Our Team

Trustees'

The new Board of Trustees' took on their roles in September 2018, determined to improve the building, make it sustainable and re launch it as The Orchard Centre. The Charity aims remain the same, to support the local youth population and wider community. The Directors' continue to be involved with all local events and lead on many initiatives within the town.

All of the Trustees' are volunteers who give up many hours each week to support The Orchard Centre. They all have the same ethos : a town needs a supportive community, it is vital for people to feel part of their town and that they are supported and encouraged to make it the best they can. We have great links with the Town Council, Cornwall Council, the Police, many local businesses and organisations.Please feel free to contact us on the email addresses below should you have an enquiry or wish to know more about the Charity and the building.

Patricia Orridge

Director (Managing)

Pat comes from a background in Project Management, Adult Social Care and Youth activities, with many years supporting and volunteering for Charities. Pat brings a variety of skills to the Charity and is a hands on Chairman, who paints, gardens and clears blocked toilets......she is the driving force behind the promotion of the Charity and its day to day running as well as planning the future opportunities to support local businesses and the towns community. We are proud to call the businesses that are based here, our 'Orchard Business Community' and the Charity and building is now widely known as The Orchard Centre.

Pat wholy supports the Charity Articles of supporting youth and the wider community and mental health is a high priority to her. With everyone rightly concerned about the mental health of people, we are please to say we host ManDownCornwall who run a support group fortnightly and Andy's Man Club who meet weekly. She is on the town CCTV committee, a member of the Launceston Town Plan Group, working alongside the Town Council and other local organisations who aim to bring improvements to the town, seeking funding opportunity and promote the town to support its sustainability. Working with the Town Council supporting them managing the Community Hub Funding, gives a great insite into the communties needs and creates opportunities for The Orchard Centre Trustees' to take an active role in the towns success.

chair@orchardcentre.org

Paula Bullen

Director (Secretary)

Paula works as the Estates Coordinator at Athena Learning Trust. Overseeing the lettings across all schools within Athena. Also a Town Councillor. Initially joining us as part of our support network, being involved in the town can bring a large degree of knowledge and information around funding opportunities and the needs of the town. Paula took up her role as Secretary in 2023

secretary@orchardcentre.org

Margaret Young

Director (Vice Chairman)

Margaret has been a friend to the Youth Club for many years. Our Community Hall is named in her honour for the contribution she has made supporting them.

She hosts the Youth Council for the Town Council, is a school governor, very involved and on committees of other local organisations including Lawrence House Museum, Rotary and is our Ex Mayor. Margaret was a home economics teacher and Assistant Head at Launceston College, and remains a Town Councillor.

Margaret brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team covering important local initiatives and opportunities. There are not many who have their local town more at heart than her.

Deborah Dingle

Director

Debbie is better known as an alternative therapist and as the owner of Kensey Alternative Therapies based at The Orchard Centre. Debbie became on of the businesses that operate herewhen the new trustees took charge. She wanted to grow her business but remain in the town. As one of the first new tenants, she showed great faith in Pat's vision for the building and belief that the building would be upgraded, refurbished and become an important part of supporting the community. Debbie had always taken an interest in how the charity ran, and was often a sounding board and great support to Pat. She joined us in November 2025 and is a true supporter of our community and charitable based ethos.

Chris Theobald - Facilities Manager

Trustee

Chris had been involved as a volunteer for a few years before becoming a trustee in November 2025. Often assisting with meet and greet, repairs, suporting the trustees with plans and is now a much valued Trustee. Overseeing fire regulation compliance, caretaking and standing in for the cleaner and supporting Pat in many ways.

Chris is a man full of humour a kind, caring heart and of hidden talents, making amazing things of all sizes from wood. Helping another CIC create a garden with a tranquil seating area built by him, the smaller scale things are practical and beautiful. See his facebook page Chris Theobald Memories in Wood, showing smaller items and bespoke ones.

Trustee Support Group

Carol Whibley

Carol is a local village resident, who has taken a great interest in supporting The Orchard Centre from when the new Board took over. Carol has cleaned, gardened and generally supported the other Trustees' and often attends meetings that involes the Charity in many town initiatives. Her local knowledge has proved to be a huge asset on many occasions and as a member of this committee. Always willing to help and her energy and enthusiasm is always appreciated.

Ewan Murray

Ewan is the Visitor Information Manager and sits on many committee's within the town. He is a valued member of the Town Plan Group and has worked with Pat our Chairman, closely in the past as they are jointly involved in many local initiatives. Ewan has been a great support since the new trustees took on the charity and we are very grateful for his time, skills and knowledge.

Jennifer Samways

Cleaner

Jenny joined us after our previous cleaner retired. Holds responsibility for the weekly cleaning, recycling and extras when needed. She has really become part of the team , working closely with Pat and Chris to ensure the premises are a clean and pleasant place for all to be in. Jenny often trons her hand to sink and toilet unblocking, preventing interruptions to the working day for users.

Our Lovely Tenants - The Orchard Business Community - without them being so supportive and understanding of our aims, The Orchard Centre would not be so alive or have such wonderful vibes and a feeling of energy when you walk through our doors.

The Kensey Centre - Debbie Dingle / All Woman Beauty - Clare Barriball / Peredur Trust,/ Step into Learning and many others who run courses and activities from time to time.

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