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Putting the heart in communities

Meet the Team

Get to know the people behind Repton Community Trust a little more.

People

People play a vital role at Repton Community Trust. Our staff, trustees and volunteers are an essential part of running day to day operations, and making decisions about the future.

Dominic Scotton

Chief Executive
I became Chief Executive of Repton Community Trust in September 2024, but my connection to the area dates back to 2017, when I lived in Repton for just over a year. Even after moving on, I’ve always held a strong affinity for the community and the potential that a space like this has to bring people together, offer support and create opportunity.
 
With over 20 years of experience across the charity, early years and creative sectors, I’ve led organisations through complex change, growth and innovation. I’m particularly driven by work that has real, local impact where services are shaped around the needs of people, not just systems.
 
Since stepping into the role, I’ve focused on strengthening the Trust’s financial and operational foundations, expanding access to essential services and building partnerships that support long-term resilience. It’s a privilege to return to a place I once called home and help guide the next chapter of its development, not just as a centre but as a vital part of the community.

Charlie Lloyd-Lea

Manager

Originally from Essex, I moved to Repton in 2018 after 11 years of living and working in London. After primarily working in the private sector, the highlight of which was working on the 2012 Olympics games, I wanted to move into working in a more community-focussed role as I realised that I had a passion for helping people from a wide range of backgrounds. I was welcomed to the Repton Connect team in 2018 just before the centre opened and have relished the challenge of helping to bring the bricks and mortar of the centre to life. I have brought with me a wide range of experience which I hope has had a positive impact on our community. We have achieved a great deal since opening. It’s a work in progress with much more to do!

Diana Abuchaibe

Community Champion/ Facilities Assistant
Originally from Venezuela, a South American country, I moved to Ashford in March 2018. In my early years I worked as an English teacher. Later, when I had my children, I worked in their school as a Trustee. I am a Pastry Chef. And finally, I founded a company with my husband where I oversaw the administration. Meanwhile I have been always involved with charities, I find myself always helping people and taking care of them.
Since I arrived at Ashford, I have been involved with Repton Connect. I found myself very welcomed and comfortable working here and I’m willing to help with whatever projects come my way! 

Olayemi Ejemai

Finance

I fell in love with Ashford when I visited in the summer of 2019, and when we decided to settle in the UK in 2021, it was an easy choice for us to make Ashford our new home. In 2022, we got involved with Repton Community Trust through a charity supporting my young carers, and my connection with the centre has only grown stronger since. With more than 17 years of accounting experience across various industries, including entertainment, oil and gas, and the public sector, I find it invigorating to work with the team and learn about accounting in the charity sector. In my free time, I enjoy caring for my indoor plants and writing children’s picture storybooks; I have already had 16 of them published. I take pride in the work we do at Repton Connect because we truly are putting our hearts into communities.

Nancy Cooke (On Maternity Leave)

Champion-Mobile Food Projects
 I am originally from Croydon but have lived in Ashford since I was 16. I have worked in safeguarding and mental health roles. I am passionate about helping people and am thrilled to be part of the Repton Community Trust Team again (you might remember me from last year!)

Maria Price

Food Rescuer
I have over 6 years experience of working in the charity sector. Before this I have experience in retail, hospitality and office administrations. I am passionate about Mental health and mental wellbeing as well as holistic health and wellbeing. I have a diploma in advanced nutrition from S.N.H.S. One of my core passions centres on food safety & inclusion for people living with allergies & dietary requirements.  I am a keen campaigner for environmental issues.  I love upcycling, recycling and anything pre loved.

Trish Yaba

Food Project Manager

I was born in Royal Tunbridge Wells and grew up on a fruit & hop farm in rural Horsmonden.  I love to travel and ended up living in Turkiye for many years! I moved to Ashford in 2017, and I am someone that just loves to help people. Most of my career has been within the care sector of NHS and private care until I took a career change and became a qualified florist!  I am most content when helping someone in some way, and last year I was privileged to be asked to join the volunteers who run Ashford Community Sleigh, and I am proud to say I was the only female driver that year!  This is where I met the amazing Charlie who also volunteered to come out in December 2024, and I am now privileged to work alongside him as the manager for “People’s Pantry” and helping the amazing community in any way that I can.

Harry Tappenden

Food & Wellbeing Coordinator

I have lived in Ashford all my life. I am an avid football fan and have played local football since I was 4 years old. I have been a referee and helped out the local leagues on tournaments and cup games. I was volunteering at the centre for a while, helping with mobile shops and collections before I started working here. I enjoy helping people where I can and believe in reducing food waste and doing what we can to help in the community. 

Andrew Buchannon

Community Champion

I have lived in the Ashford area since 1999. After a gruelling 25 years working in the City, I was then a Portfolio holder on Ashford Borough Council for a number of years, including the Environment Portfolio, where I gained a very clear understanding of the environmental impact of food waste. I have been involved with Repton Community Trust since before the building opened and have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering there. Working for the People’s Pantry which both helps people who are struggling, as well as reducing food waste, is a very worthy cause.

Board of Trustees

Peter Feacey

Chair of Trustees
Peter is an experienced public servant and community advocate based in Ashford. He currently serves as a local councillor with Ashford Borough Council, bringing a wealth of insight into local governance, partnership working, and community development.

Peter was appointed Chair of Trustees at Repton Community Trust in 2025, having supported the organisation over several years in a range of advisory and collaborative roles. He is committed to ensuring the Trust continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive and accessible space for all residents, with a strong focus on sustainability, transparency, and impact.

Passionate about civic engagement, Peter is deeply rooted in the Ashford community and works actively to champion local voices and improve the quality of life across the borough.
 

Shelley Batt

Vice Chair

I have lived in Ashford all my life and on Repton for over 4 years. I have 2 beautiful daughters who both attend Repton Manor Primary School. I am passionate and committed to make Repton a thriving community and want the community centre to be at the heart of it. I bring my experience running a local business for over 10 years and more recently working as Head of Strategy and Planning at Circle Housing Association to help ensure it’s success.

Steve Tawney

Treasurer

I moved to Repton Park in July 2017 and have two sons who really enjoy spending time outside here and using the play areas. I enjoy most sports, visiting new places and going to pubs, restaurants and the cinema. I bring a lot of finance experience to the Trust, having performed a variety of roles in both the private and public sectors. It is exciting to be a part of bringing Repton Connect to life and these much needed amazing spaces will really help our local community come together.

Lee Gaynor

Trustee

Originally from East London, I moved to Ashford in 2021. My background is in music (production, engineering, events) and music education. I believe that music can be used as a tool for positive change. I am currently one of the managers of London based radio station PyroRadio and at the time of writing, has amassed a YouTube channel boasting nearly 45,000 subscribers and over 10 million YouTube views. You’ll see me around and involved with ‘The Arts Box’.

Ida Woodger

Trustee

When we first moved to Ashford in 2012, Repton became our home. We were embraced by a community and made lifelong friends. I also have 2 daughters who both attended Repton Manor Primary School and I am now excited to give back to the community and be part of the Trust. I bring nearly 20 years of governance experience from the corporate sector and volunteer experience from several years of playing in and running sports clubs to the Trust.

Volunteers & Helpers

Sandra

Volunteer Host

Sandra is a volunteer here at Repton Community Trust. Check back soon for a little more information.

Arturo

Volunteer Host

Arturo is a volunteer here at Repton Community Trust. Check back soon for a little more information.

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Contact Us

Charity number 1169444

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