The Umbrella Team

Matthew has been a trustee at Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre since October 2023. With extensive experience in business development, leadership, and supporting start-ups at C-suite level, he brings valuable insight to the Centre’s growth and strategy. Matthew is passionate about helping the Centre remain a vital community hub while exploring new opportunities to expand its role as a creative arts venue for live music, theatre, and comedy. He is inspired by the dedication of the volunteers and staff working tirelessly to keep the Centre thriving and is committed to supporting its evolution into a welcoming, inclusive space for all.

Simon has lived in Whitstable for 15 years. He held a number of senior housing development and regeneration positions in local government over a thirty year career. In 2019, he became a partner in an FCA regulated business focussing on developing housing solutions for the homeless.

David has lived in Whitstable for many years and has been involved with the Centre since 2002. Previously he worked in the field of quality in a range of industries both here and abroad.   His hobbies include reading and angling, and he has made his keen interest in the application of computers and associated technology available to the community through tutoring at the Centre in computing and digital photography.

Gary grew up in East London and has been a Whitstable resident for over 5 years. Since moving to Whitstable, Gary has opened a restaurant in the town and regularly volunteers in the community. From supporting local fundraisers with 20 years of DJ talent behind him, to being the Centres very own Kris Kringle – Gary is always willing to get involved wherever he feels he can.

As a Trustee of the Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Dan Moore plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of this vital community hub. Drawing on his extensive experience in leadership and business strategy, Dan works alongside fellow trustees to oversee the centre’s operations, drive sustainable growth, and secure funding for essential community projects.

Committed to fostering inclusivity and environmental responsibility, Dan supports initiatives aimed at reducing the centre’s carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency. His strategic insights help guide decisions on upgrading infrastructure, such as implementing renewable energy solutions to benefit both the centre and the broader community.

Key Contributions:

Strategic planning for sustainable community development
Fundraising and grant acquisition strategies
Oversight of energy efficiency initiatives
Supporting the centre’s mission to provide essential services and programs to the local community

Dan’s involvement ensures that the Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre remains a cornerstone of community support and innovation in Whitstable.

Craig was born and raised in Whitstable, he is committed to working with local people and wants to help create a thriving community centre for all to attend and enjoy. In past years Craig had spent time supervising and running the charity carpark at the Junior School with the Whitstable District Chamber of Commerce, seeing to it that local charities received opportunity and needed support. He also has experience in catering, events planning and finance.

From DIY to tech and design, Craig will turn his hand to most things if he feels he can be of help. Outside of hosting Centre events and fundraisers, you’ll often find him lending a hand at events taking place in town and in the Centre such as the Whitstable Open Gardens/ National Garden Scheme, Wild About Whitstable, May Day Morris Fundraisers, Whitstable Carnival Fundraisers and the towns festive light switch on/ Whitsparkle Lantern Parade and Ball.