Chair of Trustees

Margie Burdis

Trustee

Liz Robson

I have great memories from the seventies and eighties of music and talented friends from the Meadow Well area which make volunteering here a pleasure. My life experience includes loads of different jobs; potato picking, selling eggs on a market stall, beer in bars, hand painted cushions, crystals and oddly enough, research into economic development. My family takes up most of my time but I still like to see a live band every now and again. A film that I can really relate to is, “Little Miss Sunshine” and, honestly, I think my favourite food is probably crisps.  

Trustee

Katherine Forbes

I volunteer as a Trustee so I can use my knowledge and experience in policy, strategy and regeneration to help support and develop Meadow Well Connected as a charity to ensure its future sustainability and added value to the community and identify opportunities to really grow the service offer in response to community needs.

What's your favourite TV show/film? – that’s a tough one! My all time favourite has got to be ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with James Stewart – an all round feel good film with so many life lessons built in…..

What's your favourite food? - Thai food (no brainer!) – aromatic and spicy - love it!

What are your hobbies/interests? - in my spare time, you’ll find me down at the allotment (so therapeutic) or in my garden; upcycling ‘things’ and general DIY (I love a good power tool!); crime thriller novels (usually reserved for holidays); and, when the weather is shabby, I get my sewing machine out.

Trustee

Anne Marie McCann

I was CEO of a Multi Academy Trust in Essex. Although I retired, I retained a passion for education. I understand the importance of life chances for the children’s development and their future employment opportunities. 

My husband and I moved back to the North East after retirement and we wanted to be involved in our local community. I was aware of the wonderful things going on at Meadow Well Connected and volunteered to see if there was anything I could do to help or support.

I am a Newcastle season ticket holder and these days I look forward to each game with a degree of optimism. I love Indian food and reading crime novels. I enjoy watching old black and white films especially anything starring Cary Grant.

Trustee

David Slater

I became a Trustee at Meadow Well Connected because I want to support my local community. I am already active in charities involved in mental health and legal rights, and I volunteer at the Bay Foodbank, so this was a great fit. I have lived in North Tyneside since 1996, and I am retired from working in the Civil Service and Local Government.

My interests are collecting records, creative writing, reading and walking. I enjoy cooking, and eating out locally - preferably curry, Italian, or anything unusual.

Trustee

Wendy Hodgson

I volunteer as a trustee because I have lived in North Shields for over 25 years, and I like to support the local community. I first visited the Meadow Well Connected back in 2002 so I have a long connection with the great services that the charity offers.

I have worked in the fields of Regeneration, Economic Development, Community Services and Education in Local Authorities, and managed local charities involved with Health and Youth Homelessness.

In my spare time I research my family tree, and usually have something on the knitting needles whether it be a baby shawl or a Corgi. I also like to draw pencil portraits for friends. When not creating, I can usually be found practicing on the dart board in my local pub and play in Whitley Bay Central Darts League. My highest score with three darts to date is 171.

Resident Trustee

Wendy King

I started volunteering at Meadow Well Connected as I found not being able to gain employment in a while made my life very boring . I absolutely love volunteering there as I felt worthy and not worthless.

I've made loads of friends since I first started volunteering and the place made me feel so welcome. 

My favourite TV shows are cookery and crime programmes. 

My favourite food is chicken and my favourite drink is Pepsi.

Resident Trustee

Traci Malthus

I volunteer as a trustee because I live in the area and I volunteer in the community garden at MWC. I’m a retired nurse so I can use my skills and experiences to help MWC develop in response to the needs of our community.

My favourite film is the Big Lebowski by the Coen Brothers. It makes me laugh.

I love Thai and Italian food.....spicy versus comfort.

I love gardening and working in the community garden. I enjoy walking and being outside.