About us

Local people working together

Your Brockenhurst is an independent, volunteer-led community group.

We’re committed to protecting the qualities that make Brockenhurst such a special place to live while responding to local issues in a positive, practical and constructive way.

We work alongside Brockenhurst Parish Council, public bodies and other community organisations whenever partnership offers the best way to achieve positive outcomes for the village.

Key objectives

1

Support an informed, connected and resilient community

We help residents access useful information, strengthen local connections and prepare for issues that may affect the village.

2

Establish and support community working groups

We bring people together around shared priorities and support them in developing practical, well-organised community initiatives.

3

Strengthen Brockenhurst’s resilience

We support projects that help reduce local risks, improve preparedness and lessen the impact of disruptive events.

Our Principles

Everything we do is guided by a commitment to being:

community-led
inclusive and representative
courteous and constructive
informed and solution-focused
respectful of relevant responsibilities and regulations
committed to positive engagement with public authorities, and
independent of commercial interests.

We recognise that people won’t always agree, and that’s perfectly natural. Different views can still be shared respectfully and discussed in a constructive way.

When working with public bodies, we aim to keep one simple question in mind:

How can we help you to help our community?

Our core team

Your Brockenhurst is coordinated by a small team of lead volunteers, working alongside the leaders of individual projects, specialist advisers and our wider network of volunteers.

As the needs of the community change, our structure will continue to evolve alongside the projects we support.

Karen Bladen – ‘Comms’

My background is in publishing and exhibitions, which involved managing a team, and organising worldwide international trade exhibitions across a variety of industries, including IT, Security and Furniture.

I have also held a variety of managerial roles in business organisations, the public sector and retail pharmacy, and have used my entrepreneurial skills to start a few businesses. My mantra is ‘Nothing can stop me!’.

I’m passionate about helping others and making Brockenhurst a truly connected village for all to share and enjoy.

My family has been in Brockenhurst since 1977, and I’ve been a resident since 2009.

My hobbies include cooking, travelling and trying to run!

Roger Gomm, QPM – ‘Resilience’

Previously, I was a senior officer in the Metropolitan Police Service, with strategic (Gold) and tactical (Silver) command responsibility for numerous high-profile events, security operations, Royal ceremonial occasions, and major incidents across London.

I have supported the UK Resilience Academy and several academic institutions, advising and training organisations across the UK and internationally.

I have lived in Brockenhurst since 2022.

My hobbies include pickle ball, the Rotary Club and sailing.

Tim Pearce – ‘Projects’

A trained economist, with a career involving programme management and niche business consultancy for many years. I have a commercial background in international technology organisations of various sizes and I’m currently advising the European leasing industry.

My expertise includes business communications, continuity, security and risk management – both identifying and mitigating them.

I have lived in Brockenhurst with my family since 2014.

My hobbies include walking forest and beach trails with our whippet, renovation projects, following financial markets – and an ambition to start mountain biking again.

John Stanton – ‘Group Lead’

With nearly 30 years international experience managing international supply chains in the consumer goods sector (involving large teams and budgets), I took early retirement in 2022.

I then co-founded ‘New Forest for Ukraine’ and established a local bike business. I’m a ‘social entrepreneur’ committed to bringing people together to find positive solutions to issues faced by the residents of Brockenhurst.

I have lived in Brockenhurst since 2004, moving back full-time after international assignments in 2016.

My hobbies include cycling, and supporting Liverpool FC.

Get involved

Whether you can offer professional expertise, local knowledge, practical help or simply a little of your time, your contribution can make a real difference.