The Umbrella Team

Julie is our new Events & Programmes Manager. Julie brings a huge amount of experience in events, hospitality and creating brilliant spaces for people to come together. She previously worked at The Workers’ League, a shared workspace and community hub, as well as managing venues and events across London, including with Festival Republic. She’s passionate about bringing people together and creating a great experience, and we’re really excited to see what she brings to the Umbrella’s programme.

Outside of work, Julie loves anything music-related, singing, dancing, you name it! She sings with Whitstable Soul Choir and loves cooking and getting out and about with friends. She’s also involved with SOS Whitstable, so she’s already very much part of the local community

Jack is our new Operations Manager. Jack brings lots of experience working with communities, supporting people and bringing teams together. He’s also a Scout Leader, so community spirit, getting stuck in and helping people thrive are very much part of who he is! He’s passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can connect, making him a great fit for the Umbrella.

Outside of work, Jack is heavily involved in Scouting and men’s mental health projects and is usually getting involved in one community project or another! When he does get some spare time, Jack loves live music, theatre and spending time with friends and family.

Matthew has been a trustee at Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre since October 2023. With extensive experience in business development, leadership, and supporting start-ups at C-suite level, he brings valuable insight to the Centre’s growth and strategy. Matthew is passionate about helping the Centre remain a vital community hub while exploring new opportunities to expand its role as a creative arts venue for live music, theatre, and comedy. He is inspired by the dedication of the volunteers and staff working tirelessly to keep the Centre thriving and is committed to supporting its evolution into a welcoming, inclusive space for all.

Outside of work, Matt’s a Whitstable Football Club supporter and can usually be found walking the dog, playing Petanque, socialising and generally having a good time! He first lived in Whitstable for a while in the mid-90s, before moving back permanently in 2003 to raise his family, so it’s very much home.

Kirsty has lived in Whitstable for 20 years attending many events and activities at the centre over the years. Kirsty is keen to support the centre in its mission to be an inclusive, warm, and welcoming space for all members of the community and look for new and diverse ways that this mission can be achieved. She has a wealth of experience as a project and people leader, gained for many years working in the pharmaceutical industry which will aid the centre in delivering key projects, ensuring long term stability for all users.

Outside of work she enjoys horse riding, dog walks, music concerts of all genres and the occasional fitness class!

Vicky brings strong leadership and entrepreneurial experience to the Board, having founded and grown her own businesses. Through these ventures, she developed deep expertise in strategic planning, brand development, communications and building purpose-led organisations, skills she now applies in support of community and charitable initiatives.

She currently works for a social enterprise business that supports organisations doing good work through smarter grantmaking and community investment. This role further strengthens her understanding of governance, impact, sustainability and how community-focused organisations can thrive.

When she’s not talking all things community engagement you might find Vicky exploring local beaches, supporting local independents and valuing the everyday connections that make the town feel like home.

Deborah is our treasurer, she  moved to Whitstable from London two years ago, drawn by the coast, the quieter pace of life and the strong sense of community. Having made Whitstable her home,  she then wanted to become more involved in the community and make a difference.
Deborah has  worked in finance for over 30 years, primarily as an analyst, with extensive experience in budgeting, financial modelling and financial planning.  She now able to bring that experience to her role as Treasurer at the Umbrella Centre.

The Umbrella Centre plays such an important role in the local community, and she passionate about helping to make sure it has a sustainable and successful future and hopes that her financial experience can help the Centre grow and continue to support the community for future generations.
Having reduced her working hours as she looks towards retirement, she wanted to take on a new challenge that would make a real difference locally, while also giving me the opportunity to meet people and become more involved in the community.

Outside of work and the Umbrella Centre, she  enjoy long walks, running and yoga, as well as spending time with my her husband and family.

Sam has lived in Whitstable since 2012 with his family. He works in the public sector leading on environmental and social sustainability, overseeing policy development, strategy, research, and financing through to delivery and management systems. Sam is passionate about progressing inclusive, equitable improvements to health and wellbeing, and believes strongly in the power of facilitating communities to achieve these goals.

Outside of work, he is a dedicated musician who enjoys performing at open mic nights, playing in various bands, and producing music in his home studio. Wanting to do more to support his local community, Sam joined as a trustee in 2026, where he focuses on the Umbrella’s music-related services and events.