The Management Committee are responsible for the day to day running of the Community Hub. They are elected by shareholders and serve on the Committee for a period of 3 years.
The current Management Committee is made up of the following elected shareholders :
Chair – Nigel Thirkill: I have been running our own business providing engineering services to FMCG producers and global brands. Prior to that a range of senior roles with experience in managing teams, problem solving and business management. I am passionate about maintaining a “heart” for our village that makes Church Fenton more than just somewhere to live.
Vice Chair – Paul Brooksby: I have been in the village for just over 5 years and in that short time have come to realise the immense benefits from living in such a wonderful community. From our initial experiences of nearly losing the assets of the White horse and then the shop to now having award recognised facilities, I have been so impressed. I would like to help in a small way to continue to enhance our environment, and feel that as I have just retired from the NHS that I now have the time to give something back to our community.
Secretary – Gwyneth Stephenson. I have recently taken on the role of secretary to the Community Hub Management Committee
having been co-opted in January 2023. Although I have lived in Barkston Ash for over fifty years I have a keen interest in the activities in Church Fenton, having a daughter and grandchildren living in the village. When the grandchildren were at the village primary school I helped on a volunteer basis. I regularly attend the Wednesday morning service at St Mary’s Church and am a member of the W I. I have found Church Fenton to be a very welcoming and inclusive village and hope that the work of the Community Hub will continue to consolidate this.
Treasurer – Rebecca Hunt: I moved to the area in 2012 and quickly saw that it’s a wonderful place to live. I’ve actively been involved in protecting and enhancing our community for a number of years. Myself and my family are members of various community groups and enjoy getting involved with events in the community. In my spare time I try to get out walking, read crime thrillers and I also enjoy learning new crafts such as card making and sewing.
David Herbert: We moved to the village in 1975 so nearly classed as a local. I worked for Yorkshire Electricity before leaving to start my own electrical contracting business until I retired in 2010. I was a founding member of Church Fenton Bowling Club and have served as the Secretary for 24 years. I previously served on the Parish Council for 2 terms and until recently was a member of the Village Hall management committee.
Mandy Thirkill: In addition to working in the family business, I support small and medium sized enterprises (SME) from start up to continuity planning, by providing business management support. I have always worked in financial organisations. I bring a well-rounded knowledge of business processes, strong knowledge of how a business runs, and the requirements needed from start up to year on year growth.
Sarah Chester: I have lived in Church Fenton since the 1980s, apart from a spell living in Newcastle while studying at Northumbria University. I have worked on a variety of village projects as part of my role as a Parish Councillor from 2012 to 2021, and also as a member of the Village Hall Committee. I am passionate about community initiatives, so was delighted to join the CFCH team in November 2022. I look forward to working with like-minded committee members on exciting projects for the benefit of the village.
Church Fenton Community Hub 