Nicola Knowles
Community Centre Manager and Funding Officer
Leading on the development and sustainability of the Queen Mary Centre, I have worked for the Ferry Project Charity for 10 years. I am part of the senior management team, and during this time I have contributed to the preventative agenda for homelessness and have secured the buildings future, transforming it from a failing business to a thriving community asset. Together with my OUTSTANDING TEAM and LOYAL CUSTOMER BASE, we have created a community first culture delivering a wide range of services and activities to Wisbech and surrounding areas.
In the mid 80’s I studied Pharmaceutical Sciences in London and worked in Clinical Research & Development for 17 years, but first and foremost I am a creative, unstoppable, one-woman thinktank, with an insatiable appetite for success! I love my job at the centre and the difference we make to the people who live and work in this town.
At home, I live with my husband, our dog and our cat. Our son is away at Uni studying Military History and we are very proud of his achievements. His happiness means everything to me and I love to see him thrive, and follow his dreams.
My passion is all things image, beauty & style and I am a qualified fashion stylist & life coach. I am currently working on a new kind of fashion that aims to change the world one dress at a time!
In my spare time, I love spending time with my lovely family, sunny days and drinking wine!
Lyza Davies
Trainee Operations Manager
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and gardening. These activities allow me to explore new flavours, cultures, and ideas while also providing a sense of relaxation and fulfilment.
I aim to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment at the Queen Mary Centre by enhancing the quality of services and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. My focus is on supporting community engagement, improving customer experiences, and creating a space that reflects the values of cooperation and care. I also strive to cultivate strong relationships with my colleagues and visitors, ensuring that the centre remains a hub of positive activity and support.
I am inspired by the power of community and the impact of small, thoughtful improvements that can make a big difference. Seeing how collaboration, creativity, and dedication can bring about positive change in people’s lives motivates me. I draw inspiration from my team’s passion and commitment to making the Queen Mary Centre a space where everyone feels valued and connected.
Antonia Marinova
Booking Support Administrator
I have always be interested in books and reading. In my own free time I read crime books and if I don't have any unread books I watch Crime solving movies and series. My interest has always been solving crime mysteries and I used to pretend I am a lawyer or crime detective solving silly mysteries around the house (such as who left the toilet seat up, who took my sweets and why).
My goal is to reach a point where I feel confident and financially stable enough to start my own family. My biggest inspiration has always been my mum. She served in the army and is the strictest person I’ve ever known, yet she never complains about being tired or how tough life can be. No matter what challenge she faces—whether financial or emotional—she always stands up and handles it on her own. She has been my rock, inspiring me to make tough decisions and stay positive. She has always supported my choices and dreams.
When I started working at the Queen Mary Centre, I never imagined I would come to love this place as my own. I enjoy being part of it because the colleagues I work with are some of the most brilliant and understanding people I have ever known. I have put a lot of effort and energy into this place, and seeing it grow and succeed has been a pleasure. That experience has deepened my love for this place and my job.
Sophie Maynard
Part-Time Receptionist/Administrator
I have been racing Stock Cars since I was 11 (I’m now 25!). From the age of 11 I raced in a junior class and had many successes, including winning the European Championship at age 15, over in Holland, Netherlands. I started in a senior class in 2016 where I won the 'Newcomer of the Year' and have had many race victories since. I took a couple of years out as we welcomed my son into the world! Recently I have taken back up in the driving seat and will be back to competing full time in 2025. Apart from this, I enjoy days out with my family and meeting up with friends/family.
Currently I am working 2 days a week as this allows me to still be able to spend quality time with my 2 year old son. My aims will be to increase my hours as he starts school and I hope to take on more responsibilities and progress into a higher role. I aspire to continue being the best mother to my son and partner to my boyfriend that I possibly can be.
I think the best part of my role is meeting all of the people that walk through the door. The difference that a simple cup of tea and a chat makes really is humbling and I love being able to help some of the lovely members of our community. Also, working with such a great team really does make coming to work a pleasure.
David Pearce
Caretaker
My hobbies and interests are football, playing darts and listening to live music.
My aim is to make the Queen Mary Centre the heart of the community where people would come every day and enjoy the facilities.
I feel at home here instantly and our team just want to make the QMC the best it can be and with hard work and dedication we will make that come true and I am glad to be a part of the future of the QMC.