Gavin Tucker, Chair of Trustees
Gavin has been a member of the Y Club for over 10 years, taking his interest in mountain biking into the Y Club studio as a volunteer spin instructor.
Gavin qualified as a certified accountant in 1996. He has worked in the accountancy profession for over 30 years providing VAT advice to a diverse range of businesses and organisations in the not-for-profit sector.
During this time, Gavin has had to use his skills to deliver projects, manage teams and associated budgets, all of which can be utilised to help maintain the ongoing operational and financial position of the Manchester YMCA.
Andrew Birtwistle, Trustee
Andrew joined the Board in 2005 and served as Chair of Trustees from 2011 to 2020 before stepping down by rotation.
He is currently Managing Director of three companies involved in industrial property development, investment and construction.
Over his career, Andrew has been a Director of 31 companies covering a wide range of operational businesses. In addition to his broad knowledge on property, Andrew has extensive experience in leading and managing teams. Andrew also chairs the Castlefield Hotel Board and the Y Club subcommittee.
In his spare time Andrew plays badminton, and is a keen runner and hillwalker.
Reverend Canon Simon Gatenby, Trustee and Honorary Chaplain
Simon is the Honorary chaplain, leading a team of 12 volunteer chaplains, and serves as a member of the YMCA Board.
He has 30 years experience of urban parish ministry, and is enthused wherever supportive, inclusive and aspirational communities can be developed. He continues an active interest and involvement in youth work, not least as his partner is founder/manager of the acclaimed M13 youth project.
Additional responsibilities include serving as a tutor to Westcott House Cambridge Theological College, Cambridge, Honorary Canon at Manchester Cathedral, Governor at Medlock Primary School, and a member of the Manchester YMCA Youth and Community subcommittee.
Carol Hamlett, Trustee
Carol joined the Board in 2019 after working for the YMCA for several years. Carol’s background is in finance and she led on work towards the ISO9001 accreditation first achieved in 2017.
Carol’s current role is with Barclays Bank Technology Centre; co-ordinating and overseeing system data and records compliance.
Carol has volunteered at local Church Lad’s and Church Girl’s Brigades for many years; taking groups of youngsters away, running sports competitions and being a member of a marching band.
Peter Hood, Trustee
With a background running a successful photographic studio, Peter is a long time member of the Y Club and joined the Board in 2019.
Ryan Miemczyk, Trustee
Ryan’s current role is Head of Research at Trust Impact, where he works with charities to help them show the difference they make.
Ryan’s background includes working within the Health and Social Care sector for over 17 years where built a record of delivering outcomes at both strategic and operational levels in complex political and multi-stakeholder environments. Ryan’s experience has been gained across the public, private and charity sectors, with his previous role having been with the NSPCC, where he led projects for the prevention of sexual abuse from service development through to implementation and evaluation.
In his spare time Ryan also sits as a Trustee for the Manchester Young Lives charity and coaches the England Touch Rugby team as well as representing them at master’s grade.
Ray Mashiter, Trustee
Ray originally joined the Board in 2014 having been an active member of the YMCA for over 10 years. He was the elected representative of Salford City Council and Chair of Salford Planning Authority for many years. An engineering graduate of Salford University, he was previously an instrumentation design engineer.
In addition to his commitment to the YMCA, Ray is involved in a number of Community Committees, is a trustee of Salford CVS and a hands-on volunteer at Salford Lads Club.
One of Ray’s priorities is supporting local young people to gain the very best start in life.
Occasionally we seek out new people with relevant skills to help strengthen our Board. If you are interested please contact paul@ymcamanchester.org.uk