Marc

I worked as an electrician on the south coast before coming north to study 3D Design at Manchester in 1993. Discovering the Peak District shortly after, I fell in love with this beautiful landscape and enjoyed walking in the hills and still do.

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I taught in a primary school in Manchester for many years before following a life-long interest in nature and the outdoors. I joined Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and as a people engagement officer and enjoyed sharing my interest with adults and children alike. I strongly believe in the benefits being in the outdoors has for us all.

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I now work as a housing support officer. I enjoy playing guitar (badly), whittling and photography and have taken up running to keep fit.

Debbie

I became a Trustee at the Grapevine in August 2017, holding the post of Treasurer, this role I have since passed on to Nicola. Previously, I worked at the Source Coffee Shop, a Community Interest Company that is linked to Buxton Church in the Peak, as Finance Director and Trustee. I also worked as a barista when needed!

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Other financial experience includes preparing the books for a portfolio of private and social housing properties, undertaking a bookkeeping course prior to my work at the Source, acting as Financial Power of Attorney for family members and budgeting for my single-parent family. I also volunteered for the charity Christians Against Poverty as a debt coach.

I’m a qualified primary teacher but have worked in further education tutoring and assessing adults and families in Childcare, Parenting, Homework, Arts and Crafts, Science and Creative Writing to name a few. I’ve also tutored children in Maths, English and French.

Jo - Chair

I have lived in Buxton with my husband Ollie for the past 5 years, we have three children that keep us very busy and we lead Buxton Community Church.

I lived in Buxton previously about 15 years ago and I love this town. I studied Mental Health nursing at Sheffield Hallam University and have worked in various health and social care settings.

Through my experiences I have seen how important it is to have a place you can be and belong and I am very excited to be involved in a project that has this at the heart of it.

Nicola -Treasurer

Frances

I moved to Buxton 11 years ago and love the culture of this beautiful town and the beauty of all the wild open spaces around.

I used to work with people with learning disabilities in supported living services and became responsible for staff development. After qualifying as a teacher I taught young people and adults in Further Education developing their careers in health and social care and also Professional Social Workers and Nurses on Continuing Professional Development qualifications at University. I have also worked at FE Colleges in quality assurance roles including supporting community organisations to deliver courses.  I enjoy being a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind and also getting involved in local projects to benefit our environment, nature and wildlife.    

I am very pleased to join the Grapevine Team and hope to contribute to the important role it has in our town for its residents.  

Mark - Deputy Chair

Having studied Electrical Engineering at Huddersfield University and designed machine control systems for 30 years I retired in 2008 to pursue other interests.

I suffered mental health problems for a number of years, brought about by alcohol abuse, and was supported by The Grapevine during this period. Having benefited greatly from their services, and made a full recovery, I wanted to give something back.

I became a trustee and the deputy chair at the beginning of 2021 and now have a twofold vision. Foremost, I want to support those suffering any form of mental illness as I know how hard that can be. I also wish more specifically to help those suffering from addiction. Addiction is an illness and as such can be treated successfully. I desire to inspire others as a result of my own recovery.

In my spare time I enjoy fishing and being outdoors with my wife and our two dogs. I also play a number of musical instruments (badly) and love listening to all types of music.

Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah and I live in Buxton with my family. I love the outdoors and can regularly be found walking, or running (well more like jogging) in the beautiful Peak District with my two dogs.

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I have worked in education and care settings with vulnerable families and those struggling with their mental health.  I am  aware of the need for a place where people can find understanding, an ear to listen and meaningful support.

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I see the Grapevine as an invaluable resource and source of support for those struggling with mental health and wellbeing and consider it a privilege to be able to contribute to the work.

Maurice

I have worked in the computer industry for a total of 40 years, initially as a salesman and then in software development, writing parts of the operating systems for large mainframe computers. Later I became a project manager responsible for the introduction of new mainframe computers into parts of the Department of Health. I worked for the BBC on the Millennium bug project and ended my working life as IT Manager at the Buxton Community School.

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For the last 10 years I have been a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

I like walks and enjoy photography and in particular wildlife and the countryside. I have a guitar and ukulele which I play somewhat infrequently.

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I’m hoping that my depth of experience in industry and management will be of value to Grapevine.

Ana - Project co-ordinator

Having moved back up to this beautiful part of the country in 2016 after spending a couple of years by the sea on the south coast. I’m now very settled in the Peaks. I was pleased to take on the role of Project Coordinator in 2017.
 

​I have spent 20 years working within both the education and charity sector, I have worked for a wide range of organisations including Universities, local authorities and independent charities. In this time, I have also gained qualifications in Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming and a range of therapeutic therapies. As well as a degree in Environmental Science.

My love of the environment extends to my hobbies, of walking, gardening and cycling.

Sarah - Project Support Worker

I have recently joined The Grapevine as a project worker, having recently moved back to Derbyshire following many years living in London. I am excited to be joining an organisation that directly supports the local community. 

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I gained my experience working in different charity and NHS settings, and I am also a registered Art Psychotherapist. I have an interest in how creativity and exploring creative activities can support mental health, wellbeing, and resilience.  

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In my spare time I produce illustrations, taking inspiration from wildlife and nature as well as pop culture. I also like getting out and about in the Peak District, watching live music, photography, gardening and cooking.