About Us
About Us
We're a small group of local people volunteering our time to explore whether Brookfield Hall can become a thriving community-owned space once again.
Together, we bring experience from community development, charity leadership, finance, business planning, fundraising, communications, hospitality, health, social enterprise and the voluntary sector. We're working with local residents, community organisations and Cheshire East Council to develop a proposal that gives the building a sustainable future while maximising its benefit for the whole community.
The response from the community has been incredible. Within the first month of the campaign (1 – 30 June 2026), 170 local people registered their support, with 131 expressing an interest in becoming members of a future community ownership organisation for model for Brookfeild Hall.
We've also received offers of support from another 26 people willing to help shape the project's future by serving as trustees or board members. Collectively, they bring expertise in governance, finance, law, property, fundraising, health and wellbeing, safeguarding, communications, business development and community engagement.
Support has also come from 21 local organisations, representing a wide range of the community. These include charities, voluntary and community groups, wellbeing and mental health organisations, youth groups, arts and culture organisations, sports and physical activity providers, faith groups, and local community networks. Their involvement reflects a shared belief that Brookfield Hall has the potential to become a welcoming community hub that supports local people of all ages.
We're still at the beginning of this journey. If Cheshire East Council decides to progress a Community Asset Transfer process, we'll establish a formal community organisation with an open membership, recruit a diverse board with the skills needed to lead the project, and continue working alongside local people to shape Brookfield Hall's future together.
The Team
The people working to bring Brookfield Hall into community use.
Kris Thurbin
Kris Thurbin is an experienced product, technology and business transformation leader with a career spanning financial services, retail, healthcare, telecoms and the public sector. He has spent over two decades working across regulated and commercially demanding environments and is, at his core, a delivery professional with a consistent focus on governance and turning strategic ambition into practical outcomes.
Alongside his corporate career, Kris is founder of Tilted Coffee, bringing direct experience of building a sustainable independent commercial enterprise, with additional insight into business development and customer experience.
He brings to Brookfield Hall particular strength in strategic planning, business modelling, governance and organisational development.
Connect on LinkedInLiz Parkin
Liz Parkin is a highly respected community connector, marketer and volunteer leader with extensive experience supporting charities, community groups and local businesses across Nantwich. She is the founder of Nantwich.Info, a platform dedicated to promoting local organisations, events and community activity, and has led marketing, sponsorship and engagement for the Nantwich Show.
Liz has also played a leading role in initiatives including Nantwich Buddies, community events and local media, helping bring together organisations, volunteers and residents to strengthen community life. Her longstanding contribution to the town has been recognised with the both Dutton Prize and the High Sheriff of Cheshire award for outstanding service to the Nantwich community. She brings considerable expertise in community engagement, communications, partnership development and volunteer mobilisation, helping to build broad local support for the Brookfield Hall project.
Connect on LinkedInPaul McIntyre
Paul McIntyre is a Chartered Management Accountant, award-winning community leader and founder of Nantwich Triathlon Club and Dabbers Dash. Recognised as the BBC North West Unsung Hero, Paul has extensive experience in business planning, financial modelling, governance and developing sustainable volunteer-led community initiatives. He brings expertise in community engagement, organisational development and creating inclusive projects that improve health, wellbeing and social connection.
Connect on LinkedInSamantha James
Samantha James works with NAVCA, the national membership body for local voluntary and community organisations, where she leads national work to strengthen partnerships between communities, the voluntary sector and public services to build healthier, more connected neighbourhoods. With more than 15 years' experience across the voluntary, community and public sectors, she has developed expertise in community-led approaches to health, wellbeing and social innovation.
Earlier in her career, Samantha managed community centres and services, developing programmes focused on hospitality, creative activities and employability, before becoming Co-CEO of CVS Cheshire East. She holds a Master's degree in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge, where her research explored the role of grassroots voluntary and community organisations within England's integrated health system.
Samantha has presented on community-led approaches to health and integrated care at national policy events and round tables, including at the Houses of Parliament and Windsor Castle, and is a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Integrated Care.
She brings to Brookfield Hall significant expertise in social innovation, prevention and early intervention, and strategic partnerships, helping to shape the project's vision for a community-led hub that fosters connection and reduces health inequalities.
Find out more about Samantha's workConnect on LinkedIn