I have been involved with RVA as a Board member for 14 years and am currently chair of trustees.

In my earlier career I worked for Action for Children for 38 years. I started working in a family centre, and when I retired I was Assistant Regional Director Southeast, having done all levels of jobs in between!

After I retired I worked as a member of a Fostering Panel, (10 years) and have been a Volunteer Coastguard (Search and Rescue) for 12 years. I was also a member of the committee for Sidley Community Centre for 25 years. I have been involved in a range of community groups, and enjoy being part of our local community. I also own a 7 tonne Green Goddess Fire Engine, which I have taken to various shows.

As Vice Chairman and Hon. Treasurer of RVA, I’ve devoted much of my career to public service and the past six years to various roles within RVA, serving a trustee since 2011. My primary role at RVA is to support our Chairman and Finance Manager across all aspects of our work.

I’ve been married for over 50 years to Margo, and we have three children and seven grandchildren. Actively engaged in my community, I’ve served as a Town Councillor in Battle and chaired the Battle Local Action Group.

I currently volunteer at Ashburnham Place, coordinating the Friends of Ashburnham Scheme and working at the monthly farmers market’s Artisan Bread stall.

I am Ollie, CEO of The Pelham, which is a local charity with a vision to enrich lives in real and diverse ways in our community of Sidley and Bexhill. RVA have been a key partner for The Pelham over the last decade, and I joined the board back in 2019 which has provided a great insight into the role of voluntary actions in providing vital infrastructure to local communities. I have a passion for community development and empowering people to fulfil their potential. I enjoy time with family and friends, living by the sea, and playing football.

I am originally from Manchester and have lived in Bexhill since 1988. I live with my partner of 24 years and have been his unpaid carer for the past 22. I have three children, one living in Bexhill, and two further afield. Of my seven grandchildren, five live in Bexhill, and one of these lives with my partner and me.

I have been a Trustee of RVA for many years. I am a volunteer and partner member of Heart of Sidley and I also volunteer for other organisations.

I volunteer as I want to help people as much as I can in my local area.

I am Director of External Relations at the De La Warr Pavilion, an arts, culture, and skills centre at the heart of Bexhill-on-Sea.

Over my 21 years at DLWP, I’ve strategically led on exhibitions, creative engagement programmes, community partnerships and communications, as well as an organisational rebrand, including the installation of new box office system, CRM and website.

My focus has been on audience development, cultural tourism, and social capital. Since the pandemic, I’ve driven internal equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, organised Holiday Food and Fun Clubs for children who benefit from free school meals and secured significant funding for youth projects. I’m part of the strategic team leading the Community, Creativity, and Skills Levelling Up Capital Project for the Pavilion.

I have many names and wear many hats. Some know me as Brown Owl, others as Mrs. Cook, the Sunday school teacher and collective worship leader at Battle and Langton School. I’m recognised behind the teapot at Mothers Union meetings or singing in the choir at St. Mary’s Church. I lead church tours and share local facts at the Almonry in Battle.

I serve as a councillor for Battle Town and Rother District Councils and represent RVA, as I’m passionate about volunteering and supporting children. I enjoy singing with the Battle Choral Society, am on a pub quiz team and recently visited all of England’s 42 cathedrals by train. I’m also known as Granny by two boys, Mum by my son and daughter, and Darling by one lovely man!

I am from a community and economic development background and worked in South East London, Birmingham and latterly Hastings Council where I served as a Director responsible for operational services and regeneration.

I currently volunteer with 3 charities in Hastings including Education Futures Trust and Hastings Voluntary Action.

I’ve lived in Crowhurst for many years and bought a family up there. I am also a carer for my wife Gail who has lived with Alzheimer’s for many years.