THE BOARD as of May 2024

Peter Evans
Peter EvansDirector for Strategy (chair)
I spent most of my teaching career in Chester and then Northeast Wales where I was the headteacher of a large secondary community school for 14 years. It was not unknown for major theatres , dance companies or WNO to perform at the school and annually we opened the doors to artists to work with the primary school students who were on their way to us. I was invited to join the North Wales board of the arts Council of Wales and subsequently became a member of their national list of advisors.
It was quite humbling to be asked to be a director at Melville (I had to provide references!) and I’m very keen to work with my colleague directors over the next few years at this important time in the company’s history to continue the development of this very valuable organisation for all of Abergavenny. It has always been very important to me that the young people I worked with should have the same access to the arts as I did.
Martin Wells
Martin WellsFinance Director
Having spent nearly fifty years working for engineering companies based in South Wales and holding a number of Board positions, I retired just prior to Covid.
Having enjoyed my working life, I realised during the enforced lockdown that my love of performing arts and music in particular had taken a backseat to my work and family life.
At the end of 2022 I replied to a advertisement by the Melville CIC for a Financial Director and thankfully they accepted me into the company.
I find it refreshing that not only do we promote the Arts, especially for up and coming young talent, but we support our community by providing meeting spaces for diverse activities and groups.
If like me you feel drawn to supporting the local community and the Arts in general I would encourage those that have the relevant proven experience, skills and commitment to join us.
Penny Simcock
Penny SimcockDirector
Applied Researcher, Teacher, Social Worker then from 1991 across to workforce development management in the social care sector of local government.

“My vision for the Melville is to make it a great example in South Wales of a welcoming, sustainable, environmentally friendly arts centre with an active panel of people from all sectors of the community, young and old, driving its development forward into the 21st Century and ensuring that the diverse opportunities it provides are inclusive, low cost/low barrier and reflective of local priorities.”

David Williams
David Williams Director Business
David has 40 years’ experience of corporate management and business governance in both SME and blue-chip environments. He continues to be involved in business where he currently holds a number of directorships in both non-executive and executive roles. David also mentors entrepreneurs and businesses and seeks to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, especially in SME and Third sector environments.

As a portraiture hobbyist and former musician, David is passionate about the arts and, being an Abergavenny resident, has been closely involved with the Melville Centre for the Arts CIC (MCA) since before its inception, having been an advisor to the founding Working Group and later the CIC before joining the Board himself.

In his role as a director, David provides commercial and strategic support to the MCA Board and is excited to see the Centre develop and grow into an important inclusive hub of the arts for the local community, Wales and the wider region.

Stan Pochron
Stan PochronAdvisor
Retired Chief Executive/ Company Secretary – represented and promoted 60 Apprenticeship Training Providers on Merseyside to Local, North West, and Government Agencies.

“My vision for Melville is to provide the people of Abergavenny and surrounding area, with thriving Centre for artists of all disciplines, to meet, learn, rehearse, display, teach and offer space to build and encourage the arts to flourish in Abergavenny in the widest sense!”

Ian Smith
Ian Smith
Ian Smith, former Company Director and Chartered Accountant.

“I see this as an opportunity to create a vibrant artistic center to add to Abergavenny’s already rich cultural life.”

David Price Advisor
David Price AdvisorAdvisor
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LEARN WELSH

Coleg Gwent delivers Dysgu Cymraeg classes for Welsh learners at the MCA at all levels. In term time we have 13 Welsh classes a week.

CRAFTS

Stitch Together meets every Thursday morning for two hours. Participants bring their craft projects and enjoy the company, swapping skills and ideas.

DANCEBLAST

Dance Blast is the dance development organisation for Monmouthshire. We deliver a wide range of activities for adults and children.

CAREERS WALES

At Careers Wales we can help you to plan your career, prepare to get a job, and find and apply for the right apprenticeships, courses and training.

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