The YMCA Essex Team
YMCA is the oldest and largest charity working with young people in the world. Find out more about the key figures within YMCA Essex.
Suzanne Bowden
Head of Finance
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Suzanne Bowden
Head of Finance
suzanne.bowden@ymcaessex.org.uk
Sharon Durrant
Finance Manager
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Sharon Durrant
Finance Manager
sharon.durrant@ymcaessex.org.uk
Sophie Mattei
Head of Housing
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Sophie Mattei
Head of Housing
Sophie.mattei@ymcaessex.org.uk
Ben Gibbons
Head of Childcare and Youth
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Ben Gibbons
Head of Childcare and Youth
ben.gibbons@ymcaessex.org.uk
Suzanne Bowden
Head of Finance
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Suzanne Bowden
Head of Finance
suzanne.bowden@ymcaessex.org.uk
Andy Drake
CEO
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Andy Drake
CEO
Andy.drake@ymcaessex.org.uk
Michael Bromfield
Chair
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Michael Bromfield
Chair
Paul Coleman
Vice Chair
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Paul Coleman
Vice Chair
Michael Minta
Treasurer
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Michael Minta
Treasurer
Rakesh Krishnan
Trustee
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Rakesh Krishnan
Trustee
Nicola Tandy
Trustee
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Nicola Tandy
Trustee
John Blair
Trustee
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John Blair
Trustee
Paulina Newman
Trustee
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Paulina Newman
Trustee
David Clarke
Company Secretary
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David Clarke
Company Secretary
Dawn Bostock
Trustee
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Dawn Bostock
Trustee
Khan Kassam
Trustee
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Khan Kassam
Trustee
Ashley Miller
Trustee
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Ashley Miller
Trustee
Sally Marwaha
Childcare Manager
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Sally Marwaha
Childcare Manager
sally.marwaha@ymcaessex.org.uk
Becky Whitaker
Youth Services Manager
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Becky Whitaker
Youth Services Manager
becky.whitaker@ymcaessex.org.uk
Sharon Durrant
Finance Manager
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Sharon Durrant
Finance Manager
sharon.durrant@ymcaessex.org.uk
YMCA through the years
1844
YMCA was founded by Sir George Williams – a worker in the drapery trade in London. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group. This soon grew and attracted men from across London.
1845-1877
YMCA spreads outside London and branches are set up in Manchester and Leeds first.
YMCA Chelmsford is believed to have started in 1877 in rooms above the high street.
1894
On the YMCA’s 50th Anniversary George Williams received a knighthood from Queen Victoria and became a Sir. 11 years later in 1905 Sir George died and was buried in the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral.
1914-1945
The YMCA helped during both World Wars by providing food and huts for soldiers to rest and by supporting displaced people, refugees and prisoners of war.
1927
YMCA Chelmsford moved to its current site in Victoria Road.
1943
Chelmsford YMCA received a direct hit from one 250kg bomb during a blitz of Chelmsford. The new wing was not finished until 1956.
1999
YMCA Colchester a housing project for 44 16-25yr olds was opened by Sir Terry Waite.
2016
YMCA Chelmsford and YMCA Colchester merge to form YMCA Essex.