Lyn Evans - Vice Chair

In the local Government reorganisation in 1996 I moved to Blaenau Gwent Council. I worked in the Works Department as a Management Services Officer, then into Leisure Services and became the Grounds Maintenance & Countryside Manager until my retirement in 2009. I have worked over 30 years in Local Government and I have gained valuable experience during that time.



In March 2013 I became the vice chairman of voluntary directors with Six Bells Regeneration Limited which is Social Enterprise Company based at TY Ebbw Fach in Six Bells. In December 2013 I became the Company Secretaryand I have acquired business skills which will be beneficial in carrying out the role as trustee. I am looking forward to being involved in developing and improving access for leisure, culture and community learning which will bring great benefits to the future health, and well being of the people of Blaenau Gwent. I would like to ensure the long term sustainability of Leisure Services and I am proud to serve as a trustee on the board of Aneurin Leisure

Jenny Ames – Community Trustee

I have had a 35-year career in the university sector, the last 8 years of which were in senior leadership positions, including as Assistant Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University of South Wales. I am now based in Reading, Berkshire, where I am establishing a consultancy working at the interface between universities with business and society.

Throughout my career I have gained considerable experience working in partnership with a wide range of organisations, including the NHS, local councils, museums, charities, the private sector, and further education colleges. Enabling and encouraging people to reach their potential is important to me and mentoring and coaching colleagues is further experience I bring to Aneurin Leisure.

I have experience of leading colleagues in areas of direct relevance to the Trust, including Sport and Exercise, Public Health and Well-being, Inequalities and Disadvantage, Natural Environment, and Food.  In addition, I have a very good understanding of the types of pathway from academic research to creating an impact in society. I am excited to be able to apply my knowledge and skills to benefit Aneurin Leisure.

Donna Hardman - Employee Trustee

 Ross Watts - Community Trustee

I have over 10 years senior leadership experience in the delivery and strategic planning of a wide range of services in both the public and private sector. I have significant experience of leading large teams through complex service design and change programs.

Currently working for Tai Calon I have responsibility for services across a wide portfolio including community development, tenant engagement, customer services, estate maintenance, planned environmental improvement program, communications and marketing.

Previous to Joining Tai Calon in 2013 and whilst working for Working Links as Head of Partnerships and Provisions for Wales I oversaw the successful implementation and subcontracted delivery of high profile payment by results employment contracts. This allowed me to develop a broad range of skills in both procurement and supply chain management.

Being local, I’m a regular user of the trust facilities, particularly the sport centres and I’m a recent convert to all things Les Mils! I’m really looking forward to utilising my skills and experience to support the work of the Trust over the coming years.

Richard Dando - Community Trustee

I’m excited to be joining Aneurin Leisure Trust as a trustee to help support the fantastic staff and volunteers across the sport development, leisure, libraries, community education and venue teams to deliver the organisations mission of ‘Improving Community Life’.

I have over 10 years’ experience working in the sport sector with Sport Wales and have worked in partnership with the sport development team in Blaenau Gwent over the last 8 years to help get the schools and communities active and enjoying sport. I have a passion for supporting the leadership development of people through sport and seeing the positive impact this can have on individuals and communities. I’m looking forward bringing my experience, enthusiasm, challenge and support to help take Aneurin Leisure Trust forward, in addition to learning, developing and expanding my own knowledge and skills while in the role.     

Councillor Wayne Hodgins – Local Authority Trustee

I have been a Borough Councillor since September 2016 where I am ward member for Brynmawr. I have been a Brynmawr Town Councillor, since 2014. I am Chairperson of Brynmawr Town Partnership and have the responsibility of organising and installing Christmas lights in Brynmawr Town Centre.   I support all the local rugby clubs in the town.

I am a local business man and in the course of my business I work on many community events. I have the interest of the community at the forefront of my work as a councillor and also as a board member of Aneurin Leisure.

Councillor Lee Parsons – Local Authority Trustee

Elected County Borough Councillor representing the Llanhilleth Ward in May 2017, Chairman of Destination Management Committee, Vice-Chairman of Environment, Regeneration & Economic Development Scrutiny Committee.

Passionate Naturalist and Conservationist, member of Blaenau Gwent & Torfaen Local Nature Partnership Steering Committee, supporter of both Gwent Ornithological Society & Gwent Wildlife Trust.

Previously employed within the training industry as Training & Development Advisor, Assessing and Verifying learners on both Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships in Management, Business & Administration and Customer Service.

Former staff reporter on the South Wales Argus newspaper and freelance Journalist/Photo Journalist.

Member of the Royal Photographic Society, achieving Licentiate in 2013, currently working towards attaining Associate qualification.

Supporter of sports at both local and national level, keen to maintain and develop sporting excellence within the Borough and promote health benefits to all and full inclusion for the disabled.