Trustees –
Bob Lake, Fiona Shafer, Janet Tourell, John Thompson, Mandy Chapman and Sarah Prall
Committee members –
Glenys Lake, Peter Strevens and Robert Prall
The Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC) Trustees and Committee members are a group of volunteers united by our love for Hadlow Down and a shared commitment to making our vision of a new combined Village Hall and Sports Pavilion a reality. Our team brings together a diverse array of skills and backgrounds including business management and consulting, project management, IT services, retail operations, marketing, teaching, the creative arts and surveying, reflecting the vibrant community we serve.
As Trustees and committee members, we are dedicated to enhancing the facilities available to our village and fostering a sense of community spirit. Our collective expertise allows us to approach the project from various angles, ensuring that we carefully consider the needs and desires of our residents while navigating the regulatory frameworks set forth by bodies such as the Charity Commission, Local Authorities and Funding Organisations.
We strive to ensure that HDCC is an inclusive group—where individuals can gather, collaborate, and share their talents. However, our vision is not complete without the voice and involvement of more community members. We are always on the lookout for new talent to join our efforts. If you are passionate about improving our village and feel inspired to contribute, we warmly invite you to get in touch.
Please email Bob Lake at bob.lake@live.co.uk to explore how you can become involved in our exciting journey. Together, we can turn dreams into tangible achievements, ensuring that Hadlow Down continues to thrive as a welcoming and inclusive community for all. Thank you for considering playing a part in our shared mission.
BOB LAKE – Chair and Trustee
Bob has a rich background in education, sport, and local government, bringing extensive experience to his leadership roles. Since becoming Chair in 2010, he has played a key role in supporting and developing the community centre project. As an experienced fundraiser, Bob has successfully secured vital resources for HDCC and other local projects. A dedicated community leader, he actively volunteers for numerous Hadlow Down organizations, strengthening local connections and opportunities.
“We have loved living here for the past thirty years. It is a truly unique place to be with much going on provided by a small group of dedicated volunteers. I became involved with HDCC, not only because I felt that I could make a contribution but also because I believe that the parish requires a suitable facility able to meet the demands of the 21st century and the needs of future generations.”
JOHN THOMPSON – Treasurer and Trustee
With a background in electrical and electronics engineering, John Thompson brings valuable analytical and financial skills to the Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC) project. His expertise makes him well-suited to his role as Treasurer, ensuring the project remains financially sustainable. Having been involved in Hadlow Down community life since the 1990s, John has long supported the vision of a modern, well-equipped village hall and has been part of the committee since its inception. His ability to navigate large budgets, funding allocations, and financial planning is essential as the project moves forward.
In addition to his role with HDCC, John is also a Trustee of the Hadlow Down Playing Field charity, which manages the land where the new Community Centre will be built. His longstanding commitment to local projects, combined with his technical and financial acumen, ensures that the development is carefully planned and managed for the benefit of the entire community. John’s dedication to the project reflects his belief that Hadlow Down deserves a first-class facility to serve current and future generations.
FIONA SHAFER – Trustee and Chair of Hadlow Down Playing Field Association
As Chair of the HDPF Playing Field Committee where I have been involved with the development and implementation of the drainage project for the new Football pitch and the resurrection of the Village Bonfire Night I thoroughly understand the background and the need, to combine the Sports Pavilion and the Village Hall facilities for the community and future generations. I believe that we are all incredibly lucky to live in Hadlow Down – it is a very accepting community in a beautiful part of the UK.
Volunteering allows me to contribute something back to making life better for others. I have made fabulous friends along the way, who have made me laugh until I have cried and provided me with the opportunity to do something very different from my grown up day time jobs as a Managing Director and a freelance Motoring Editor.
SARAH PRALL – Trustee, Fundraising, Marketing and Communication
Sarah Prall is a seasoned creative director with a diverse 25-year background in retail management and brand strategy. Leveraging her extensive experience in managing store opening programmes, spatial and visual direction, and large project budgets. She excels in cross-disciplinary collaboration and has a keen eye for detail, always focused on achieving the best outcomes.
Beyond her professional career, Sarah is a dedicated community leader, serving as a trustee for Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC). In this role, she contributes to strategic planning, oversees communications through the HDCC website and social media, and develops marketing materials to drive volunteer engagement and donations. Prior to her work with HDCC, Sarah was Chair of the Hadlow Down Village Fayre Committee.
