Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.
Meet the Team Behind The Scenes...
Our President
Chris Allbones
A Gainsborough native, who spends his 9-5 running drumBEAT marketing in town and is also chair of Governors for a local primary school. Chris joined our club back in March 2020 (You know, when that thing called Covid was lurking around!). One of Chris’ first roles was getting the club onto Zoom during lockdown, which was a challenge in itself! Chris has always believed in giving back but sought a more hands on approach and wanted to do something more than just donate. Like the rest of us Chris enjoys being around an amazing group of people who are so passionate about wanting to do the best for our town.
Chris has immersed himself in events we’ve hosted, being heavily involved with the Fireworks in November, and more recently our big Here Comes Summer event as well as many other smaller events to put his expertise to good use. However, Chris’ own words are “that it’s not just about the events, it’s about the impact they have on the community and the causes we support”. Now as Club President as of July 2023 Chris leads the club with his enthusiasm and vision.
We asked Chris if there was anything he’d like people to know about Rotary, and he was very passionate that thankfully the old image of rotary being stuffy business men in suits is thankfully a thing of the past. We’re not a secret society, we’re not men only, we don’t just meet up and have meals and drink wine. We are a very diverse club from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences and all have our own unique talents. But we share one passion, and that’s supporting the town and contributing however we can. Everyone is welcome at our club, and always will be.
Our President Elect
Sandie Brownbridge
Sandie, a “Gainsborough girl through and through”, is an award winning renowned painter and decorator by trade, and her business thrives in our town. Sandie has a passion for brightening peoples lives one bit of colour at a time. This passion led her to the Rotary Club, where she found a platform to translate her beliefs into action.
She’s not all work, though! When she’s not busy planning our next big project, Sandie loves to unwind spending time with her family and friends. Her favourite past time is enjoying cuddles with her beautiful Pugs. Sandie also loves walking and has also recently set herself a challenge of walking 50 miles over two days from Huddersfield back to Gainsborough for charity. She absolutely smashed it and we supported her 100% of the way!
Sandie has been with our club for around 6 years now and originally joined us as she viewed us as a trusted, genuine and heartfelt charity after attending a few of our previous events. The Pedal Car Grand Prix was her first, who else remembers those?
Sandie isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and over the years has helped us out with a multitude of tasks from flipping burgers to litter picking and supporting at some of our major events. We couldn’t have done it without you Sandie!
Here’s what Sandie had to say: “Meeting the members of Rotary has created an outside family I am grateful for. The members have supported and looked after me through the years. Being more out in the community I have many influential people and also got to meet more genuine Gainsborough people”
Her infectious laughter, compassionate nature, and unwavering commitment to service make her a beloved member of our club. We’re incredibly lucky to have Sandie with us, and we can’t begin to express how much we appreciate her.
Our Secretary
Julian Needham PHF
Secretary for 2024/2025.
Our Treasurer
Jo Simpson
Hailing from Nottingham, Jo grew up under the scenic shadow of Cottam power station, where her fond childhood memories include sledging down the hill on a plastic bag filled with straw. As an animal lover, she grew up with a colourful menagerie of cats, dogs, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, and horses. Her love for felines led her to establish the successful Gainsborough Feral Cat Rescue .
Jo has been a pillar in the social housing sector since 2004 and currently holds the position of a Supported Living Housing Officer. In 2020, amidst the Covid pandemic, she found a new avenue to contribute to people’s happiness by joining the Rotary Club. She soon took on the role of treasurer in 2024 and has since been actively involved in organising numerous community events.
From coordinating the annual firework display to ensuring a fun and safe Halloween Fest , and executing the citizenship awards , Jo’s dedication is evident in the successful impact these events have had on our community.
One of Jo’s proudest moments was watching her daughter’s captivating performance at the Rotary Club’s 60th Anniversary. A testament to the fulfilment and joy that comes from contributing to such significant milestones.
Our Foundation Chair
Andrea Brocklebank
Andrea is a dedicated and passionate member of the Gainsborough Rotary Club who brings a wealth of experience and a love for community service to everything she does. With over two decades of experience as a Tree and Hedgerow Officer for a local council, Andrea’s deep connection to the natural world is evident in her professional and personal life. Armed with a degree in Arboriculture, she has worked with various local authorities, ensuring the preservation and care of our green spaces. Despite her busy schedule, Andrea also takes on additional roles as a Recreation Assistant at a local leisure centre and a cleaner for the council, showcasing her tireless work ethic and commitment to her community.
Andrea’s love for the outdoors extends beyond her professional life. A true country girl at heart, she enjoys travelling both within the UK and abroad, always on the lookout for beautiful gardens to explore. Back at home, she nurtures her own piece of nature through gardening and tending to her allotment, where she finds peace and fulfilment in the simple joys of growing her own produce.
