Meet The Team
Working together to help our community thrive.
At Park Centre, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
Our dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers share a common commitment: to strengthen our community by creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, learn, be active and feel supported.
Together, we work to ensure that Park Centre remains a welcoming, accessible and sustainable community hub. From developing new projects and securing funding to supporting local groups, maintaining our historic building and delivering community activities, every member of the team plays a vital role in making a lasting difference.

Meet The Team
Park Centre is powered by a passionate team of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters who are united by one shared purpose: strengthening our community while preserving this historic building for future generations.
As a registered charity, we believe that strong communities are built through connection, opportunity and belonging. Every day, our team works to create an inclusive, welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn new skills, improve their wellbeing, make lasting friendships and access the support they need.
Bringing Park Centre back to life after its four-year closure was only the beginning. Since reopening in September 2025, our team has continued to transform the centre into a vibrant community hub by securing funding, developing partnerships, supporting local organisations, maintaining and improving our historic building, and creating opportunities that benefit thousands of people each year.
Behind every activity, event, community group and improvement is a team of dedicated people committed to ensuring Park Centre remains financially sustainable, accessible and responsive to the changing needs of our community. Their passion, expertise and commitment help safeguard an important part of Burgess Hill's heritage while creating opportunities that will benefit local people for generations to come.
We are incredibly proud of the people behind Park Centre. Their dedication, generosity and belief in the power of community are what make everything we do possible.

Yann Davies
Chairman
I’m Yann Davies, the proud Managing Director of ABCOM IT Solutions (abcom.co.uk).
Our focus has been on enhancing our IT systems and helpdesk, aiming to support small to medium-sized businesses and charities.
My expertise in technology can significantly benefit charities and youth clubs, and through my extensive business network, I’m well-positioned to source skills and assistance for these organisations.

Matthew Cornish
Trustee
As a fundraising professional, I have worked with small/ start-up organisations, medium sized charities and currently with a large international NGO as a philanthropy manager.
I bring a wealth of fundraising and strategic development skills that have maximised voluntary income streams, built brand profile and expanded service delivery. I have taken several voluntary positions within the community including Primary School Governor. I am currently a Town and District Councillor in my second term, and actively participate in supporting the community in which I live.

Pauline Southam
Trustee
Spent many years involved in all things ‘property’. I worked for international banks in Real Estate and we were the second biggest lending bank for developments such as the Canada Tower, Canary Wharf.
I set up my own Limited company for buying, refurbishing and selling domestic properties around Canary Wharf and beyond. I co-managed Chainbow and went on to run Estate & Property Management in Haywards Heath
These diverse roles stands me in good stead to bring my skills to the table, keeping and improving the integrity of The Park Centre with the assistance of others.

Rebecca Shaw
Trustee
My long and eclectic professional background positions me well to support Park Centre as it strengthens its place in the community.
Starting as a defence industry analyst before moving into technology start-up support, problem-solving in various guises has been the thread running through my career.
Living close to Park Centre, I look forward to supporting the amazing team here and watching it go from strength to strength

Richard Cherry
Trustee
A marketing and communications director with considerable experience of all elements of the marketing mix: experience gained across the public, not for profit and private sectors.

Sara Jenkins
Trustee
I have been born and bred in Burgess Hill.
I have to say that it has been sad seeing the building sat unloved recently. It had been a very important part of the town.
Burgess Hill is important to me and the community. I served as a Town Councillor before changing roles and becoming a Mum 15 year’s ago.
Park Centre it’s self holds a lot of memories of friends and time’s shared at Youth Club on a Friday night along with other events.
Being asked to become part of the trustee team for PC has been an honour. It has a team of passionate people who are already involved in making a difference.
I am proud to see the centre come alive again. An important legacy given so long ago. Now finally finding it’s modern place for community in it’s four walls.

Karen Taylor
Building Manager
In 2018, a young lad of 15, in my daughter’s year, unfortunately took his own life. For someone to feel like there was no other way, at such a young age, was enough for me to do something about it.
We managed to open The Escape Youth Club on 10th January 2020. We wanted our club to be different from any other, not only to provide a safe place to hang out with friends, take part in activities but to also help with their mental health and well-being.

Calley Hayes
nee Bryson
Community Development Officer
Calley was appointed as Community Development Officer in June 2025, having previously served as both a trustee and volunteer at Park Centre. A resident of Burgess Hill for over 11 years and a former local business owner, she is passionate about strengthening the local community.
Drawing on her lived experience as a disabled person and carer, Calley is a strong advocate for inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities. She works closely with trustees, volunteers, community groups and funding partners to help Park Centre grow as a welcoming, inclusive and sustainable community hub for everyone.
Join us as a Trustee
Are you passionate about your community and want to help shape the future of Park Centre?
We are looking for people who can bring their skills, experience and enthusiasm to our Board of Trustees. Whether you have experience in finance, fundraising, governance, community development or simply a strong commitment to making a difference, we would love to hear from you.
As a Trustee, you will help guide the charity, support our ambitious plans and ensure Park Centre continues to serve the community for many years to come.
Interested in joining us? Get in touch to find out more about becoming a Trustee.

