Julie Naylor – Cafe Manager
Julie is the first point of contact for many at the Hub. She oversees all aspects of the Cafe and generally looks after us all! The Cafe welcomes everyone and is open to the public as well as service users.
Accessible Support for Veterans
Rachel Gray – Manager and Company Secretary
A veteran’s daughter, with a professional background in management, health & social care; Rachel has the drive and experience to help lead the project forward as it continues to grow, enabling us to offer even greater support to veterans and their families.
Sarah Boyce – Hub Stores Manager
Sarah’s passion and experience comes from her time as a Visual Merchandiser for a well known store chain and she has now brought her expertise to the Hub transforming the Stores into a welcoming and visually attractive area.
Sarah also has links with the military having previously been employed as a Pseudo Pilot with the Royal Navy and all three of her children being in the Armed Forces, two of whom are still serving.
Our project could not run without the kindness and generosity of our amazing volunteers. In July 2023, our team was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, in recognition of their hard work within this community project. The award was one of the last to be signed off by our late Queen Elizabeth II, making it even more special. To join our incredible team, simply pop in and see us.
Hub Directors
Tim Creed
Brought up in a small town in Wales, I left school at 16yrs old and joined the Metropolitan Police Cadets. In those days a tough regime but just what I needed. Spent the next 32yrs as a front-line Police Officer specialising in counter terrorism search.
I worked alongside the military as well as having family in the services; an uncle who was in the Paras, brothers-in-law, and nephews, in the Navy.
During my time in the Met Police, I saw and dealt with things I’d rather forget but not on the scale that some of the military dealt with. As a volunteer at the Hub, it has me aware how important it is to provide help and support not just to Veterans but to everyone in need of TLC.
Now semi-retired but loves a challenge, Tim C joined James on the Three Peaks Challenge.
Tara Coyles-Gould
With Tara’s father being ex-REME, and her partner once REME now Army Air Corps, it is no surprise to find Tara working with the military community. As a military spouse she has lived experience of the challenges faced by those who serve and their families, as well as extensive knowledge of the psychological impacts that can occur.
With a background in Forensics, Tara now runs Got Your Six UK and provides the Hub with a military specific counselling service, free-of-charge to the military community. Skills from forensic science are surprisingly useful when it comes to piecing together a person’s life, their experiences, and the lasting effects.
Most of the time you’ll find Tara down the garden in the Ellis Room, but when we let her out, she’s usually off to AFVBC (Veteran Breakfast Clubs), Tea and Toast at the Reserve centre, or some other place drinking tea and listening to dits from those who have served.
When not working, you might find her roaming in the motorhome, walking the dogs, or exploring the coast…probably all three at once!
James Brooks
James served 8 years in the Royal Air Force as a Mechanical Transport Driver (MTD).
Operating outside the wire as well as inside, I found myself digging in as well as checking in. After leaving the RAF, I found civvy street a very hard place to be. No structure, no comradery.
The Veterans Hub gave back what I was missing, a sense of belonging.
Upon leaving the RAF, James naturally worked in the Road Transport Industry. Many years later, James found himself working within the world of Structural Steel. Driven by the willingness to Succeed, James now spearheads a specialist production team within the company in which he is employed.
In September 2023, James successfully led a team of Veterans and Hub volunteers through the National Three Peaks Challenge. A team known as ‘Benji’s Bandits’. James proved to be an exceptional leader and in equal measure an organiser.
Sue Neate
Born in Cornwall, both parents were Fleet Air Arm & my dad was PO Neate in charge of the Culdrose Fire School when I came along. My Dad was also the founder of the Aircraft Handlers Association. Could say being involved is in the blood!
I joined the British Army, Corps of Royal Signals from 1988 until medical discharge Feb 2004.
I represented the British Army at Athletics & played hockey around the world representing Hong Kong, British Forces Hong Kong, captain of the Royal Signals Regimental Team, British Army & the Combined Services.
Currently working as a Housing Officer for the Local Authority, embedded at The Veterans Hub, on hand to deal with any housing related issues our military community might be facing.
Sue also joined Tim and James for the Three Peaks challenge and plays on The Veterans Hub Netball and Volleyball teams.
Other directors:
Tim Shelton, Danny Lillington, Ian Ferguson.
