Tina Townsend
Anyone who knows me will agree that the Hub is my ‘baby’ and the volunteers are the ‘child minders’
I started the Hub plans in late 2017 with the help of Essex County Council.
My vision was to have a safe, affordable place for the community to use and to help those in need. A place where groups can meet and a place that welcomes all. A place for those who are struggling with their mental health; something we can all relate to at one time or another.
As a health, safety, environmental consultant and trainer I was also keen to help with both food poverty and waste so the Community Fridge was an important addition to the Hub and, with the help of the volunteers, we save lots of food from going to landfill and help many people who are struggling with food poverty
When we finally registered as a charity, I was so proud of what we had achieved and I continue to be amazed and overwhelmed daily by how our team work together to help the Hub grow and thrive
I am honoured to be the Chair of the Trustees and look forward to continuing its success in years to come
Stuart Gulleford
I am a media and public relations professional of many years of experience through which I have developed accomplished writing and organisational skills. I am new to the charity sector in terms of being directly involved. I came to know Tina through my work with the local MP and I have worked alongside her on many occasions, on a variety of different projects.
I have always been an admirer of the Witham Hub and I was delighted to be asked to become a Trustee and have the opportunity to use my skills to help promote the wonderful work it does in the community.
I am very community oriented in that I serve on the board of trustees at a local school, where I live in Tiptree and I am also a member of Tiptree Parish Council, where I serve on its Highways, Streetlighting & Footpaths Committee.
I am a skilled photographer, which I use professionally but I am also a keen nature photographer.
Karen Bailey
I am fairly new at volunteering, I started in the first lockdown delivering food parcels and prescriptions to the people that were shielding and collecting food from people that were donating to us. It was very clear that The Witham Hub is a much-needed asset to the Witham community.
When I went back to work as a driving instructor which I have being doing for 18 years, I missed the community feel, so now I am still volunteering on my days off. I felt very honoured to be asked to be a Trustee and take the responsibilities of the role extremely seriously.
On a personal level I am a grandmother and an avid gardener. I love to plant up hanging baskets, pots and growing plants from seed and taking cuttings. In particular, I love to plant up items like shoes, handbags and everyday pots and pans. I’ve even planted a redundant printer that sits outside our family business.
Ian Boorman
Over the last 25 years I have had experience of working in the construction Industry for various RIBA Architects and developers. For the last 9 years, I have been running my own business.
Giving back to the community has always been something I feel strongly about and action through supporting local charities and small groups.
I have been working in the background, advising on matters when needed. I am now looking forward to supporting the Hub moving forward into the future and beyond, for many years come.
Sara Doutch
I joined the Witham Hub in January 2021 right in the middle of the second lockdown. My main job is within the hospitality sector. I wanted to do something purposeful within Witham community whilst I was unable to work.
I have volunteered before for about 10 years so I had an idea of what was expected of me but volunteering at the Hub was very different and this was also during a very challenging time for everyone. I love the fact that at the hub we get to meet and help people on a daily basis.
Having worked within the Hospitality sector all my career and specifically in Human Resources in London for the last 25 years, I wanted to give something back so this is why I volunteer on my days off.
I was honoured to be asked to be a Trustee and will take my responsibilities seriously
In my spare time I love to go to the theatre, concerts and I also like to keep fit by going to my local Jazzercise classes here in Witham.