American writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson said
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
Our Trustees
Kate Heywood
Chair
I grew up in South London playing with my brothers at the Plumstead Common adventure playground. Now living near Marble Hill with my own children, I love the unique freedom and creativity they and their friends are able to enjoy here, including those with additional needs. I manage grant programmes to charities and schools in my day job, and am keen to help make sure local and national funders are aware of the essential role MHPC plays in the local community and the great things that go on here.
Stephen Cooper
Treasurer
I am a Chartered Accountant and Corporate Treasurer. I spent 25 years funding and monitoring infrastructure businesses, and now want to bring that experience to the voluntary sector.
Marble Hill Playcentres appeals to me, as I can remember playing out as a child in the 70’s, in the streets and parks near where I lived. I think MHP helps to recreate that sense of freedom that children need.
Robert Ivens
Trustee
I am a solicitor, with a background of working as an in-house lawyer for most of my career with Marks & Spencer. During the last few years, I have been a legal consultant for a mix of public sector organisations, private companies and law firms. I was encouraged to become a trustee of Marble Hill Playcentres as both my (now adult) daughters were enthusiastic members of the One O’clock Club.
Siobhain Schofield
Trustee
Reine Wong
Trustee
I am an architect and a mother of two young children living in the borough of Richmond. I have fond memories of playgrounds back in my hometown outside the UK. I have been amazed by the rich play elements and opportunities for all children and families at the adventure playgrounds in London. With my passion for public space design and championing inclusion, I was happy to join Marble Hill Playcentres as a trustee in 2022 to help drive improvements in the built environment.
Fin Cullen
Trustee
I live locally and am a parent of two children who love the adventure playground. With over three decades of experience within the youth work field as a youth and community worker and academic, I also research and write about children and youth cultures and play work. I grew up as a freerange child in the 70’s and 80’s in Lancashire, spending my days playing on the beach and attending local play facilities. I’m committed to play work and fostering community based play work.
Our On-site Team
Claire Chapman
Manager
I am a lifelong Twickenham resident, and parent to 4 children who are all at school and college locally. I have worked in children’s play for nearly 30 years. I have experience of delivering a wide range of play projects in a variety of settings including schools, children’s centres, community spaces, beach/nature play and adventure play.
I hold a Cert HE in Playwork, a Higher Level Diploma in Managing Children’s Services and have spent time as a tutor/assessor for Playwork Qualifications. I am also a qualified Forest School teacher with almost 10 years practice.
I am extremely passionate about play and the benefits it has for children, adults and the wider community. I am happy to be providing services via my own Community Interest Company ‘Brilliant Play’ in partnership with MHPC to provide the expertise needed to provide the best possible service to our community. I used to attend the AP myself as a child and want to ensure that future generations can benefit from these fantastic community facilities.
Nikki Mackinney
Office Administrator
I’m a mother of 2 teenage boys and joined Marble Hill Playcentres in 2017 as Office Administrator. As well as the general admin duties in the office, I am also responsible for managing all party/private hire bookings for the Adventure Playground and One O’Clock Club, and overseeing the public session online bookings. My graphic design background means I’m also involved in marketing material as and when required, and updating the website.
My children used to visit the Adventure Playground regularly, and I feel proud that I’m part of a unique facility in our community that has been around for nearly 50 years!
Emily Clarke
Playworker & Administrator
There was one place you’d always find me as a child, and that’s Marble Hill Playcentres! I have met and made life long friends here, and have many happy memories from childhood into my teens.
I have worked for Brilliant Play for 5 + years. I started as an apprentice doing level 2 childcare and then continued on as a Playworker. A couple of years later I picked up the role of Admin for Brilliant Play. Through the years I’ve done various courses and training to help aid my knowledge and understanding of my role as a Playworker and will continue to do so.
I am proud and excited that I’m now able to be part of providing that same unique experience for others who attend MHPC today.
Tippy
Playworker
Nicola Pitcher
Playworker
I grew up in the West Midlands and have fond memories of riding my bike for hours, playing on a pogo stick or roller skates and building dens in the woods.
Mum to two teenagers, I work as a Learning Support Assistant in a Primary School and joined Marble Hill Playcentres in the Summer of 2023. I studied Art and Textile Design and remain passionately about the benefits of expression through art and experimenting with different materials.
A keen hiker, I love being outdoors in all weathers and seeing the seasons changing. Getting out in nature with children playing and exploring is the perfect boost and always gets me smiling.
Patricia Strickland
Playworker
I joined the Playworker team in the summer of 2023. I previously worked at the House of Commons for many years after teaching. I have worked in after school clubs and nannied, and I also work as an English tutor.
I virtually live in Marble Hill Park, as I walk my golden retriever Dougal there most days. It is a great privilege to work there too, with such a wonderful bunch of colleagues.
There’s so much more to the Playcentres now than there was when my own children used to come, and it’s great to see the children challenge themselves and develop their confidence, in the beautiful setting of Marble Hill Park.
40 Years of Play at Marble Hill Playcentres
We want all ages from every part of the borough to continue to enjoy and benefit from our safe and beautiful space and most importantly, as Bob Keeshan would say, for children to continue their work.
Testimonials
Praise for Marble Hill Playcentres
“I like that the children can have some independence supported by friendly staff and that there are options for different levels.”
“A safe secure place for me to go with multiple children where I know they can enjoy child-led play with set-ups and activities that change all the time to offer a great variety, and I can keep an eye on everyone whilst still being able to chat to other adults.”
“Freedom for the children to explore, independent play, range of activities, friendly staff in the 1oclock club”
“Meeting other parents whose children have SEND !”
“Being able to leave my child to play independently and make new friends “
“For the children, physical activity, sunlight and fresh air, and some time away from screens. Also, low-pressure opportunities to socialise with other children.”
“People understand if your child is having a meltdown – no one judges you”
“Being outside! We don’t have a garden so the outdoors he loves! So many toys and water play too!”
“Plenty for my son to do while I can supervise from a distance and have a chat to other parents.”
