Our (small but mighty) core team is based at The Centre (weekdays). We also have a team of voluntary helpers who support us. We build relationships with people living, working and volunteering in the surrounding areas as well as with freelancers, consultants, specialists and partner organisations who share our values. Together, we deliver creative, purposeful, and bloody awesome stuff.
Sharon
The life, heart and soul of The Centre, Sharon is a woman who knows what’s what. Capable of solving pretty much any problem that life throws her way, she can whip up a tasty banquet from half a potato and a handful of lentils. A Maryport resident, she has served as Chair of ENTRA and the Ewanrigg Local Trust and has worked tirelessly for the community over the past few decades in various roles. Mum to Bo, a lovable greyhound with eyes as deep as the ocean floor, she is fuelled by coffee and knows all the best swear words. Her scones are the stuff of legends. She spends so much time at The Centre, we think she might have a secret bedroom under the stairs.
Contact Sharon on
sharon@thecentrewestcumbria.com
Kate
No job is too big for Kate. Fascinated by people and passionate about creating a space for them to shine, she is happiest when she’s turning big ideas into practical realities - and she won’t sleep until she’s done. You will often see her out and about on her bike, or pounding the pavements in her trusty trainers, but don’t get in the way of her hockey stick. You have been warned. Fiercely loyal with a passion for social justice (and the colour purple), she will fight for what’s right every day of the week. She’s an absolute whizz with Lego and hates technical jargon. Kate splits her time between The Centre and her home office.
Contact Kate on
kate@thecentrewestcumbria.com
Rachel
Deemed a ‘born organiser’ by her first infant school teacher, Rachel lives her life through lists - which comes in handy, because working at The Centre, there are a lot of things to keep track of. Fascinated by words, (reading them, singing them, writing them) Rachel looks after all The Centre communications, which covers everything from promoting events to red penning rogue apostrophes. She’s also the Editor of Maryport Matters. She gets cross with technology and has a pair of boots for every occasion but please don’t ask her to cook, because she’ll freak out and you’ll go hungry. With a strong sense of morality, she’ll fight to the death for something (or someone) she believes in and can often be seen out walking, headphones on, singing along to 80s rock.
Contact Rachel on
rachel@wordsbyrachel.uk
Dai
‘Warm Welcomer’ by name, ‘warm welcomer’ by nature, Dai makes sure that anyone who walks through The Centre doors, feels safe, comfortable and part of the gang. She hates being in the spotlight and will run away from a camera at the speed of light – but she’ll move at equal speed if she sees someone who’s in trouble or needs a bit of help. A bit of a practical joker, she loves a good laugh and can often be found running round The Centre, getting into mischief and causing uproar (in a good way!). She has a heart of gold (wrapped up in fabulous dungarees) and can organise a tombola with her eyes closed. Proud stylist to Daisy the pup, she’s constantly on the hunt for paw-some outfits, and loves showing off her finds!
BO
Bo is a greyhound that wasn’t very good at racing. He is Irish and about nine years old. He likes a 30-minute walk in the morning followed by ten hours of sleep. He loves all food except raw vegetables and he’s at peak cuteness when his long tongue falls out of his mouth due to a lack of teeth and gummy smile. His favourite place is anywhere he can get food and cuddles.
DAISY
Daisy is a shih tzu / pug cross who was born on Hallowe’en. She likes to think she is top dog (and happily struts round The Centre in one of her many outfits) until Cosmo puts her in her place! Daisy is no shrinking violet and will yap at anyone who dares to walk past the office. Unlike Bo, she will happily chomp on a raw carrot, but her absolute favourite is Sharon’s cake mix. She can often be found skulking around in corners waiting for that delicious dollop to fall on the floor. Her favourite day of the week is Thursday when she joins in with chair yoga and the sound of the bowls send her off to sleep.
SPROUT
Sprout was found abandoned a few days before Christmas. As a rescue pup who was underfed at birth, he is rapidly advancing up the career ladder as a highly effective food thief - you have been warned! Pockets, bins, packed lunches, counter tops - no food is safe (sorry Sharon). Sprout loves cuddles, balls, and chewing things he’s not allowed to chew (again, sorry Sharon). He’s slowly but surely expanding his circle of trusted humans in The Centre who he rewards with a waggy tail and lots of licks.
Trustees
Our trustees give up their time voluntarily to help shape the direction of The Centre West Cumbria Ltd. making sure that we meet our objectives and continually move towards our vision. Each person contributes to the success of the charity by drawing on their own skills and experience (both personal and professional), providing help and guidance to the delivery team. Our trustees all share our values and are passionate about the local area.
