1 July 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE new manager for Chequer Mead is Nick Byrne.

Nick, who was born and bred in Devon and describes himself as ‘a lover of live entertainment’ since childhood, replaces former manager Hannah Kester.

His past experience includes a spell with the RAF and ‘extensive work’ within the hospitality industry.

Most recently Nick has been responsible for the programming and management of a small council-run arts centre called The Watermark, in Ivybridge, Devon.

During his four years in post Nick’s guidance has made the The Watermark one of the leading venues for touring musicians and local theatre groups in the county.

And it was his love of ‘putting on a show’, and its reputation as a successful community venue, which led him to Chequer Mead.

‘I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work done by Hannah and developing the venue as the heart of East Grinstead’s art community,’ he said.

‘Along with my young family I am also looking forward to working and living in East Grinstead – its excellent reputation as a fantastic place to live and bring up children has been one of the key factors for my decision to move “up north”!’