Chris Barnard Chief Executive Officer of Ouseburn Trust since August 2014 Expand Before joining the Trust Chris grew and managed a number of enterprising organisations with a focus on delivering social value for the local community. Most recently he worked as Trust Manager for Hartlepool NDC Trust and Director of Craghead Development Trust in County Durham. Prior to this he spent some time working within local authorities delivering community regeneration initiatives. Having worked for Byker Community Education Project nearly 10 years ago, Chris is delighted to be back at such a time of change in one of the most exciting, vibrant areas to work, with so much diversity and opportunity. Chris has also recently started competing in triathlon. He is a keen cyclist who has chaired Sunderland Clarion Cycling Club for the last 5 years as well as providing his services as a British Cycling coach. Office hours: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm
Hannah Bryan Heritage Programme Manager since October 2022 Expand Hannah delivers the Trust’s heritage programme - from managing the Victoria Tunnel, programming the Autumn Talks and Summer Walks, and all the other exciting activities we have to offer. She’s also responsible for the volunteers who lead our tours, walks and talks. Before starting work for the Trust, Hannah worked for Arts Council England and a range of museums/heritage organisations from the National Trust and English Heritage to Black Country Living Museum and The Auckland Project; always in operational and programming roles focusing on visitor experience and audience development. Outside of work Hannah is a keen baker and servant to one very fluffy cat. She also organises a science fiction and fantasy book club. Working hours usually 8-4 Monday-Friday You can contact Hannah here.
Cath Scaife Project Officer for the Natural Environment and Open Spaces since August 2022 Expand Cath was first employed by the Trust back in 2003, then became part of the Council’s Ouseburn Regeneration Team, working on business grants, planning for development sites and public realm improvements until 2012. She’s now back and co-ordinating activity around the Valley’s natural environment - working with volunteers, local residents and businesses as well as environmental organisations to make our green spaces welcoming to both people and wildlife. In her spare time Cath can often be found out in Northumberland on a bike or with a pair of binoculars. She also loves a bit of live music or contemporary dance. Working hours usually 9-5 Tuesday-Thursday You can contact Cath here
Maria Baranowska Marketing and Communication Officer since April 2020 Expand Maria was appointed as Ouseburn Trust's first Marketing and Communications Officer in April 2020. Maria comes from a varied marketing background but found her calling working in the charity and community sector. Living nearby, she's been a regular visitor to the Valley for years. Maria spends her spare time playing roller derby for Newcastle Roller Derby's Whippin' Hinnies under her derby name, Maria Pusherova. Her role focuses on helping the Ouseburn Trust reach new and existing audiences in order to promote the organisation's full range of projects and initiatives. Maria's office hours are 9am - 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Julie Carr Finance Officer since October 2013 Expand Julie does the Trust’s day to day book-keeping, as well as financial reporting and project monitoring. Before starting work for the Trust Julie worked in the voluntary sector, co-managing a domiciliary care agency in Heaton and directly reporting to the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders. Outside of work Julie is kept busy with her two young daughters. Working hours 9.30am-2.30pm Monday - Wednesday Email Julie here
Lesley Turner Operations Officer since November 2013 Expand Lesley manages the office and keeps everything running smoothly for the Trust. She enjoys meeting members, volunteers and visitors. Before taking on this role Lesley had been working in events and promotion for Age UK North Tyneside, including organising the Age Takes Centre Stage Festival every October. Before that she ran an energy efficiency advice centre in Newcastle and worked in rural community development in County Durham.She has also written 2 full length shows and 10 short plays reclaiming stories from Tyneside’s heritage, for outdoor performance by North Tyneside Community Theatre. Lesley has been visiting and enjoying the Ouseburn Valley for many years, from Byker City Farm to gigs at The Cluny, storytelling at The Cumberland Arms, and as a member of Northern Print. Working hours 9am-3.30pm Monday – Friday You can email her here.