Mandy Chapman – Trustee and Business Plan and 5 Year Strategy Lead
Mandy Chapman is an experienced project manager and has spent 30 years as a management consultant designing and implementing significant change programmes in all industries and sectors. She was also the Business Planning director of Tesco.
She is currently focusing on business planning and project strategy for the new HDCC facility. Alongside this, she is a Non-Exec Director for the NHS in Sussex and a volunteer and trustee for Engage Wealden who run TN22 lunch and social clubs for older people and who will benefit significantly from the new community centre. Mandy’s expertise includes implementing innovative solutions to drive business growth and efficiency. Her commitment to excellence and strong analytical skills make her a valuable asset to HDCC.
Janet Tourell – Trustee and Secretary
With a background as an actress and theatre director, Janet Tourell brings a wealth of creative and leadership experience to the Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC) project. Having run her own children’s theatre company for many years, she understands the importance of accessible cultural and social spaces that bring communities together. As the former Chair of the Hadlow Down Village Hall Committee for eleven years, Janet has first-hand experience in managing community spaces and advocating for improved local facilities. Her passion for ensuring that Hadlow Down has a modern and vibrant hub for social, cultural, and sporting events makes her an invaluable asset to the project.
Janet is deeply committed to giving back to the community and believes that Hadlow Down residents deserve a high-quality, inclusive space for gatherings, recreation, and the arts. Her dedication to the new Community Centre project is driven by her vision of a thriving, connected village, where people of all ages can come together to share experiences, celebrate local talent, and enjoy a range of activities.
Robert Prall – Committee Member and Build Sub Committee
Robert Prall has extensive experience in asset management and property development. His background includes overseeing commercial and residential facilities, optimizing property portfolios, and ensuring compliance with building regulations and sustainability standards. His expertise in strategic planning and project execution has contributed to the successful delivery of high-quality, multi-purpose spaces that serve diverse community needs.
For the Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC) project, Robert’s skills will help ensure the new village hall is efficiently planned, cost-effective, and fully compliant with modern standards. His experience in community-driven projects ensures the facility will be an inclusive and sustainable space, benefiting youth, the elderly, and those with disabilities, while also creating a lasting legacy for Hadlow Down.
Glenys Lake – Committee Member and Local Fundraising Lead
Glenys joined the HDCC Committee in 2023 and chairs the HDCC Local Fundraising Group.
After lecturing and management in further education, she worked for Lancaster University as South East Regional Development Officer, delivering an initiative funded by the then South East England Development Agency, aimed at business development and regeneration across the region. This led her to work across a diverse range of sectors:- Construction, Hospitality, Manufacturing, The Environment Agency, and the NHS to name a few. She designed and delivered bespoke training programmes aligned to the strategic aims of employee development, retention and advancement, engaging employees from executive to operative level across the age, ethnicity and ability ranges.
Having lived in Hadlow Down for 33 years and having enjoyed many memorable times in the current Village Hall at various community events and as a member of the Drama and Variety Club, she is passionate about achieving the vision to build the new Hadlow Down Community Centre. To this end she works with the dynamic and fun-loving HDCC Local Fundraising Group to organise local social fundraising events for the village community, which provide important revenue to meet ongoing Hadlow Down Community Centre project expenditure.
Peter Strevens – Committee Member and Strategic Planning
With extensive experience in overseeing complex IT projects, Peter Strevens brings valuable expertise in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to the Hadlow Down Community Centre initiative. His proficiency in managing budgets, and ensuring timely project delivery aligns seamlessly with the demands of constructing a new community facility. His ability to problem-solve, implement efficient systems, and streamline processes ensures that the development of the Community Centre will be executed with precision and accountability.
Beyond his professional skills, Peter is deeply invested in the Hadlow Down community, volunteering as part of the Hadlow Down Village Fayre Committee. His active involvement in local events and fundraising efforts reflects his commitment to bringing people together and enhancing community life.
The Hadlow Down Community Centre “HDCC” (New Village Hall and Sports Pavilion) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation ‘CIO’ which is a charitable designation that gives the trustees the same protection as a limited company. To see our annual accounts, visit the Charity Commission website www.register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk Registered Charity Number 1158375
You can read our Constitution here