Rebecca
ChairI have been involved with The Centre for over 10 years. I have been Chair of the Ewanrigg Local Trust, I am now Chair of The Centre, and I am a founding member of the WE WILL youth mental health campaign group.
I studied Mental Health Nursing at John Moore’s University and am now a Registered Mental Health Nurse. In my spare time I enjoy going out with my friends for meals, drinks or even just a walk.
I wanted to be a trustee because I believe that The Centre can make a difference to so many lives. The Centre means so much to me. I would not be the person I am now without the love and support from everyone at The Centre. My long-term goal for The Centre is for it to be here and running well in many years to come.
If I had to describe myself in 3 words it would be, hardworking, dedicated and proud.
Brian
TrusteeI have been involved with The Centre since the Ewanrigg Local Trust was formed, almost a decade ago. I am the treasurer, but I’m also here as a resident voicing my views as someone who lives in Ewanrigg. I work for Home Group as a Housing Management Coordinator, covering the West Coast, working in Independent Over 55’s housing schemes and two extra care schemes. In my spare time I love being outdoors and I have rock climbed and indoor climbed for many years. I also love to go out on my motorcycle and have seen some amazing places on my travels.
I became a trustee as I wanted to help keep The Centre available and open to the whole community. I love the friendliness of the staff and the volunteers at The Centre – you are always made to feel welcome. My long-term wish is for The Centre to remain open to everyone and constantly used. I’d love for more people to volunteer so we can expand even further.
If I had to describe myself in a few words, I’d say I was happy, organised, approachable and thorough.
Julia
TrusteeI’ve been involved with the community centre since the beginning – I was a Ewanrigg Local Trust committee member, part of ENTRA and now I’m a trustee of The Centre. I’m a carer for my husband but volunteer as and when I can. When I’m not at The Centre I love babysitting my grandchildren and enjoy taking them out on day trips. I joined the board so I could continue being part of The Centre. I love everything about it and second only to my family, it means everything to me! My long term wish for The Centre is for it to continue to grow and be everything that people want it to be.
If I had to describe myself in 3 words, I would say amazing, awesome and great.
Mary
TrusteeI’ve been involved with the community centre since the beginning – I was a Ewanrigg Local Trust committee member, part of ENTRA and now I’m a trustee and keyholder for The Centre. I’m retired and when I’m not volunteering, I like to spend time with my family. I wanted to become a trustee because I wanted to continue being part of it. I love The Centre – I’ve made some great friendships over the years, and we all help each other out when we need it. It’s like a huge comfort blanket – I don’t know where I’d be without it. My long term wish for The Centre is to see it prosper and it have a never-ending legacy.
If I was to describe myself in 3 words I’d say kind, helpful and loyal. I’m the social butterfly of the group!
Reece
TrusteeI used to help arrange community events for Ewanrigg Local Trust, before becoming a founding member of the WE WILL youth mental health campaign group in 2018. Now I am a member of the committee for The Centre and also produce some of the promotional videos!
I have recently graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a 1st Class Degree in Film Production. I am currently a supervisor at Starbucks and a Production Assistant for Film and TV projects. In my spare time, I enjoy taking time for myself and go fell walking. I also try and catch up with my friends as much as possible, trying out all of the different cafes and bars.
The Centre to me is a hub of empowerment, open to all that wants it. Maryport may not have as much compared to other areas, but it shouldn't stop us from striving towards our goals and taking pride in where we are born and raised. It's also a great reason to get out of the house and do something fun - there is something for everyone at The Centre and such a welcoming place. When I moved away from Maryport to study and came back to visit it felt like I never left, regardless of how long I was gone for.
I wanted to become a trustee so I can contribute to my community and help make it a better place. It feels very rewarding to see the joy the residents experience at our events. My long term wish for The Centre is that more people acknowledge it, and it becomes a staple of Maryport. We have the lighthouse, the marina, the promenade… and, The Centre.
If I had to describe myself in 3 words, right now it would be ambitious, indecisive and hungry!
Helpers
Many hands make light work – and this is certainly true at The Centre. With a small core team and only 24 hours in a day, we are lucky enough to have a team of helpers who give up their time to help deliver various projects and special events.
Our helpers are all different ages and have different backgrounds – and they all have different skills. We like to work with our helpers to identify their individual interests and strengths and find roles that suit them. You don’t have to have any previous experience to get involved and we can provide guidance on certain areas if you need it. Some help out on a regular basis, and some as and when other commitments allow.
Pop over to our HOW TO HELP page for more information.
Thank you to all our helpers at The Centre – we couldn’t do it without you.
