ABOUT US
Why Pride?
Pride is a celebration of the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, but also a time to reflect on the progress we've made towards equality. It's also a time to acknowledge that we have so much more to do.
After an informal gathering to celebrate Pride month in 2021 came the idea of holding an annual LGBTQ+ Pride event in Sandbach. A small group of us came together to make it happen. After many months of hard work and a number of setbacks, it all came together on 3rd September 2022 with an amazing community event in Sandbach Park, the perfect setting.
OUR TEAM
LAURA
CRANE
Co-Chair
Laura is both a Cheshire East Borough Councillor and a Sandbach Town Councillor, and was recently elected Mayor of Sandbach. Laura brings a wealth of experience to the Pride Team, including her talent for balloon modelling!
MARK
ADDERLEY
Co-Chair
Dad of three, Mark is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. Mark has a background in IT and has lived in Sandbach for 11 years. Mark is also a member of Sandbach Clean Team.
GRAHAM
WHITEHOUSE
Director / Treasurer
Graham has an accountancy background, running his own general practice in Sandbach, and is a natural for the role as treasurer! Graham is also involved with Sandbach Footpaths Group /Sandbach Walking Festival and is treasurer of Friends of Elworth Park.
HELEN
BOYLE
Director
Helen has a background in Arts Marketing and Sponsorship and is a former Chair and Trustee of Birmingham LGBTQ. Following late diagnoses of Autism and ADHD, she is building a new career in Mental Health recovery at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. She is passionate about addressing health and social care inequalities, as well as ensuring Sandbach Pride is accessible and welcoming to diverse communities.
JOE
LAVIN
Director / Social Media Officer
Joe works in early years / SEND and is passionate about making the local LGBTQ+ community feel like they belong in their hometown.
GARY
QUINN
Volunteer Coordinator
Gary has a wealth of experience working with Pride groups, having volunteered at Manchester Pride for many years.
Gary is also the manager of the Sandbach Pantry.