Meet the team of Directors and Trustees who run the Trust:

Phill Sykes

Director of Operations

Phill started his career in the Royal Marines working as a musician on board the Royal Yacht Britannia where he travelled the world providing music for the Royal Family. 

After thirteen years he decided on a change of career and trained as a personal trainer where he secured a position as a sports rehabilitation specialist with David Lloyd Leisure helping people recover from injury and major surgery.  Phill spent two years in this position before joining the management team with the clear aim of driving income across all sports and activities in the health club.  After six very successful years in this role Phill moved across to the sales and membership department to help grow the business for future investment. 

After eight successful years with David Lloyd Leisure, Phill took the General Manager position in a large Virgin Active health club in Wimbledon where the same ‘customer first’ approach saw the club out-perform its targets to deliver £127k over budget.  

Following a relocation to Wales, Phill started as Area Manager for Evans Cycles before taking up the position of Commercial Director with Aneurin Leisure Trust. Following recent restructuring in November 2019, Phill has taken up the post of Director of Operations.

Nichola Morden-Tew

Director of Resources

Originally from Abertillery, Nichola now lives in Llangynidr and attended Glamorgan University in Pontypridd. 

Nichola started her career in manufacturing working in supervisory management positions in fast moving environments. After 10 years she took the decision to change career path and move into human resources and health and safety management remaining within the private sector. She is experienced in creating and implementing programmes to improve business operations and her past positions have enabled her to gain experience of short-term working abroad such as France, Malaysia and Korea.

In 2015, Nichola made the decision to widen her current knowledge and experience choosing to work within the public sector and joined BGCBC in April 2015, transferring to Aneurin Leisure as the Human Resource Manager in July 2015. Following recent restructuring in November 2019, Nichola took the post of Director of Resources.

Nichola's interests include watching athletics, walking, reading and spending time with her family.

Lyn Evans

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 and 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 a social enterprise company based at TY Ebbw Fach in Six Bells. In December 2013 I became the company secretary and 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 wellbeing 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 Trust.

Richard Dando

Community Trustee

I’m excited to join 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 organisation’s 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 look 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.

Donna Hardman

Employee Trustee

I started working for Gwent Libraries in 1989, in a temporary job in County Hall, Cwmbran, and have worked for libraries ever since! I worked in Gwent's Schools Library Service, and Acquisitions, before transferring to Blaenau Gwent with reorganisation in 1996. In that time I have worked on the mobile library and home delivery service, and I am currently the children's officer, which includes responsibility for library services for schools and Bookstart.

Originally from Newport, I've lived in Tredegar for 23 years and have two daughters. In my spare time I volunteer for Kidz R Us, a performing arts centre in Tredegar. My interests include music and dance, walking and reading (of course!).

Steve Hughes

Employee Trustee

Having lived in Tredegar all my life, I have huge pride in the area and feel a true connection to the Trust’s mission.

I have a strong sporting background, enjoying a range of sports but excelling at swimming culminating in representing Wales in 2002.

I was able to continue this passion for swimming with employment as a swimming teacher at the age of 16, working for BGCBC, when I started my career in 2004.

My career path progressed within BGCBC and Aneurin Leisure Trust encompassing many different roles within the sports centres and both Parc Bryn Bach and Bedwellty House and Park, and over the years my passion for sport evolved to embrace outdoor activities. This stemmed from volunteering at Parc Bryn Bach at the age of 19, going on expeditions to France and Spain and supporting the Hospice of the Valleys through volunteering for the Welsh 3000s and the National 3 Peaks Challenge.

Within my current role as Facility Manager for Parc Bryn Bach, my aim is to develop and grow opportunities for the local community, implementing new initiatives and activities with which everyone can engage.

My hope is that my enthusiasm and passion will inspire future generations through the current adventure educational programme which we continue to evolve and grow.