Who we are
We are a registered charity (No. 1199385) providing a one-stop advice and support service for people facing complex challenges in Midhurst and the surrounding area.
The Hub was created in response to a growing need within the community. Since 2014, the founders of Midhurst Foodbank have seen first-hand how many people struggle to access face-to-face support, especially as local public services have gradually reduced. The Hub was set up to fill that gap—offering a welcoming place where people can get the help they need, in person.
Our first meeting of Trustees took place in June 2021, and we officially opened our doors on 25 November 2022, launched by Gillian Keegan MP.
Today, we are proud to be run by local volunteers, supporting local people with care, understanding, and practical help.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE HUB, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Trustees
The chairmanship will rotate every three years. The current Chair is Chrissie Abbott. Trustee meetings are fully recorded and held at least 4 times a year.
There are seven trustees, who are:
Chrissie Abbott
Has lived in Midhurst since 1977, is married, and has three adult sons and five grandchildren. She was instrumental in founding Tandem and was the co-founder of Midhurst Foodbank in 2014. She is a Foundation Governor of Midhurst Primary School and an active member of Midhurst Parish Church.
Chair
Laura Jandac
Is the owner of The Upholsterer business in North St. and is married with two children. She is well known in the town as a popular business owner and is also a Governor of Midhurst Primary School.
Mark Purves
Mark is also well known in the town as the former Chair of Midhurst Town Council. He works in the area as a fire officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. He is currently Chair of Governors at Midhurst Primary school and Trustee to Midhurst Youth Trust.
Jeanette Sutton
Was Head of Art at Midhurst Rother College and was a councillor on Midhurst Town Council from 2015 to 2023. She is married and has one adult daughter. She is also a Trustee of the Pest House Charity.
Martin Roberts
Worked in inner London as a secondary school Georgraphy teacher, and retired as a GCSE Examiner after over 30 years. He is an active member of Midhurst Parish Church, and keenly supports the idea of community involvement in the local area.
Dr. James Yeates
Is a qualified vet and manager who is currently the CEO of The World Federation for Animals. Prior to this he was CEO of another charity. James has over a decade of experience in advocacy for animal welfare and spent five years at the RSPCA as its Chief Veterinary Officer. He is currently an adviser to the Government on animal welfare. He is married and has three children.
Chris Gladstone
is an accountant by profession, married with three children and eight grandchildren. Chris moved to Midhurst in 2022 from Reigate where he had gained 12 years experience as a debt counsellor with a church charity. He is a member of Midhurst Methodist Church, actively seeking to support and serve the local community.
Dame Shelagh Legrave
Worked in Education for the last thirty years including being CEO of the Chichester College Group and latterly the Further Education Commissioner for England. She has lived in Midhurst for twenty five years and previously was chair of Stonepillow. She is currently Chair of the Sussex Cricket Foundation and is involved in various community groups in Sussex.
Annual report
The financial year of the Hub runs from April to March. The Hub was first registered with the Charity Commission in June 2022, and its first Annual Report was produced in July 2023, incorporating a financial statement for the 2022/23 financial year. The same pattern will then be followed in successive years.