Andrea’s journey with Rotary began over 15 years ago, motivated by a desire to connect with like-minded individuals and make a tangible difference in the world. Since joining, she has worn many hats within the organisation, serving as Club President not once, but twice—first with the Rotary Club of Epworth and the Isle of Axholme, and later with the Rotary Club of Gainsborough. Additionally, she has taken on key roles as Secretary for the club, Assistant District Secretary, District Secretary, and Foundation Chair, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to the Rotary mission.
One of Andrea’s proudest contributions has been her involvement with the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign, a global initiative led by Rotary and supported by Bill Gates. Through match funding and relentless efforts, the campaign has brought the world closer to eradicating polio, with only two countries left where the wild virus remains. Andrea’s commitment to this cause reflects her deep belief in the power of collective action to create lasting change.
For Andrea, the most rewarding aspect of being a Rotarian is the sense of community spirit and the strong friendships she has formed with fellow Rotarians. The “can do” attitude and the shared commitment to putting Service Above Self resonate deeply with her values.
One of Andrea’s most memorable experiences with Rotary was leading a Group Study Exchange (GSE) team to Brazil. Over 5-6 weeks, she guided a group of young professionals as they explored their respective fields in a new cultural context, broadening their horizons and fostering international understanding.
Being a part of Rotary has profoundly impacted Andrea’s outlook on life, opening her eyes to new perspectives and deepening her understanding of the world. As she looks to the future, Andrea is eager to continue making a difference in her local community while also contributing to Foundation projects on a global scale.
Outside of her Rotary activities, Andrea is a proud mother of three grown daughters, a loving grandmother to four grandchildren, and a devoted caretaker to her five cats. Her life is a testament to the values of service, community, and family, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as a part of the Gainsborough Rotary Club.
Our International Chair
David Cowell
International Chair David Cowell.
Our Web and Publicity Officer
Claire Johnson
Born in Scunthorpe, Claire moved to Gainsborough in 2023. She works for The Chartered Management Institute as an independent apprenticeship assessor and has been in education/training for about 8 years. A Lincoln University alumna with a BA in International Tourism Management, her professional journey has included roles in travel, retail, marketing, and customer service. Fun fact about her – she’s trained as air cabin crew!
In her spare time, Claire is quite the active individual! She’s a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, enjoys crocheting, and even runs her own small business selling her handmade creations. She’s also passionate about fitness, spending time outdoors camping and hiking, and loves her two cats, Remy and Bella.
We asked Claire what inspired her to join our club? Meeting new people, giving back to the community, and making a difference. Since joining late last year, she’s mainly been involved in planning our upcoming ‘Here Comes Summer’ event, utilising her events management and marketing skills.
Being a Rotary member has made a significant personal and professional impact on Claire. She loves the sense of camaraderie and support within the club and enjoys the networking opportunities it provides.
Claire is eager to contribute more to the community through Rotary, hoping to meet more people in Gainsborough, and make a positive impact on their lives. She’s keen on breaking stigmas around Rotary Club and encouraging more people to get involved.
Here’s what fellow Rotarian Sandie had to say about Claire: “Since joining the club Claire has brought such a positive vibe, moving us with the times and opening our eyes to so many things such as technology and events. Claire is not only the newest member, but also one of the youngest and we are lucky to have her onboard.”
Club Member
Scott Young
Meet Scott, aka Pie, one of the newest and most enthusiastic members of the Gainsborough Rotary Club! Born and raised in Gainsborough, Scott has spent his entire life in the town, and his deep-rooted connection to the community is evident in everything he does. After leaving school Scott embarked on an apprenticeship as a professional painter and decorator, a trade he has mastered over the past 25 years. For the last 12 years, he has successfully run his own business, bringing his expertise and attention to detail to every project.
Beyond his professional life, Scott is a passionate advocate for the local beer scene. For the past 15 years, he has been an active member of the Gainsborough branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), with the last 10 years as the branch chairman. In this role, Scott has been instrumental in promoting local breweries, supporting traditional pubs, and organising the annual local beer festival, which is now in its 14th year. His dedication to the festival doesn’t stop at planning—he’s also a hands-on volunteer, ensuring the event’s success year after year.
Scott’s love for his hometown extends to the football pitch, where he’s a loyal supporter of Gainsborough Trinity. For the past three seasons, he has volunteered on match days, contributing to the club he’s proud to cheer for.
Scott’s inspiration for joining the Rotary Club comes from his desire to make a positive impact on the local community. Although he’s only recently joined the Gainsborough Rotary Club this year, Scott has already jumped in with both feet. He’s been added to the events committee, where he hopes to bring fresh ideas and valuable experience from his years of organising successful beer festivals.
Scott has already contributed to Rotary events, volunteering at the 2022 bonfire event and running the outside bar at the “Here Comes Summer” event earlier this year. As he continues to find his footing within the club, Scott is eager to make a lasting difference.
