Our Directors

Sue Cunningham

Chair

I’ve been a Podsmead resident for over 30 years and has a long history of working in this area.  I’ve worked in Community and Economic development and for over 25 years, first in Podsmead Neighbourhood Project and then into the merged organisation of GL Communities.  I’m a registered Social Worker any my previous role was in Youth Service. I’m also involved with many other local organisations, providing leadership, management and support.

Gerry Hartin

Director

I’ve lived in Podsmead for 38 years and was brought up in Lower Tuffley so have lived in the area most of my life. The Blackbridge field was my playground growing up, and I am so pleased that it is to be kept mostly as an open field with free access – I’ve always worried it would become a housing estate, which would have been inevitable in time.  Now it will be saved and used for the local community as well as the wider community of Gloucestershire.

Bob Purcell

Director

I worked in the NHS as a nurse for 40 years holding a variety of posts including Director of Nursing. I was a commissioned officer in the Army Medical Services Reserves for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Major. I am also a founder, trustee and chairman of the charity which operated the athletics track in Gloucester per pro the City Council.

Mark Gale

Director

I am the founder and Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and have been working within Gloucester communities including Podsmead for over three decades. I have previously advised government on social inclusion, and been a national board member of the housing charity Shelter.

Anita Pope

Director

I have worked in public sector roles for over 30 years, in local government, social housing and currently the NHS. I have a wide range of experience at both strategic and grass roots level across a number of service areas including HR, OD, Housing, Community Development and Communications.  I am passionate about working with communities and people in a strength based way, listening and learning from their experiences. I have been working with the Podsmead community for almost 20 years and I am excited to be able to continue support investment in local services.

Isobel Johnson

Director

I grew up in Podsmead and after some time living in Plymouth and then other parts of Gloucester, I bought my first home here. I was Vice Chair of Podsmead Big Local for five years so I have seen the changes, challenges and benefits external funding has brought to the area. I work part-time in Community Engagement for my day job, supporting local residents with any ideas or projects that bring people together and improve health and wellbeing. I am excited for the new opportunities for local people, especially youth groups and those that are keen to try sports and physical activity for the first time.

Richard Fishlock

Director

I currently work for Active Gloucestershire as the Strategic Lead for Facilities & Active Environments. I have worked at senior levels in the community development sector for over 25 years and have been supporting the development of Blackbridge Community & Sports Hub since January 2020. Previous voluntary roles include Chair of Governors at Downton Primary School in Wiltshire and director of Arun Coordinated Community Transport in West Sussex.

Leanne Purnell

Director

The Blackbridge field was my playground growing up, and I’m pleased to see the amount of green space being retained whilst providing much needed facilities for health, wellbeing and physical activity in the City. I currently work for Gloucester City Council as a Community Wellbeing Officer that focuses on community development and have been supporting the development of Blackbridge Community & Sports Hub since 2020.

Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society Logo

Robert Panou

Director

Born and raised in Gloucester, I am passionate about the city I have always lived in. After working in social housing locally, I became a Director of Blackbridge CCBS, supporting its launch and helping to establish its legacy in Podsmead. Community sport plays a big part in my life and I have lead the development and growth of girls rugby at nearby Old Cryptians, establishing their first U14s Girls Team in 100 years.