.png)
Knowle Park Trustees
Our volunteer trustees generously give their time and expertise to help care for Knowle Park and ensure it remains a welcoming and vibrant space for everyone. They work alongside staff and volunteers to support events, maintain the park, and guide its ongoing development.
Their dedication helps create a community hub where people of all ages can enjoy nature, get involved, and connect with others.
Meet the Trustees & Team
Martin Bamford
Chairman
Following a successful career as a Chartered Financial Planner and Chartered Wealth Manager, Martin became a professional photographer during the pandemic.
He has developed a keen interest in ecology and community, and is also Event Director of Cranleigh parkrun, which takes place in Knowle Park every Saturday morning.
Jeff Wood
Designer of Knowle Park
Jeff envisaged, managed, and delivered this beautiful Park.
With a Masters in Landscape architecture and Urban Design, studying at the University of Pennsylvania, Jeff is responsible for some of Britain’s most significant public realm and urban regeneration masterplans.
As a Cranleigh resident, Jeff says, "Designing Knowle Park has been a project of passion, a privilege to know that Cranleigh people will benefit from this space for generations to come.
Arif Dogansoy
Park Ranger
Arif has worked at Heartwork and been involved with the park since it opened, and loves being a part of the ongoing growth of such an amazing project. He became a Park Ranger in September 2025.
Working in hospitality has taught him how to connect with people from all walks of life, anticipate their needs, and make sure they leave with a smile.
At Knowle Park, he combines these two worlds to build great relationships and make sure everyone feels valued. Whether he’s playing sports or at work, his goal is always the same: to bring people together and create a happy experience for them.
Andy Bamford
Trustee
Andy has called Cranleigh home for over 40 years. She spent 28 years as the Finance Director for the family business, Cranleigh-based Informed Choice Ltd.
Andy says: “I learnt about the benefits of volunteering and the ability to make a difference in Cranleigh by working with others. As a Trustee of Knowle Park, I’m never bored or lonely and often take time to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Knowle Park is all about community; I’m incredibly proud to be part of that.”
Brian Belcher
Trustee & Hon Treasurer
Brian moved to Cranleigh in 2020. Before retiring, he worked for 40 years in banking, where he was fortunate to live and work in seven countries and to travel to many more. He has three children and a growing number of grandchildren.
Brian loves the countryside and is a keen walker and novice fisherman. He has volunteered with several local charities since coming to Cranleigh.
He says, “Discovering the park was a joy. Our community comes together in the park to meet, walk, run, and otherwise enjoy all that this beautiful place has to offer.”
Lucy Boatswain
Trustee
Lucy is a community-spirited, outdoor, fun-loving person, award winning designer, and mother of 2 boys.
She currently runs a boutique marketing agency in the Associated Health Arena. She manages her time flexibly, which enables her to support Knowle Park Trust with a specific focus on events and marketing.
Lucy says, ‘I have worked with the Knowle Park Team from its very inception. It is a delight and a privilege to see the finished park being enjoyed by so many people.’
Rosemary French OBE
Trustee
A Scot, Rosemary has lived in Cranleigh for 30 years. Her 43-year career was split equally between the retail/ retail supply sector and economic development/ business support. She was Chair of Cranleigh Arts Centre for 12 years and is currently President of Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce. She received an OBE in 2014 for services to women in business.
"It really is a privilege to play a small part in one of the most wonderful green assets for many miles around.”
Hannah Large
Trustee & Events Co-ordinator
Born and raised in Cranleigh, Hannah graduated from the University of Exeter in 2023 with a 1st class degree in Drama. She continues to work as a freelance theatre-maker, focusing on community performance and vibrant storytelling.
From forming the Cranleigh Youth Council to facilitating workshops for young people on sustainable theatre practices, she hopes to inspire the youth of Cranleigh to get involved in their local surroundings artistically and enthusiastically.
Hannah’s mission is to make Knowle Park an inclusive hub for creativity, connection, and joy.
Wendy Varcoe MBE
Trustee
Wendy has a strong background in environmental land management and local community development. Her early career focused on land restoration and community environmental regeneration projects. Over the last 25 years, Wendy has supported local communities across the County of Surrey including initiating and founding the Community Foundation for Surrey, becoming its first Executive Director in 2005 and building significant local community funds.
In 2017 she became the Executive Director for Surrey Hills Enterprises, a Community Interest Company, supporting sustainable businesses in the Surrey Hills, before retiring in 2024. Wendy was awarded the Member of the British Empire in the Queen’s 2016 Birthday Honours for services to communities in Surrey.
Wendy said “ Knowle Park is an extraordinary achievement benefiting local communities and wildlife and I am proud to be part of the team”.