Our trustees are a real source of support and motivation for the Volunteer Centre. Their involvement is an essential part of maintaining and developing the services we offer.
Ann Coad – Treasurer
I have worked as an IT project manager specialising in international finance systems. I then moved to the civil service, delivering innovative IT systems, particularly in identity verification. In the years before retirement, I worked to establish an IT profession in Government, a fascinating project making clear the career paths for IT professionals. I retired in 2021.
I have an interest in traditional English music and dance, and have 3 grandchildren nearby.
I joined the Volunteer centre in 2021, and have become treasurer from April 2022.
Jamie Keddie – Trustee
I work in the NHS helping build partnerships between healthcare services and local communities. I previously worked in the voluntary and community and social enterprise sector. I love helping people and organisations see the benefits of volunteering to their local community.
Jane Sambrook – Trustee
Currently retired I worked in Childcare for 36 years as a qualified Social Worker and Play Therapist. Prior to retiring I worked as a manager in a secure unit for young people. I have been with the Volunteer Centre since I retired and currently volunteer in the office where I look after the membership scheme.
Judith Austin – Trustee and Manager
With a background in marketing, business management and languages, I have worked with companies and charities nationally and globally. I first got involved with the Volunteer Centre as a clerk to Trustees and now run the centre which I love. The community spirit in Uckfield is fantastic and it is so rewarding helping volunteers and charities alike.
Paul Meakin – Trustee
I had a long career in the Food Manufacturing industry, ranging from large scale food canning, Soft Drink production and the Wine Industry.
Such roles meant I have acquired considerable experience of working together with teams of staff in motivation and skills training.
Beyond work, I have for many years been active in my local community; helping to run a youth club and engaged in local politics. Uckfield Town Council selected me to be their representative on the Volunteer centre committee. I was delighted to be able continue to work for the centre, when I became a Trustee.
Paul Sparks – Trustee
I have lived in Uckfield with my wife Dorothy for over 30 years and following my retirement from Lloyds Bank, I have been actively involved with the community life of the town. I have served as both a Wealden, County, and Town Councillor for the Uckfield East ward.
I helped establish a Dementia Forum for Uckfield to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and their carers and I am currently the Chairman. Also I have been involved with Uckfield U3A for many years.
In 2012, I helped to form a residents association for Manor Park & Hempstead Fields including a well used surgery car service. I’m also a Trustee for Uckfield PHAB club.
I enjoy most sports with keen interest in football.
Tom Crellin – Chairman
I am a lifelong volunteer; having worked with both local and national charities since school days. In the town, I volunteer for the Manor Park Resident’s Association and Meads Patient Participation Group as well as the Volunteer Centre. Further afield, I am a trainer for the PDA Society, treasurer of South Sussex RAYNET and branch secretary for the Emergency Planning Society. I also offer Bible study courses. As you can see, my interests are many and varied.
I have lived in Uckfield for more than 30 years and care for my wife and daughter. I run my own business offering training and consultancy in cyber security, data protection and business continuity. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as a trustee for the Centre and look forward to making a difference.
Tricia Pope – Trustee
Before retirement I worked in Social Services as a volunteer coordinator, recruiting , training and supporting volunteers working with social services clients. This bought me into contact and partnership working with many local voluntary organisations including CAB, Homestart, Age Concern and the local Council for Voluntary Services. I was also involved in the allocation and monitoring of funding to these and other charitable organisations. After retirement I joined the National Trust as an unpaid volunteer manager at a large property (450 volunteers) in Cambridgeshire. As well as recruiting and training volunteers I was part of the management team ensuring that volunteers were involved in discussions about working practices to welcome visitors to the property.
Since moving to the Uckfield area in 2015 I have been a volunteer at Bridge Cottage.