FERRING COUNTRY CENTRE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Visitor Centre Manager
- Visitor Centre Manager Read
Amanda joined Ferring Country Centre April 2023, she is our Visitor Centre Manager.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Member of the Worthing Mencap Committee
- Trustee Read
Ann joined the board in June 2019, after retiring in 2009 from working part time.
Ann is currently a member of the Worthing Mencap committee, which involves running Buddys, a social hub run by people with a learning disability for everyone in the community to enjoy, so that no one is left isolated.
Ann's late husband Charles was one of the founding partners in establishing Ferring Country Centre in 1986. Therefore, Ann has been majorly involved with the Centre since its opening. Their biggest motivation for opening the Centre, alongside John and Janice Ranger, was their twin boys, who both have Down's Syndrome. Ann's son James still attends the Centre now.
Anne qualified as a doctor in 1983. After a long career, including 30 years as a General Practitioner in Worthing, Anne has now retired.
Anne's interests include gardening; she is especially looking forward to joining her husband's gardening maintenance business following her retirement. Anne also enjoys sailing, tennis, skiing and arts and crafts, meaning retirement will be a busy time!
Job Titles:
- Animal Welfare Manager Read
Bethany joined Ferring Country Centre in January 2022. As Animal Welfare Manager she ensures that the animals in Dales Farm are kept healthy and happy.
Bethany has an HND in animal management which she obtained at Brinsbury College.
In her spare time Bethany looks after more animals at home! She also enjoys creative activities such as drawing and watercolours.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chairman Read
- Retired Worthing Solicitor
Retired Worthing solicitor, Bob Rogers has been Chairman of Ferring Country Centre since August 2012. Bob had been a non-executive director of the centre for over 30 years before taking over as Chairman.
Bob's main sporting interest is rugby and he has been an administrator in the game for more than 40 years, during which time he became President of the Rugby Football Union, President of Sussex RFU and President of the local club, Worthing RFC.
He is currently Chairman of Sussex Region of Wooden Spoon, a charity which raises funds for capital projects for disadvantaged children in Sussex. He is married with three children.
Job Titles:
- Head of Support
- Head of Support Read
David began his trusteeship in Summer 2023, after a working life spent in the world of education and skills. He is a qualified teacher and worked as such in schools and further education colleges, including leadership roles in local Sussex colleges. He later worked for the government funding agency with responsibility for further and adult education and skills and as a university senior leader, before a very enjoyable spell working on the ‘WorldSkills' competitions that see UK pitted against other nations, in vocational skills training competitions.
He has chaired the governing bodies of a Brighton special school and of East Sussex College and has a keen interest in the learning and training offer to young people and adults with special educational needs. He has played cricket, football and tennis across Sussex for many years and is a passionate advocate of the role of culture, sport and the arts in enhancing the lives of individuals and of their communities.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Manager Day Activities
- Day Activities Manager Read
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Executive Assistant Read
Debra joined Ferring in February 2020, she is Executive Assistant.
Debra has a range of experience, gained in both the commercial and voluntary sectors. Her professional interest in the not-for-profit sector began as Administrator of Diageo's Charitable Trust and she went on to work for an international charity before moving into social care 12 years ago.
Debra has a BA (Hons) degree in the History of Design and enjoys reading historical fiction, going to the theatre, live music and dance fitness.
Job Titles:
- Day Activities Manager
- Day Activities Manager Read
Dee joined Ferring in January 2020, she is our Day Activities Manager.
As our Day Activities Manager, Dee is responsible for the day to day running of our Day Service.
Dee has a wealth of experience, having worked in learning disability services for 20 years and in management for 15 years. Dee has a passion for providing our Day Service Customers with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and experiences.
Dee is a keen walker and enjoys spending time with her family.
Fiona joined Ferring Country Centre in July 2021, she is our Weekend Manager in Ranger's Cafe.
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Executive Officer Read
- Our CEO Hannah Tombs Joined Us in November 2017
Hannah is a qualified Accountant who previously worked as Head of Finance in a national children's charity. Hannah was a long-term member of St John Ambulance, holding a senior volunteer post as County Commissioner Youth. During this time, Hannah was invested as a member of the Order of St John.
Hannah enjoys running, skiing, cycling and supporting her daughters in their interests of horse riding and dance.
Job Titles:
- Riding School Manager
- Riding School Manager Read
Helen joined Ferring in May 2002, she is our Riding School Manager.
As our Riding School Manager, Helen oversees all the activities in our stables and ensures the animal welfare of all our horses.
