LMH Trustees

As one of the newer members of LMH Mark comes to us from having spent ‘Thirty Nine Years in the Wonderful World of Education’. After starting teaching in primary schools followed by educational management, Mark returned to the classroom to teach Art, Craft and Design Technology in the secondary sector. The latter part of his time in education was spent helping pupils, and parents, with welfare and attendance issues. Mark is interested in train travel and all things to do with railways - he writes articles and makes regular contributions to the ‘Railway Magazine’. As founder member, and President of the Gregson Cricket Club, Mark can still be found on a cricket field – not playing but as umpire keeping the game flowing along. There are those who have likened Mark to Tom Baker from TV’s Dr Who. There are others who say, “There’s something enjoyably theatrical about Mark.” Talk to him and you will see what they mean!

My name is Simon Stewart and I am chaplain at The Cornerstone, which is part of Lancaster Methodist Church. I have worked at The Cornerstone for nearly 10 years and before that I led a chaplaincy team in a secondary school in Blackpool.  I am one of the founder members of Lancaster Men’s Hub, having been involved in ‘men’s work’ for over 20 years. 

My main role as trustee is safeguarding but I have also helped with writing applications for grants. I am married to Helen and have 3 grown-up sons. My hobbies include watching and playing cricket, reading fiction, writing poetry and walking in the countryside and by the sea. 

I have been involved in many charities and voluntary agencies but I can proudly say that LMH has been the one that has made most impact on people’s lives.

I retired as a senior manager and technical specialist some years ago. I was fortunate to have an employer who allowed me to support my professional society in the capacity of trustee and President and I gained a lot of experience of charity work as a result. I am delighted to be able to share that experience and knowledge with Lancaster Men's Hub. Having been a member since the start in 2020 (before we were registered as a charity), I feel heavily committed to LMH, like my fellow trustees. What we do is important.

Outside of the Hub, I like to play with boats! For this reason I have set up a Nautical Group at LMH and though we are still developing it, it seems to have become an established activity. This is very pleasing!

The Hub has achieved a lot since it started. I look forward to it achieving even more in the future. 

My name is Ian Lyon, I was born in Morecambe and lived there most of my life, until moving to Lancaster when I got married to my wife, Tracy.  I have been a long-term supporter of Morecambe FC since my childhood. My other key hobbies are philately, British stamps and photography. Over the years, for health reasons, I had been involved with many different charities who have helped me. Some I have been a volunteer with, helping with my photography or with computer work. One day, a few years ago I was introduced to LMH, at a very low point in my life and was made welcome on my first visit and was told all about the vision and future plans. 

I have seen the difference LMH made to people’s lives, making new friends or reconnecting with old friends. It is for this reason why I volunteered to help in running groups within the Studio and now as a Trustee of the LMH. 

Helping others also helps yourself health wise.  

I was born in Oldham in 1940 and moved to Lancaster in 1978. I married Ann in 1963 and we have 2 children, 5 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.

I'm a non-academic with a secondary school education, which I think puts me in line with a lot of our members at Lancaster Men's Hub. 

My employment history is quite complicated, leaving school at the age of 15 I started an apprenticeship with a local plumber; this came to an end 2 years later when the firm closed down. I then joined Oldham Corporation passenger transport department as a bus conductor, later I became a driver which lasted 16 years, alongside this I was a part time fireman on my days off.

Moving to Lancaster I was employed as a Maintenance Manager at a publishing house in Hornby, later I was an Assistant Manager in a DIY shop in Dalton Square, then became self-employed as a Plumber Property repairer. I had to stop this after having heart surgery in 1995, later I became a taxi driver but had to stop when the angina returned.

I have been a member of St Thomas's Church since moving to Lancaster, where I was a Lay Minister and I am also a Tertiary Franciscan Brother.

I joined Lancaster Men's Hub 3 years ago and became a Trustee last year and, at present, I am chairman/manager of the Studio and a member of the Workshop committee.

I've lived in Lancaster since attending Lancaster University in 1972, and have had a variety of jobs in my time here. From fruit-machine engineer to welder, when, after attending an early computing course, decided on starting a shop (Castle Computers of Lancaster) which sold both home and business systems for 13 years. During that time I became a software developer and worked designing early systems, particularly database ones, for a large number of local businesses; eventually one of these hired me as their  head of ICT, and when taken over, ended up somehow as Head of ICT for a large South African Private Equity firm. 

I was there at the beginning of Lancaster Men's Hub and have strived over the last 5 years to make it somewhere men, and women, want to go to socialise with others. I've ended up cooking regularly for 40+ members on a Friday at our elevenses and now enjoy the wonderful camaraderie at the Workshop , doing a range of woodworking and laser engraving.