Our Trustees
Our Trustees bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub. Each trustee plays a vital role in guiding and supporting our mission to serve the local community. With backgrounds in business, leadership, charity work, and community development, they are committed to ensuring the continued success and impact of our charity.
Martin Warner – Chair of Trustees
Martin is the co-founder of Michelmersh Brick Holdings plc and a non-executive director at Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc. He chairs DENS, which provides emergency accommodation and runs the Dacorum Foodbank, and Cinnamon Network UK, helping churches engage with their communities. An active member of Kings Church Berkhamsted, Martin brings strong leadership and community focus to his role as chair.
Astria Archer
Astria has been a cornerstone of Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub since its inception, serving in every aspect of the charity over the years. Recently, she stepped into the role of Trustee, where she continues to contribute her dedication and passion to strengthen the organization. Astria finds it a privilege to be part of such a meaningful initiative, deeply committed to serving the local community.
Helen Fellows
Helen has been an active volunteer at Liberty Tea Rooms since its opening, serving both front of house and behind the scenes. A retired management accountant, she continues to support the charity by managing payroll and preparing the annual accounts. Helen has been a member of St Barnabas Church in Adeyfield since 2001, where she serves as treasurer of the PCC. Outside of her work with the Tea Rooms, Helen enjoys playing the cello with the Hemel Hempstead Symphony Orchestra, Nordic walking in the Chilterns, and singing with the local ecumenical choir, Joyful Noise.
Mark Kitson
Mark is a leadership and strategy consultant who works with businesses, charities, and churches. With previous roles at Costa Coffee, Whitbread, and First Choice Holidays, Mark’s extensive experience in marketing, operations, and strategy supports Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub. A member of Northchurch Baptist Church, Mark enjoys running in the local countryside.
Michael Burgess
Michael is the Chief People Officer for a large consultancy and infrastructure organization, with a focus on progressive people policies. He holds an MBA from Brunel University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Outside of work, Michael is a member of Northchurch Baptist Church and contributes his expertise as a trustee for Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub.
Nikki Jefferson
Nikki has been a trustee of Liberty Tea Rooms for 10 years and is passionate about creating a welcoming and safe space for all. A devoted Christian, Nikki has over 12 years of experience working with Hertfordshire County Council, supporting local individuals in need, particularly those with special needs. Currently teaching social work at the University of Hertfordshire, she brings valuable expertise in safeguarding and community care to the charity. In addition to their work with LTR, Nikki serves as a trustee for Churches Together in Hemel Hempstead and Youth Across Hemel, championing collaboration across churches and the wider community.
Pauline Bowles
Pauline has been a volunteer at Liberty Tea Rooms since its opening in 2017 and has served as a trustee for six years. She is a Lifeskills Manager with Christians Against Poverty, helping people improve their finances, relationships, and well-being. A former Local Government Officer for Dacorum Borough Council, Pauline is deeply committed to supporting the community through her role at the Tea Rooms & Community Hub. She attends New Church Hemel and leads a house group with her husband.