The Team

Our friendly and professional team are here to help you enjoy your time at the Glasshoughton Centre. Between us, we have been serving the local community here for 6 years. We always try to make sure everything is as you would hope - clean, safe and welcoming. If this is ever not the case, do please let one of us know so we can try to put things right. Our customers matter to us.

Derek Stead

My name is Derek Stead, and I am the Centre Development Manager for the centre.
I have been in post for over six years, since the main building was completed. As most people know, we have developed many and varied services for local Glasshoughton people over this time. With the completion of our new Activity Studio, we will be able to do much more, especially dance, drama and physical exercise.

Former roles leading to this one
I have had lots of jobs in my time, but in more recent times this has figured mainly around physical regeneration, the environment and health improvement.

Best part of job
I enjoy many different aspects of the job. Working in the interests of the local Glasshoughton community is probably the most satisfying. Also, Glasshoughton Community Forum members I feel have done a marvellous job in creating all these facilities and services for all people living in Glasshoughton. It’s good to be part of this team.

Most challenging part
There are many challenging aspects to the job. Ensuring that we have enough money to do what we want at the Centre has probably got to the biggest challenge, but it is important to look to the future to ensure that we have modern and varied facilities for Glasshougthon people for the future too.

Bit about me
I like many rural sports and activities. I am not a cricketer or footballer – so that means I can always remain neutral on the odd occasions that disputes here arise!

Looking ahead
I look forward to providing more services and facilities which are of benefit for local Glasshoughton people and really hope that more local people will join us. I know the Directors here would welcome more Glasshoughton people sharing in the management of the centre, and assisting in the planning of new sustainable services in the future. The centre is well respected for its achievements in wider circles throughout the region, and we need to keep up this high profile in the future.

Rachel Rayner

My name is Rachel Rayner and I am the Children & Families Development Coordinator at the Glasshoughton Centre.

Former roles leading to this one
I have been in this role for four years but previously worked in a primary school in Leeds, was assistant head at a children’s activity centre and worked as a tutor for the WEA delivering family learning courses. My current role is part time, so I also do some work for ‘Aimhigher’ in primary schools.

Best part of job
I love working with families and thoroughly enjoy my job! Watching children and their parents blossom is so rewarding. In 2006, I was nominated by a group of parents for the Sue Ryder Yorkshire Woman of Achievement for Education and I won! This was a fantastic day and one I will never forget!

Most challenging part
The most challenging part of my job is trying to fit all the work into part time hours! I wish there were more hours in the day! Or perhaps less work…….but it keeps me out of trouble!!! The ‘to do’ list never gets to the end!
 
Bit about me
I am married with two gorgeous girls, Olivia and Isabelle. We all love being outdoors and walking. We recently bought a caravan and love the freedom of being able to travel around and see different parts of the country. So when I’m not at the centre- that’s where I’ll be! The girls and I also really like doing creative things and making a mess too! I am also doing my family history so this is taking up a big chunk of my free time! Very interesting though!!!

Looking ahead
I am looking forward to meeting more families in the area and the challenge of running sessions to meet their needs with less and less space to do it in! May have to find new premises!!!

Craig Moss

My name is Craig Moss and I am the Sport & Active Lifestyles Development Coordinator at the Glasshoughton Centre.

Former roles leading to this one
Former Sport and Recreation Officer in Doncaster 
Head Sports Coach for a major sports college.

Best part of job
I take great satisfaction working with each individual to reach their fitness goals and also delivering my healthy lifestyles sessions to larger groups.  

Most challenging part
The most challenging part of my job is making people aware of the need to lead a healthy lifestyle.
 
Bit about me
I'm a very active person and I really enjoy playing and coaching all different types of physical activity. I'm also a big socializer and follower of rugby.

Looking ahead 
Here at the Glasshoughton centre my goal is to try and build up a number of different exercise classes and healthy lifestyle sessions for the local community.

May Ling Lai

My name is May Ling Lai and I am the Events & Hospitality Coordinator at the Glasshoughton Centre.

 

Former roles leading to this one
I worked as a Sales Consultant for the Cooperative Bank for 2 years previous.

Best part of job
I love meeting different people and getting to know them on a personal as well as a business level. I’m happy when events run according to schedule and are a major success.    

Most challenging part
Spreading the word! Wish more people knew where we were!
 
Bit about me
I majored in Japanese and Management at the University of Leeds. After I spent a year abroad in Japan, I caught the travel bug and have visited many places, some memorable, some not. My other love is food and will try anything once! I love dining and hanging out with friends. My favourite restaurant at the moment is Brasserie Blanc in Leeds but you can’t beat a Nandos anyday!

Looking ahead 
I want to let the world know how great the Glasshoughton Centre is and how it can benefit people from all walks of life. We are here for you from that very first telephone call right through to the end of the event even cleaning up after you.

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Lindsey Griffiths

My name is Lindsey and I am the Administrative Assistant.

Former roles leading to this one

Best part of job

Most challenging part

Bit about me

Looking ahead
 

Joe Clinton

My name is Joe Clinton and I am one of the Caretakers at the centre.

Former roles leading to this one
I worked at Glasshoughton colliery for 20 years and then went to the glass works for three years. I then went on to work as a charge hand at Kellingley colliery. I was on the Glasshoughton Welfare committee for 12 years and am currently on the Castleford FA Committee.

Best part of job
Meeting different people every day.

Most challenging part
Getting up early every morning to make sure the centre is ready for business!

Bit about me
I have two boys, a girl and six grandchildren. One son lives in Canada and the other in America so I try to get to see them whenever possible. I really like cricket and I try to get to watch that or football as often as I can.

Looking ahead
I am looking forward to the continuing in my role and visiting Canada or America soon!

Neil Bolland

My name is Neil and I am one of the Caretakers at the Glasshoughton Centre

Former roles leading to this one
I have previous experience as a builder and plasterer.

Best part of job
I enjoy working with the team who have made me feel very welcome!

Most challenging part
Making tea for everyone.

Rob Sperrin

My name is Rob Sperrin and I am one of the Caretakers at the Glasshoughton Centre

Former roles leading to this one

I started off as an office junior working for a Solicitors located in Wakefield. I was there for 4 years and eventually moved onto work in accounts for the same company.

Best part of job

Working around the local community activities and meeting all the people.

Most challenging part

Keeping everyone happy and make sure all needs are met.
 
Bit about me

I enjoy playing cricket every week for Glasshoughton, but prefer the after drinking part.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward to the warmer months 

Ryan Nottingham

My name is Ryan Nottingham and I am one of the Caretakers at the Glasshoughton Centre 

Former roles leading to this one

I use to be a painter and decorator and have had some experience working in the bar. 

Best part of job

The best part of my job is providing a very high standard of service to my customers. 

Most challenging part

The most challenging part of my job - unblocking the toilets
 
Bit about me

I enjoy reading in my spare time. My favourite author of all time is Philip Pullman. I like listening to music by Evil Scarecrow and Evanescence 

Looking Ahead

Looking forward to the festive season