PAN Together – the charity which provides a community hub for the residents of East Newport – has appointed a community centre manager.

The new post has been filled by Rachel Thomson, former head of business and charity at St Catherine's School in Ventnor.

Thanks to three years worth of grant funding from the National Lottery community fund, the new role will co-ordinate the activities at the centre, in addition to fundraising and bid-writing for additional sources of income.

Rachel will also be networking and hopes to maintain and develop partnerships with other agencies to bring more people to the centre to increase its impact within the local community.

Helen Osborne, lead trustee of Pan Together, said: “I have lived on Pan, on and off, for 60 years and, having been involved in the community for a long time, I’ve seen lots of changes, the main one since the start of Pan Together in 2007 being this appointment.

"We are the hub of the whole estate, old and new, and we also have an Older Voices’ Circle where you can let your voice be heard and meet new friends.

"I’m looking forward to seeing where our new manager is going to take us in the future."

Laura Byrne, Pan Together chair, said: “I’m delighted the position of centre manager has been filled and I am looking forward to securing a better future for the centre and, most importantly, for the community.

"Thanks to everyone who plays the National Lottery. We wouldn’t have got the funding without you."

Rachel said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help shape and make a significant contribution to Pan Together’s vision to develop the already vibrant centre’s role at the heart of the community to new levels.

"I’m really looking forward to the challenge of helping to secure its on-going and future success, to further support more and different local residents of all ages and abilities."

For further information about Downside Community Centre, or find out how to get involved, pop in, phone 248170 or email pantogether2017@gmail.com. Additionally, the Isobel Community Café is open from 9am to 4pm each weekday.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.