Meet The Team
When strangers become family, magic happens! Our amazing team of volunteers come from all walks of life, uniting for fun, hard work, and transformation as we build a brighter future together—complete with plenty of tea!
Check out our video to see how much we have achieved so far.
Our Volunteer Team
Our dedicated team has been working tirelessly on various aspects of the Barge No. 9 and Anchor Point House projects. From carpentry and painting to the endless sanding and cleaning, they have poured their hearts into every detail. With skilled fundraisers, designers, project managers, engineers, and maintenance experts, we are making incredible progress, and we’re almost ready for the internal outfitting of the barge, aiming for a launch in summer 2026. The refurbishment of Anchor Point House is also well underway, with completion expected in October 2025. We’re always looking to expand our team, and there are plenty of ways to get involved—click here to learn more!
"I am very proud of what we have achieved" John H
Our Steering Committee
"It's an exciting project - I had to be part of it "
- Peter R
The Steering Committee is a crucial part of the Barge No. 9 Community Preservation Project, providing strategic direction and support to ensure our initiatives run smoothly. Comprised of dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, the committee works collaboratively to guide our vision, make informed decisions, and foster effective communication among team members and stakeholders. Their commitment and insight help us stay focused on our goals, ensuring the successful restoration of the barge and the promotion of community well-being.
Our Board of Directors
Are you interested in joining us as a director? We welcome passionate individuals who are eager to contribute their expertise and help shape the future of Barge No. 9!
Caroline Besford -
Chair
Caroline brings experience in social care management to her role as Chairperson. With a deep-rooted passion for the Lowestoft community, she is committed to enhancing the mental well-being of its residents. Caroline's dedication to fostering a supportive environment reflects her love for the town and its people, making her an inspiring leader in our mission to create positive change.
Rosemarie Owen - Secretary
Rosie is a passionate volunteer and dedicated community member, always ready to lend a helping hand. With a strong belief in the importance of community, she consistently finds ways to support those around her. Having previously worked as an air stewardess, Rosie brings a unique perspective and exceptional interpersonal skills to her role.
Megan Mitchell-
Well-Being & HR Director
Meg holds a degree in Psychology and Education Studies and has devoted over 15 years to working in education, primarily supporting SEN students, including foster children, aged 6 to 21. With a passion for community service, she has volunteered with the Salvation Army and Citizens Advice Bureau.
Following her medical retirement in 2018, Meg published her book, Resiliency Training Manual, in 2020, focusing on mental health and well-being. Currently, she is working on her next book about movement and chronic pain. Meg is an avid crafter with a lifelong love for crafts and sewing projects. She is committed to promoting well-being in the community of Lowestoft.
John Craw -
Health & Safety Director
John Craw brings a wealth of experience to Anchor Point as our Health and Safety Director. With a distinguished career in health and safety, he has dedicated himself to ensuring the well-being of those around him.
Since retiring, John has been instrumental in our progress, providing invaluable guidance and expertise to keep us safe while adapting to the various challenges we face. His willingness to tackle any task, no matter how big or small, demonstrates his commitment to fostering a secure and supportive environment at Anchor Point. With John's leadership, we continue to prioritise health and safety in all our initiatives.
Could this be you?
John Sargeant -
Former Director
John Sargeant served as a dedicated director from the beginning, playing a pivotal role in shaping the vision of Barge No. 9. His passion for community development and valuable insights greatly contributed to our early success.
In October, John resigned from his position as he relocated away from Lowestoft. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his service and wish him all the best in this new adventure. Thank you, John!
William Gilroy
Our Founder
Meet William Gilroy, the heart behind our Community Interest Company, who truly understands the power of second chances. Born into chaos with a tumultuous childhood, Will overcame significant hardships, turning his life around while incarcerated after receiving encouragement from a supportive officer. His journey to success, having earned a place at Goldsmiths, University of London, ignited his passion for creating change in his community. In 2023, he bought Barge No. 9, a historic vessel with great potential. Gathering over 40 dedicated volunteers, he is restoring the barge to create a museum tea room, restaurant & event space. With a percentage of profits funding our Community Wellbeing at Anchor Point House, offering holistic workshops and resiliance programs to help individuals rebuild their lives. Driven by his experiences, he is committed to ensuring that everyone in Lowestoft receives the support and opportunities they deserve.
We are proud to say that our entire team is made up of dedicated volunteers.
We can't thank each and every one of them enough—every person brings their time, skills, energy, hard work, support, and enthusiasm to this project. It is only through our collective effort that we are achieving what many once deemed impossible.
Our Partners & Sponsors
Our sponsors and partners, along side our volunteers have been vital to our success, providing essential grants, products, services, and premises. Their generous support fuels our mission to restore Barge No. 9, launch Anchor House and enhance community well-being. [More info - Partnering with us] [Partner Directory]
