Meet Our Trustees

Our Trustees

Meet the new trustees. Each comes with their unique set of skills which will help YWDAC and Southlands Arts Centre to thrive.

Due to a low turn out at the AGM, each of the prospective trustees have been provisionally taken on. There will be a month’s window from the date of this email for any member of the charity to raise a valid concern in writing with Paula – this can be anonymous.
[email protected]

Any valid concerns will then be investigated by the existing Trustees Chris Wright, Alun Lewis and Lakhvir Randhawa and a decision will be made.

Alan Boyd

Alan Boyd

Trustee

I have been an active member of Southlands for ten years, running the photography Group and organising exhibitions and other events. I did my degree in mathematics and, until my retirement, worked on specialist software for computer-aided design in the fields of architecture, cartography, and 3D printing.

I was a director of my own company and have experience with company accounts and VAT returns.

Rehan Wasti

Rehan Wasti

Trustee

Being creative, multi-faceted, and ever-learning – I tend to think outside the box, adapt easily, am organised, work well with people – and tech, and given that I’ll be surrounded with all things art. Over the years, I have been part of several creative groups and events: UB7 Creative Central, the Arts Workshop group, filming artists at Southlands Live, many Photography workshops, Xmas events, and exhibitions, and lately, some Hillingdon Vision workshops
Akvile Draulyte

Akvile Draulyte

Trustee

I am a passionate advocate for the arts and a firm believer in their ability to unite communities, promoting inclusivity and fostering a vibrant arts community. With a varied background in social work, adult learning and development and hospitality, my professional experience has equipped me with a versatile skillset, including business management, commercial awareness, networking, project management, event organising, and learning and development program design and facilitation.

Olivia Smith

Olivia Smith

Trustee

My professional journey has been guided by a commitment to social impact and community empowerment. Over the years I have cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of inclusive spaces and creative outlets for personal growth. I have also held marketing roles in various firms and ventured into entrepreneurship, running my own businesses.
Lisa Tompkins

Lisa Tompkins

Trustee

When Arthur Rooks retired from taking an active role in the coordination of the Southlands Art Exhibition, it was me he trusted with the legacy and the future of the annual exhibition and asked me to take over, stating that he knew it would be in trusted hands. Since then, I have carried out his wish with enthusiasm and commitment, introducing an annual “Shout out” to encourage new artists each time, while continuing to inspire and motivate existing supporters and contributors. This has helped to raise the profile of Southlands as an arts centre, while also helping to raise much needed funds.

Ben Parker

Ben Parker

Trustee

I feel my extensive experience of theatrical production and sitting on the committee for various theatrical groups would stand me in good stead for helping to continue the regeneration of Southlands, would provide a different voice away from the more graphic arts, and help to expand the portfolio of Arts available. Professional experience of applying for grants, and combined with my hobby and interest particularly in theatre would make me a good trustee.
Jason Merry

Jason Merry

Trustee

As a qualified Graphic designer with over 20 yrs website experience in Book retail, specifically e-commerce as a front web developer/engineer I believe the skills I can bring to the table can help Southlands progress in the right direction. I also have an interest in gardening, particularly growing food. I want to help us move in the right direction. I can help make a difference at Southlands.
Denny Holmes

Denny Holmes

Trustee

Having lived in West Drayton for 40+ years, I have only recently discovered the joys of Southlands from joining Making Time for Art. I so want to be a part of promoting this fabulous facility I the heart of our town.
I studied display and exhibition and attained the British Display Society diploma at college, albeit many years ago. It was wonderful to use my skills setting up the art exhibitions. My career was in airline and British Airways for 33 years in many different roles, including customer service, management and training.