The Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for guiding the charitable work of Sandwich St Mary’s Community Trust and ensuring that St Mary’s continues to develop as a welcoming, accessible and thriving centre for arts, culture and community activities. Working in close partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), which is responsible for the building and operates the venue, the Trustees focus on its long-term development and improvement for the benefit of the local community. Their principal responsibilities include:
- Strategic direction: Identifying priorities for the future development of St Mary’s and agreeing plans to improve its facilities, accessibility and usefulness to the community.
- Fundraising and investment: Securing grants, donations and other charitable support to finance improvements, repairs and new facilities.
- Stewardship of charitable funds: Ensuring that money raised by the Trust is managed responsibly and used for its intended charitable purposes.
- Partnership working: Maintaining close relationships with the CCT, local organisations, event organisers, supporters and the wider community.
- Supporting the Arts Centre: Working closely with Siobhan Matthews, the CCT’s Site Manager, whose day-to-day knowledge of the venue, its users and operational requirements helps inform the Trustees’ priorities and decisions.
- Community engagement: Encouraging participation in the life of St Mary’s, particularly through the Friends of St Mary’s, and promoting its role as a centre for cultural and community activity.
- Good governance: Ensuring that the Trust fulfils its legal and charitable obligations, maintains appropriate policies and financial controls, and acts in accordance with its charitable objectives.
The Trustees serve voluntarily and bring a range of professional experience, local knowledge and practical skills to their work. They are not responsible for the day-to-day commercial operation of the Arts Centre, which remains with the CCT. Their overarching role is to safeguard the Trust’s charitable purpose, raise the resources needed for St Mary’s future and work with the CCT and Siobhan Matthews to ensure that improvements respond to the practical needs of those who use the building.
The current trustees and responsibilities are:
- Chris Bell - Friends
- Paul Graeme MBE, JP - Property
- Ginny Kearns - Fundraising Strategy and Governance
- Robert Pay - Chairman - Strategy and Fundraising
- David Silk - Marketing
- Lester Thompson - Treasurer & Property
Our policies are attached below.