Meet our Board
At Coalville CAN, our board is made up of five local people who meet every other month to help manage our operations. With a wide range of skills and experiences, our board provide expert advice and make key decisions for Coalville CAN.
Every year, at our Annual General Meeting, any member can nominate themselves to become a board member. Find out more about Membership by clicking here.
Fran Barney
I’m owner of a Zero Waste Refill shop in Ibstock and have lived in the LE67 area for most of my life. As a founding member of Coalville C.A.N., I am committed to working in collaboration with the community to improve the facilities, services and opportunities available to all.
Ken Russ-Powell
I've lived in Coalville for around 25 years, and have helped on various community projects, Agar Nook youth club, Camerados Public Living Room, Gardenerados allotment, Coalville Fixers. I've spent my life repairing and fixing. I began at Birch Coppice Colliery, did a 4 year apprenticeship as Colliery fitter. I've joined the board of Coalville CAN because I want to help build our community.
Nicki Worthington
Owner of the Coal Bunker café in Coalville and previous market trader. Local resident. Determined to get buildings in Coalville into community ownership and enable people to do the things they are passionate about!
Prof. Martin Philips
I have been coming to Coalville with my students for the last 6 years and look forward to developing further relationships with the community through Coalville C.A.N CBS over.
Nigel Walker
A retired finance expert, Nigel advises CAN on all things money – making sure the pennies add up and the funds are in place for the operation to be sustainable and successful.
Alison Mott
Alun Dallaston
Member of the Coalville community and part of Pride in Coalville CIC.
Don Bailey
Member of Coalville Belvoir Rotary Club.
Ian Wilson - CEO
Ian is an experienced co-operator and manager in a range of organisations.
Having worked in operations, a regulatory environment, logistics and project management as well as alongside others in co-operatives and community enterprises, Ian brings a wealth of experience, practical skills, and know how.
Harry Jerome - Company Secretary
I'm Harry, I'm 24 and I'm the secretary for Coalville CAN, alongside my other roles with the team! Working with CAN, I've found my passion for community and want to help Coalville to become a place where anyone and everyone can make a difference.
Dame Judi Dench sends her love
STUDENTS EXPLORE
Students taking part in this year’s Coalville Theatre
Festival recently visited Snibston Colliery to explore Coalville’s rich mining heritage and gather inspiration for site-specific performance work. The visit gave students the opportunity to learn more about the role of the miner and the lived experiences of those who worked at the colliery, while engaging directly with the buildings, grounds and atmosphere of this significant heritage site. Being on location encouraged students to consider how history, place and memory can be brought to life through performance. During the visit, students also explored potential performance locations on the site. The space will help shape a student-devised, site-specific performances to be presented as part of the Coalville Theatre festival, offering audiences new ways to experience familiar places.
The visit forms part of a wider creative programme inspired by Gary Clarke Company’s dance theatre work Coal, supporting young people to respond creatively to Coalville’s industrial past.
PALITOY WORKERS
Calling all workers who worked at Coalville’s Palitoy factory! Local playwright Ben Weatherill and a team of actors are creating a new play inspired by your experiences — and we want your memories, laughter, and voices to help shape it. We’re inviting you to a friendly, informal gathering where you can reminisce about daily life at the factory, friendships, challenges, and proud moments. Your stories will be recorded and may even be heard in the play, giving your real voice a central role on stage.
