The Team
Here at CONKERS we always have a friendly
team on site to offer you a warm welcome,
information and advice.
Peter McLachlan, General Manager
Peter is an experienced leisure and tourism executive with a background in first class hotels, banqueting and restaurant management; from 5 star hotels to restaurant launches and multi site management. He is now a Director of Planning Solutions Limited, the operating company for CONKERS. He took a leading role in the start up of the Heart of the National Forest Visitor Centre at its inception in 1998/9 and continued to provide support to CONKERS when launched until he took formal responsibility for the Discovery Centre in February 2008. �Customers are king� with Peter and he always strives to provide the best experience for visitors, be it food quality and service or grounds, maintenance or general cleanliness. It�s all important in ensuring our customers enjoy their experience and come back again.
Deanne Atkins, Front of House Manager
Deanne has worked at CONKERS over six years now, originally as a part time receptionist to support her university studies. After Graduating in 2005 with a BA in Theatre and English, Deanne returned to CONKERS to join the management team as Front of House Manager.
Deborah Fovargue, Administration Manager
Debbie joined CONKERS in 2004 as part of the reception team, where she was quickly promoted to head receptionist. Debbie then swiftly moved on to the challenging and rewarding role of administration manager, where her organisational skills have proved invaluable.
Dawn Lloyd, Catering Manager
Dawn Lloyd, catering and banqueting manager, was new to CONKERS in 2008. She brings a wealth of experience with over twenty years in the industry, and together with her team will ensure a first class food and drink experience at CONKERS.
Cordelia Mellor-Whiting, Retail Manager
Cordelia has worked at CONKERS for just over a year. She brings a wealth of experience with her BA in visual arts and post-graduate diploma in museum studies – and this can clearly be shown by her fantastic introduction of the National Forest Art Gallery.
Gerry O\'Brien, Head Ranger
Gerry O'Brien became a member of the CONKERS Team in 2007. A native of Kilkenny in Southern Ireland, Gerry served for five years in the armed forces and then embarked on three years of travel and adventure which awoke his passion for nature. Gerry chose to follow his new career path here at CONKERS, where he has become an invaluable resource with his excellent knowledge and sheer enthusiasm.
Mark Swain, Locomotive Manager
New to CONKERS in 2008, Mark has embraced his role of Train Master, working with an experienced team to keep the faithful ConkerChoo moving.
Joy Tagg, Corporate Business Manager
Joy is an original member of the CONKERS Team, watching the concept grow from 1999, working in retail, reception and now corporate business. Her knowledge of the site is invaluable and along with the catering team, Joy ensures a fi rst class service – whatever the special occasion.
Mick Turner, Maintenance Manager
Mick has worked at CONKERS for over six years as maintenance manager, with his previous employment history being within the leisure industry, including the renowned David Lloyd Leisure Clubs.
Catherine Wrenn, Education Manager
Catherine Wrenn has been working at CONKERS for two years and has recently been promoted to Educational Departmental Manager. She has a team of dedicated rangers who deliver a high standard of educational programmes and craft activities to school and the general public throughout the year. Together they plan to expand this department to include Team Building days for organisations and secondary schools.