We asked Natalie to describe Dannika in 3 words:
Smart, Strong-minded, Independent.
Josh Jones
Hair Salon Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
2013. Started as a waiter until my socialising skills saw me promoted to Entertainment Manager! I’m now the owner of our on-site Hair Salon!
Best part of your job?
Socialising!
Fave holiday destination?
Vegas Baby!
Any phobias?
Snakes.
Last Supper choice?
Any Pasta dish
What’s your poison?
Vodka & Pepsi Max
Favourite animal?
Dogs
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Britney Spears (because she’s wild and I love her!)
We asked Roger to describe Josh in 3 words:
Bubbly, Friendly, Spontaneous.
Nat Jennings
Marketing & Events Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
2010 for 2 years, then came back in 2018. I mainly worked on Reception, then started getting more involved in events, advertising and promotions until I became Marketing Manager!
Best part of your job?
Coming up with crazy new event ideas!
Fave holiday destination?
Lake District.
Any phobias?
Fish.
Last Supper choice?
Bruschetta, followed by Pasta Arrabiata & Cheesy Garlic Bread.
What’s your poison?
Vodka & Pepsi Max.
Favourite animal?
Dogs…or Penguins…but probably Dogs.
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Karl Pilkington (for the ridiculous conversations!)
We asked Josh to describe Nat in 3 words:
Intelligent, Witty, Creative.
Nathan Murphy
Maintenance Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
I started back in 2021 – seem’s like a lifetime ago now!
Best part of your job?
Helping the buisness grow with key planning and organisation.
Fave holiday destination?
Ibiza.
Any phobias?
Spiders.
Last Supper choice?
Has to be a full English breakfast with all the trimmings.
What’s your poison?
Vodka & Lemonade.
Favourite animal?
Dogs.
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Alex Ferguson
We asked Ken to describe Nathan in 3 words:
Knowledgeable, Hard working, Energetic.
Joe Clayfield
Kitchen Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
I began my journey at Gateway in 2015 as a member of the waiting team. Over time, I advanced to the position of Kitchen Manager. After taking some time off to travel around Australia, I returned to my role in 2026. I’m eager to see what I can contribute to the kitchen this year.
Best part of your job?
Meeting new people and seeing the place grow! The place is unrecognisable since I first started.
Fave holiday destination?
Australia.
Any phobias?
Spiders & heights.
Last Supper choice?
Spaghetti Bolognese.
What’s your poison?
Tea.
Favourite animal?
Ken, when he’s in a bad mood.
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Brian Wilson.
We asked Jonny to describe Joe in 3 words:
Passionate, Determined, Calm
Jonny Thomas
Experience Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
2007 (I think). I’ve been back and fore Gateway since as long as I can remember, but most recently came back in 2019 as Bar Manager. I was promoted to Experience Manager in 2023, making sure our guests, seasonal pitch holders (and also our staff) have the best possible experience at Gateway!
Best part of your job?
Chatting with our regulars, and meeting new ones.
Fave holiday destination?
Turkey.
Any phobias?
Spiders.
Last Supper choice?
‘Our’ Carol’s Lasagne with Garlic Bread.
What’s your poison?
Honey Jack Daniels with Ice.
Favourite animal?
Golden Eagle.
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Bill Shankly.
We asked Dannika to describe Jonny in 3 words:
Charming, Witty, Cheeky!
Rebecca Evans
Play Area Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
2013 I started as a glass collector, then bar attendant, waitressing, Play Area. I took a few months out to go traveling and when I came back I was promoted to Play Area manager. Basically I’ve worked in all the departments.
Best part of your job?
I love talking to all the regulars, and meeting getting to know new customers.
Fave holiday destination?
Asia.
Any phobias?
Spiders and Rats.
Last Supper choice?
Anything Mexican.
What’s your poison?
Vodka & lemonade, or an ice cold Thatchers.
Favourite animal?
Elephant.
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Harry Styles.
We asked Mark to describe Rebecca in 3 words:
Efficient, Hard-working, Reliable.
Payton Thomas
Accounts Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
I joined Gateway in 2016 as a Play Area assistant, then I moved to Reception in 2021 where I supervised for 2 years, and then Gateway put me through training in 2023 to become Accounts Manager!
Best part of your job?
I get satisfaction from organisation – so this job role suits me perfectly!
Fave holiday destination?
Cyprus.
Any phobias?
Getting lost at sea.
Last Supper choice?
Has to be homemade cottage pie.
What’s your poison?
Double Vodka, lemonade & lime.
Favourite animal?
Monkeys
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Amy Winehouse
We asked Rebecca to describe Payton in 3 words:
Chatty, Kind, Driven
Ashley Mathias
Security Manager
Worked at Gateway since?
I am pretty new to the Gateway gang, I joined the team in May 2025.
Best part of your job?
Seeing/ meeting all the various new acts at Gateway.
Fave holiday destination?
Turkey.
Any phobias?
My Wife.
Last Supper choice?
Lasagna with a large side of garlic bread.
What’s your poison?
Dr Pepper Zero
Favourite animal?
Tiger.
Most like to meet (living or dead)?
Ricky Gervais.
We asked Dannika to describe Ashley in 3 words:
Friendly, Confident, Intelligent.