LINDA BELL

Linda Bell is the Centre Director and Company Secretary. Linda has been at the Centre since 1999. Linda has been responsible for the successful development of the centre and has secured a range of funding, including the recent £1m for the Capital Project. Linda has had many years working in both the statutory and voluntary sector, specialising since 1988 in the management and development of community buildings. Qualifications include a degree in Cognitive Psychology followed by a two-year post-graduate professional qualification in Community Development. Contact her on linda@stwerburghs.org.uk

GOSKA ONG

Goska Ong is the Centre Manager at the St Werburghs Centre. Goska has a Master's Degree in Social Anthropology and specialises in formation and development of cultural places in cities. She also studied Economics and Business Organisation and has experience of managing business at change. Goska understands the challenges of multicultural environment and she manages the Centre’s staff, projects, events and bookings. She is dedicated to further development of the Centre and its projects. She is currently based in the main reception office and you can contact her on office@stwerburghs.org.uk

ALISON SAUNDERS

Alison Saunders is the Centre Finance Coordinator since 2002 and has over ten years experience of voluntary sector finance management, including both financial and management accounting. She has a range of skills including payroll, VAT, financial policy development, and well developed IT proficiency – she is also trained in full charity accounts preparation and charity independent examinations. Alison has been Capital Project finance manager, and has deputised for Linda Bell in her absence. Alison is also a qualified graphic designer with marketing and publication management experience.
 

The Caretakers

George Gardner
George Gardner is the Caretaker at the Centre and has been working here for 14 years. Before that he worked as a relief caretaker at many Bristol schools and when he retired he joined our team. He has a great understanding of the role and security systems. He works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and manages the premises on Sundays. He likes working with people and gets along with all our members.

Rennie Williams
Rennie Williams is the Cleaner and Caretaker at the centre since 2000. Rennie worked for Cadbury for many years as a packer and cleaner until early retirement in in 2000. During his time at Cadbury he undertook training in COSHH regulations, Safety Awareness, Food Hygiene and Cleaning. Rennie takes pride in his job and enjoys providing our users with a friendly service.

Justin
Justin has joined our team in 2010 as Monday and Friday evening Caretaker. He has helped us to move back to our newly refurbished premises and his 'hands on' attitude has been invaluable for the organisation during the time of the recent big changes. Known locally for his volunteer community project Occasional Cinema, he has also been involved in a variety of grassroots initiatives offering liaison, research and planning advice. Justin runs the free bike workshops at the centre on Tuesdays from 11 to 2pm and Fridays from midday to 3pm.

Joe Allison
Joe has been working with us for almost a year now as a weekend and relief Caretaker. He looks after our weekend member groups and helps at events and parties. He is always happy to help, just ask at the reception.

THE ADMIN TEAM

Naomi Ross
Naomi has been the Finance Worker since Summer 2010, working along side Alison.She has six years experience of working in the voluntary sector in Finance & Administration. She has a range of skills – using different accounting software; Sage, Quick books and MYOB. Also Tax, VAT and payroll skills. Naomi has two years experience in managing budgets and preparing quarterly claims for external funders. Naomi has an AAT Level 2 qualification in Accounting.

Heather Murray
Heather was working as Legal Secretary for 10 years, including working for Ministry of Defence and has now joined the St Werburghs team as an administrator. She's an experienced traveller, and enjoys playing the piano and assists as a voluntary befriender for Linkage. Heather also achieved top credits in Access to Health Science (Biochemistry, Physiology & Psychology of Healthcare).

Jenna Graves
Jenna started working as an Administrator for the Centre in October 2010. Jenna has over 8 years experience managing and planning events from award ceremonies, weddings, live music events, art exhibitions and workshops. She has organised our hugely successful Ceilidh Party in February and runs her business under 'Snowglobe Events' name.  

CEMVO & FUTURE JOBS FUND

Victoria Ford
Victoria joined the team in February through CEMVO and the Future Jobs Fund as General Assistant. Her role is admin and reception based. She assists us with day to day running of the busy office as well as ensures that groups who booked rooms for training or workshop sessions have all the equipment and refreshments for the day. She is interested in languages and studies Chinese and Japanese!

Zak Gaheir
Zak also joined the team in February through CEMVO and the Future Jobs Fund. Zak's General Assistant role focuses on helping us in advertising our events, projects and classes. He looks after the centre making sure the rooms and notice boards are tidy and helps setting up rooms for member groups in the evenings. He also covers reception and helps with general admin tasks in the office.

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Jules Young
Jules has been volunteering on our film project since August 2009. She is a local resident and a film-maker and she made the project happened. Her skills, enthusiasm and local knowledge have been invaluable. She has been working on documenting the progress of the refurbishment works at St Werburghs Centre and interviewed our members, local residents, architects, contractors and management committee members. You can view our films on www.buildingcommunity.org.uk

Alex Boden
Alex assists the Centre every Tuesday. He is currently training to be an accountant and assists the team with administration and finance.