Club Member
Sarah Shemilt
Sarah has called Gainsborough home since she was a small child, and her love for the Lincolnshire countryside runs deep. No matter where she travels, the green fields, yellow crops, and blue skies of her hometown always call her back.
As a dedicated mum to a teenager and a professional within the prison service, Sarah is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. She works with the careers teams, delivering crucial support to prisoners across the East Midlands region. With nearly a decade of experience as a Level 6 careers advisor and careers lead, Sarah is passionate about her work, helping individuals find their path in life. Her background in education, where she supported young people into work, apprenticeships, and higher education, has been incredibly rewarding, and she’s proud to do work she loves.
Outside of her professional life, Sarah has a wide range of interests. She’s a published card crafter, a former triathlete, and a film enthusiast. While she enjoys a good book with a glass of wine, Sarah also dreams of getting back into horse riding and expanding her knowledge by completing a sommelier course in the future. Recently returned from a trip to the USA, she’s always seeking new adventures and skills, believing in never standing still.
Sarah’s inspiration for joining the Rotary Club came from a desire to get more involved in her local community. Having spent much of her time supporting people beyond Gainsborough, she realised she wanted to make a positive impact closer to home. Knowing other Rotarians and the incredible work they do only strengthened her resolve to join the Rotary Club and contribute to her local area.
Although this is her first time as a Rotarian, Sarah has already had the privilege of working alongside a local club during her time in education. She’s eager to dive into Rotary projects, especially the upcoming Christmas events—her favourite time of year!
For Sarah, the most rewarding part of being in the Rotary Club is learning about all the amazing groups and individuals they support. As a strong advocate for those with autism and ADHD, she feels privileged to be in a position where she can contribute to such important work.
One of Sarah’s most memorable experiences came from collaborating with Gainsborough and another local Rotary club to provide mock interview experiences for young people. Watching them overcome nerves and gain confidence through these real-life employability skills was incredibly fulfilling.
As she continues her journey with the Gainsborough Rotary Club, Sarah is looking forward to deepening her understanding of the local community and the challenges it faces. She hopes this knowledge will enhance her ability to provide tailored career support to her clients, breaking down barriers to work, education, and training.
Club Member
Richard Pocklington
Meet Richard, one of the newest members of the Gainsborough Rotary Club! Richard became a part of our Rotary family after attending the “Here Comes Summer” event in May 2024, where he made a lasting impression by bringing two impressive Marshalls Tractors to the event. His passion for tractors and love for all things vintage immediately resonated with us, adding a unique charm to the festivities.
Born and raised in Gainsborough, Richard is deeply connected to the local community. By day, he works as a Senior Technical Buyer for a local company, where his expertise and attention to detail play a crucial role in the business. Outside of work, Richard’s hobbies reflect his love for the outdoors and creativity. He enjoys capturing moments through photography and spending peaceful hours fishing—two activities that allow him to unwind and appreciate the beauty around him.
Richard’s enthusiasm for vintage vehicles, particularly tractors, is more than just a hobby; it’s a true passion. His involvement with the Rotary Club promises to bring a fresh perspective and energy, especially when it comes to events and community activities that celebrate heritage and craftsmanship.
We’re thrilled to have Richard on board and are looking forward to seeing how his unique skills and interests will contribute to the Gainsborough Rotary Club
Club Member
Richard Barstow
Here are our wonderful Directors of The Gainsborough Rotary Club!
Club Member
Persia Barstow
A Bedfordshire native, Persia moved to our community when she was just 12 and has been an integral part of it ever since. By day, she’s a whiz at kitchen spraying for her family business at Hemswell Cliff, and by night, she’s an ardent gamer, currently battling her way through Assassins Creed Valhalla on her PS5.
Following in her Father’s footsteps, Persia joined our Rotary Club at the age of 21 and has recently celebrated her 7th year with us. She’s always been a pillar of support, helping out at various events and even stepping in to assist with secretarial duties by taking minutes at each meeting.
But that’s not all! Persia has a knack for creating engaging quizzes and has been instrumental in organising our BBQ burgers stall at our annual firework event.
What she loves most about being a part of our club is the sense of community and the joy of giving back. Seeing the funds raised being put to good use to help those in need gives her immense satisfaction. The highlight of her Rotary journey has been our charter nights, where we celebrate our club, induct new presidents and invite other Rotarian’s and their partners for an evening of fun and camaraderie.
Persia has made a myriad of friends during her time at the Rotary, and she cherishes the way it brings people together to help others. She hopes to continue contributing to our community through her engaging quizzes and tireless efforts.
Club Member
Lesley Rollings
Here are our wonderful Directors of The Gainsborough Rotary Club!
Club Member
Bill Pallender
Here are our wonderful Directors of The Gainsborough Rotary Club!
Club Member
Ruth Gardener
Here are our wonderful Directors of The Gainsborough Rotary Club!
Club Member
Graham Gardener
Here are our wonderful Directors of The Gainsborough Rotary Club!