Meet the Board of Trustees for North Halifax Partnership…

David Eyers – Chairman
What made you want to join the NHP Board and when did you join?
This is my second time on the board. I saw an advert in the Friday Flyer asking for board members and I volunteered, re-joining the board in November 2021.
Where abouts do you live?
I was born in Southampton, Moved to London for my job, which is where I met Sarah, my wife. I moved back to Southampton and then moved to Halifax in 2008. I currently live in Ovenden.
What is your job / career history?
I worked for Homebase, the DIY Company, for 22 years. I have worked for the Police (first with Hampshire and then West Yorkshire) in different communications roles, since 2004.
What are your main interests?
I like running, but mainly spending time with the family.

Peter Robinson – Vice Chairman
What made you want to join the NHP board and when did you join?
Joining NHP was a new venture which helped me get more involved with the North Halifax Community. I joined the NHP Board in October 2017.
Where abouts do you live?
I’ve lived at the bottom of Ovenden Way for the last 24 years.
What is your job / career history?
I retired at 66 in 2013 due to ill health at the time. My occupation prior to retiring was as an Industrial Service Engineer on gas boilers with the same company for 30 years and I spent the last 30 years as manager.
What are your main interests?
I don’t have any major hobbies or interests, I like baking when I have the time. I also enjoy helping to organise and run Men United at Ovenden Park, also the Daisy Chain Café, at Blackburn House in Ovenden and at St Columbias Church Hall in Pellon.

Leoni Cragie – Safeguarding Lead
What made you want to join the NHP Board and when did you join?
I have been involved with NHP since the early 2000’s when I was based in North Halifax as an Employment Advisor. I remained involved with NHP and saw the positive changes it delivers and how the organisation is really committed to supporting the local community and the families in my area. When approached to be a Trustee I was honoured to be able to involved in supporting this innovative organisation.
Where abouts do you live?
I was born in Illingworth and although have moved several times have stayed in the North Halifax area and currently live in Holmfield.
What is your job/career history?
I recently retired from Calderdale MBC where I was a Workforce Development Advisor in Children and Young People’s Services. My understanding of the needs of vulnerable children, young people and their families is I feel an asset I bring to NHP.
What are your main interests?
I believe that the start that our children get in their early years is crucial to their having a positive future and that all families but especially those with disadvantage should have access to opportunities within their community that supports their future aspirations and their health and wellbeing needs.
Since retiring I have become increasingly interested in staying active both mentally and physically. I regularly attend Calderdale Adult Learning centre for yoga and Pilates.

Carly Gonzalez – Trustee
What made you want to join the NHP Board and when did you join?
My son used to attend Wellholme Park Children’s Centre and loved it. I wanted to put something back and was looking for a new volunteer opportunity.
Where abouts do you live?
I live in Hove Edge, Brighouse
What is your job / career history?
I am currently the Voluntary Sector Project Manager for Calderdale Council. I have previously worked in sports development, including as a swimming coach.
What are your main interests?
My main interests are sports, going to the cinema, listening to music and family time.

Michelle Fee – Trustee
What made you want to join the NHP Board and when did you join?
I joined the board to support and strengthen my local and surrounding area and families. I joined in February 2024.
Where abouts do you live?
I live in Mixenden.
What is your job / career history?
I have worked with families for the past 20 years within the Early Years Sector. I am currently a registered childminder in Mixenden.
What are your main interests?
My main interests are spending time with my family, reading and travelling.

Sandra Bowles – Trustee
What made you want to join the NHP board and when did you join?
I joined the board in 2019 because I wanted to support my community.
Where abouts do you live?
I live in Holmfield.
What is your job / career history?
I have worked for the NHS for 44 years and also 11 years at Overgate Hospice as a nurse.
What are your main interests?
My main interests are work and also my grandchildren.

Martin Wilson – Trustee
What made you want to join the NHP Board and when did you join?Â
I have previous experience of working in the charity sector: as a part of the Exec Team and as a Trustee. Both of these roles have now finished and I had been on the lookout for something suitable to replace them. I saw an advert to join the Board of NHP as a trustee and I decided to apply. I joined in November 2024.
Where abouts do you live?
I have lived in Shelf since 1998.
What is your job / career history?
I spent about 25 years working within the public transport industry, taking on various senior finance roles. In 2016 I took on the role of Head of Finance for Hollybank Trust, a local charity that offers residential and educational support for adults and children who have profound disabilities. After retiring in 2019, I became a trustee of Shelf Village Hall Community Association, a registered charity established to take on the ownership of the Village Hall from Calderdale Council.
 What are your main interests?
We have two adult children and one grandchild, so I have always had a busy family life. I have recently taken up golf and made a start on learning French. I also worked for a while as a volunteer in Shibden Park.
My main hobby has always been walking and climbing. To date I have completed treks and climbs in the Lakes, Scotland, the Alps, the Pyrenees and Africa.

Samantha Harrison – Trustee
What made you want to join the NHP Board and when did you join?
Living and working in North Halifax I wanted to be a part of making a positive difference and ensuring that people living in the area had access to services, activities and support that was specific to the needs of our community.
Where abouts do you live?
I have lived in Holmfield for 12 years now
What is your job / career history?
I currently work for Newground Together as the Youth Work Coordinator leading a team who deliver services and youth clubs for young people across North & East Halifax and Lower Valley.
What are your main interests?
I am passionate about ensuring that all young people have access to safe spaces, positive activities and support when they need it. In my own time I enjoy spending time with friends, travelling and going to the gym

Sue Hodgeson – Trustee
What made you want to join the NHP Board and when did you join?
I don’t like to sit around and do nothing, and as the weather is so changeable I can’t always head to town and people watch at the Piece Hall.
Where abouts do you live?
Mixenden. I wouldn’t live anywhere else as it is a great community!
What is your job / career history?
I became a carer and worked in a nursing home before becoming a support worker for people with SEND. I have also worked for CSS in the community, and I loved working with service users.
What are your main interests?
I love reading and watching soaps, as well as going on holidays. I also love my grandchildren.

Stephanie Clarke – Trustee of the NHP Board!