As a keen rider, Helen likes to take part in dressage competitions with the riding school horses. She has recently taken up golf and is an avid supporter of her daughter at free style dance competitions.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Manager Education and Outreach Read
Job Titles:
- Learning, Development and Volunteering Manager
Jackie joined our team in July 2014.
Jackie is our Learning, Development and Volunteering Manager. She supports our wonderful team of volunteers and enables both our staff and volunteers to access a broad range of training opportunities
Jackie leads an active life kayaking, scuba diving and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Manager Day Activities
- Assistant Manager Day Activities Read
Jane joined Ferring Country Centre in October 2021, she is our assistant Manager for Day Activities.
Job Titles:
- Author
- Marketing Co - Ordinator Read
Jo joined Ferring in June 2021, she is our Marketing Co-ordinator.
Jo runs 'Fergus Fun Time,' our club for toddlers/pre-schoolers and their carers. She helps to plan and run events to raise funds for the Centre. As well as keeping social media updated, Jo also represents Ferring at cheque presentations, talks and writes the Ferring Focus magazine.
Previously, Jo was a primary school teacher with a First Class Honours degree in Education.
In her spare time, Jo enjoys photography, gardening and walking the dog!
Job Titles:
- Chartered Accountant
- Treasurer
- Treasurer Read
Linda is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years experience in both New Zealand and UK, in sectors as diverse as Professional Services, Telecommunications, Property, and Financial Services.
Since 2009, Linda has been acting as a part time FD for SME organisations and Trustee and Treasurer to selected charities. When not working, Linda will be found walking her two miniature schnauzers in either London or West Sussex, or holidaying with her partner (preferably in the sunshine!).
Job Titles:
- Horticulture Manager Read
Malcolm joined Ferring in May 2011.
Prior to working at Ferring, he worked at a number of other West Sussex charities, specialising in learning disabilities and horticulture. He is a keen gardener and has built up an extensive knowledge of plants and cultural techniques.
Malcolm has a degree in Economics from Sussex University, and is married with two children. He also has a keen interest in family and local history. He writes articles for various publications and websites, and is currently writing a book on the history of the Worthing Glasshouse Industry.
Job Titles:
- Chief Finance Officer
- Chief Finance Officer Read
Nicki joined Ferring Country Centre in January 2014. She is our Chief Finance Officer
Nicki previously spent many years working as an accountant in the motor industry. Since arriving at Ferring, Nicki has overseen our finances, ensuring that the Charity runs in an efficient and compliant manner.
In her spare time, Nicki has completed a garden design course, and enjoys baking and reading.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Member of the Alpine Gardening Society
- Trustee Read
Peter joined the board as the 'resident horticulturalist' in September 2018.
Although Peter is now retired from full-time gardening, he still offers his advice when needed. Previously, Peter completed an OND in commercial horticulture and worked for five months on a nursery in France, before joining the family chrysanthemum nursery. When; like many others of its kind, the chrysanthemum nursery closed in 2000, Peter started a gardening business with his wife until he retired.
Peter has been a member of the Alpine Gardening Society for over 40 years, and is coming to the end of a 4 year term on their Board of Trustees.
In his spare time, Peter enjoys gardening, reading, music, history and wildlife. He is also involved with the local group of the Alpine Gardening Society and has given talks to local gardening clubs. Peter also attends French clubs and lectures.
Job Titles:
- Education and Outreach Manager
- Education and Outreach Manager Read
Raffaella has worked at Ferring since 2013.
Raffaella is our Education and Outreach Manager. She supports our Day Service Customers to access learning and interact with the broader community, using initiatives such as our walk and talk group.
Having always had an interest in social care, Raffaella has completed a Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 at college and her Level 5 recently.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Operating Officer Read
Samantha joined our team in 2012.
As our Chief Operating Officer, Sam is passionate and enthusiastic about raising funds for Ferring Country Centre. Sam is in charge of all things commercial such as Ranger's Cafe, the Visitor Centre and events. She is also responsible for health and safety throughout the whole site.
Samantha has a vivacious personality and enjoys, music, socialising and eating out.
Job Titles:
- Maintenance Manager
- Maintenance Manager Read
Steve joined Ferring Country Centre in 2022, he is our Maintenance Manager.
Steve's role includes maintaining the site, such as; fencing for enclosures, maintaining the vehicles and health and safety checks. Before Steve joined us, he had been in the automotive industry for over thirty years, as a modeler for companies such as Bentley, McLaren and Nissan.
In his spare time Steve enjoys mountain-biking, swimming and socialising.