Over the next few issues of The Whistler we introduce the current members of the West Hill Community Association Management Committee (the Trustees) to give you a flavour of who they are, what they do and maybe to inspire you to become one yourself. Be assured, it’s quite painless. In this issue we meet . . .

Sarah Taylor

I’m a working mum of two teenage daughters. Originally from Kingston-Upon-Thames, I’ve lived all over London, and travelled a fair bit but Brighton, specifically Seven Dials, has been my home longer than anywhere else. Likes: going to the cinema, walks on the Downs, a good pint of I.PA. or an amaretto sour, marzipan, curry, genealogy, tulips, social history, exploring new places, taking photos, Ryan Gosling. Dislikes: unpunctuality, Eamonn Holmes, fruit on pizza, narrow mindedness, action movies.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE WEST HILL AREA?

We moved into our flat in Buckingham Close when the girls were little. We thought, “This will do for the next couple of years.” That was 17 years ago! We soon decided that we wouldn’t really want to live anywhere else. We love being so close to the station, town, parks and Devils Dyke.

WHEN/WHY DO YOU USE THE HALL?

I first discovered the delights of the Hall when my lovely neighbour Brenda Rowden kindly invited me along to the Quiz one Tuesday night. I love a quiz and soon became a regular. I was charmed by the community feel, the warm welcome, the mix of local characters that I would otherwise be unlikely to encounter. The heavily subsidised bar wasn’t a factor at all! The Quiz continues to be one of the highlights in my social calendar. It’s been wonderful to see it experiencing a surge in popularity as we welcome West Hill residents old and new. For an entertaining and cheap evening out, in a fun and friendly atmosphere, you can’t beat it.

I’ve hired the Hall for my daughters’ birthday parties. I’ve enjoyed the craft fairs and the talks and learnt a lot about local history, amongst other things. I’ve attended yoga classes and partied the night away at the Christmas Social. Most recently I’ve discovered a passion for gardening and have been helping to maintain and reinvigorate the Hall garden. Most of all, I’ve met some wonderful people and made some very good friends. The Hall has been a big part of making me feel part of the West Hill community.

WHY DID YOU BECOME A TRUSTEE?

One evening I turned up for the Quiz and found myself participating in the AGM. Suddenly I was volunteering to take the minutes and the next thing I knew I was becoming Secretary!

That was over 10 years ago. It’s a decision I have never regretted. The few hours a year I spend to attend committee meetings plus the odd bit of pitching in to help with other events and general maintenance seems a very small investment to help keep the Hall going.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT LIKE TO BECOME A TRUSTEE?

You would be very welcome.

Any contribution would be very much appreciated. We always need fresh ideas, but doers, not just talkers.

If you want to feel more connected to the West Hill community, to make a bit of a difference and to be part of keeping this charming, much-used and valued venue alive, come and give it a go!