Meet the Chair
At the heart of Pride in Place programme is a local board, made up of residents and people with strong connections to Hattersley. It includes Local Ward Councillors and Jonathan Reynolds MP. The Board will help guide priorities, shape plans, and represent the community.
Laura Nicholas
Now appointed as the Independent Chair of the Hattersley Pride in Place Board, Laura is committed to ensuring local people are at the heart of decision-making and shaping the future of Hattersley over the next decade. With strong roots in Hattersley, having lived locally for most of her life she is now raising her family in the community. She works as a Work and Skills Coach, helping local people access employment, training and skills opportunities, and serves as a Parent Governor at a local school.
Laura’s vision:
“Hattersley is my community - the place where I live, work and raise my family. I am passionate about the area and the people who call it home. I want residents to feel better supported, have access to more opportunities and feel proud of where they live. Through Pride in Place, I believe this is possible, but it is essential that residents’ voices are heard and that we work together to shape a shared vision for the future.”
Meet the board
Louise Britton – Vice Chair
As the Families Pastor for the St Barnabas Church in Hattersley, Louise cares deeply for her community on the day-to-day, running a weekly parent/ carer and baby group at the church. She has served as a governor at Mottram Primary School for 3 years and as Trustee of Little Gems Pre School for 9 years, bringing with her expertise in family support and well-established relationships with community development officers and business stakeholders to the table.
Luke Moss
As a longtime resident, having worked within the community and most recently as Director of Hattersley Projects, Luke is well positioned to understand the needs of the community in Hattersley. As an invaluable community asset, Luke helps Hattersley Projects foster a vibrant and sustainable community through a shared love of outdoor opportunities and gardening.
Michael Murphy
Michael is a local resident and has lived on the estate for 17 years but his connection to Hattersley goes back to 1993.
He has a well-established network of contacts across all sections of the community and is passionate about using this funding opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in the area for everyone.
Sam Durdant - Hollamby
As Vicar at the St Barnabus Church in Hattersley, Sam brings a thorough understanding of issues facing the Hattersley community and is working actively to address them. Sam has links to many anchor institutions in the area and has built trust with many community members, bringing an invaluable perspective to the board.
Oluwatosin Lanlehin Sotubo
Oluwatosin is CEO of Ark of Hope, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering those who are disadvantaged and underprivileged. Based at St. Barnabus church, she runs family fun days and cookery classes and provides meals for people who are housebound or ill. She brings a resident's and a charitable sector perspective to the board. She has been to two King's Garden Parties in recognition of her contributions to the local community in Hattersley.
Connor Higham
Connor is a young person living on the estate. He volunteers in the local community gardens. He brings an insight into the struggles of the local youth and will be helping with engagement at local schools and youth organisations.
Gareth Howell
Gareth has lived in Hattersley for more than 35 years and is Chair of Hattersley Football Club. He is passionate about making sport and physical activity accessible to local young people and has helped secure funding for free football sessions. Gareth's extensive connections across community sports organisations provide valuable insight into local facilities, infrastructure needs and opportunities to improve health, wellbeing and community participation.
Jo Booth
Jo is a local business owner, communications specialist and trustee of Mottram Community Centre. Having spent much of her childhood in Hattersley and now living in neighbouring Mottram, she has a strong personal connection to the area. Jo brings experience in business and economic development, with a particular interest in creating sustainable opportunities for local people, businesses and community organisations. She is passionate about listening to residents, representing their voices and sharing the stories of Hattersley and its community.
Amy Parkin
Amy has lived in Hattersley for 8 years and is deeply connected to the local community. Having worked at a local SEN school, Amy brings a real insight into the needs, strengths and opportunities within the community. As a volunteer at a local community garden, Amy helps organise and run fun days and wellbeing events for local residents, strengthening her passion for bringing people together and supporting a positive, inclusive community environment.
