Meet the Committee

The Friends of Preston Park Committee is a group of local volunteers who aim to maintain and improve the facilities of Preston Park by representing the interests of all who use it. We organise regular community events including walks and Painting in the Park.

Kerry Pickett (Chair)
As well as spending time being busy around Preston Park, I am also a Green Councillor for Preston Park Ward. The area is important to me and I enjoy trying to make improvements to try and maintain the most popular green urban space in Brighton & Hove.
Isa Martin
(Deputy Chair)
I love food and gardening. I spend ages trying new recipes or moving plants in my garden, finding the best spots. I spend time running, painting and meeting friends. Preston Park is a haven as I can do all these things there and I enjoy working with other volunteers in the Rose Garden on a Tuesday. We have such a good community.
Janet Laing (Treasurer)
I’m a retired accountant, which is handy for my role on both counts. A volunteer gardener in Preston Park and the Walled Garden, I’m passionate about keeping our lovely park as a beautiful green space for us all to enjoy.
Phil Matus:
I’m a retired IT Project Manager who moved to Brighton 3 years ago. Having moved from a huge garden to a tiny one, I get my gardening fix by volunteering in Preston Park. I also help the committee in a Secretarial role.
Jane Edmonds
Now retired, I worked as an editor and writer with a variety of publishers throughout my life. I’ve always loved Preston Park and in summer 2021, I became involved in FoPP as a Secretary after joining the volunteers who do so much to maintain the Rose Garden.
Rose Jones
I am a retired primary school teacher. I joined FoPP Committee just over 5 years ago and I am admin for the Facebook page as well as supporting different FoPP events. My passions are photography, nature and reading.
Dimitri Mehandziski
I work with Brighton & Hove City Council to obtain permits for social events, as well as participate and help manage them.
Pax Barnard
I support the FoPP Committee with managing the website and social media pages. I also enjoy helping out with FoPP events for the local community at Preston Park.