About us

Transition Mayfield formed in 2007, as a local response to the challenges of climate change and peak oil. People from all walks of life with varying degrees of commitment are involved in Transition Mayfield.

The core group is made up of people who live and work in and around the villages of Mayfield and Five Ashes. It currently includes farmers, small-holders, IT specialists, an energy consultant and local business people. The group has strong links with the Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council, the County Council, Mayfield CE Primary and St. Leonards-Mayfield Schools.

Transition Mayfield Core Group

Katie Treherne is a painter, and has always been inspired by the beauty of our environment. She has a regular Transition Mayfield column in the Mayfield & Five Ashes Newsletter (Yellow Pages), and always appreciates receiving any suggestions for ideas, statistics, quotes, etc.

Patrick Treherne has been an organic market gardener and registered with the Soil Association for nearly 30 years. The last few years he has also specialized into disease resistant apple trees - over 400 varieties.

Cathy Gaunt has worked for over 12 years in the voluntary sector as an outreach and community development worker. Cathy has been involved in neighbourhood regeneration and worked in outreach projects in deprived areas. Currently she is a Community Development Officer working to develop support and services for people who are HIV positive in West Kent. She feels it is really important that communities recognise the diversity and the skills within them and the ability to shape their futures.

Jane Coward is a parent, reluctant gym user, keen amateur opera singer, and earns her living as a mediator and trainer in employment relations which she (usually) loves doing. She wants Mayfield to thrive as a community- and that includes our shops. Luckily she also enjoys shopping

Dr Agneta Sutton lectures at Heythrop College, University of London. Her subject area is ethics. She has a special interest in bioethics and her latest book is: Christian Bioethics: A Guide for the Perplexed, Continuum, 2008.

Angela Busuttil ** add details

Cathy Hearne ** add details

Cathy Swingland is a farmer committed to sustainable food production, farming crops and livestock marketed locally (see www.claytonorganicfarm.com). She is married to Charles, who works in biotechnology/pharmaceuticals and who is a trustee of environmental research and education charity Earthwatch (see www.earthwatch.org/europe).

Derek O'Connor is a director of Wildlife Splash, involved in developing projects and schemes within the environmental and community sectors.  His environmental work currently includes the project management of a green space development in the Thames Gateway which demonstrates the benefits of sustainable development alongside wild spaces . His community work focuses on Social Return On Investment analysis – identifying and evaluating the social, economic and environmental benefits of projects, services and corporate activities, gaining access to funds and grants where appropriate.

Gary Davies helps run Indigo Creative Marketing, working with charities large and small helping to develop their marketing and communications. Gary is a trustee of International Health Partners, a charity involved with medical relief world wide. Committed to the local church and sustainable living, his interests include music, photography, gardening, history, art and sailing.

June Thomas ** add details

Lesley Medlock has a background working for environmental agencies and animal welfare groups. She now run Dark Horse Gallery in the High Street and is committed to sourcing local and fairtrade products whenever possible.

Maria Dinnendahl a member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, a religious institute of Catholic women, which has had a community in Mayfield since 1865. In recent years, the Sisters have made 'Care of the Planet' one of their specific concerns.

Patricia Balfour ** add details

Derek Forman ** add details

Jane Bolger has spent her working career managing, coordinating and disseminating the results of international research projects on sustainable land management in semi-arid parts of the world. She is a governor at Mayfield CE Primary School, which her children attended. She relishes the cultural richness of our community. She is currently Transition Mayfield's webmaster.

Rob Lamb ** add details