Who are we?
Canalside Community Food is run by a small but very committed group of people, the original core of whom have been meeting since the summer of 2005. We are a diverse group, ranging from farmers to organic researchers to teachers, but what we do all share are strong beliefs in local food and community empowerment, and in particular what we are doing through our work at Canalside. For your interest, below is a brief profile of the Canalside employees, just so you can recognise some of the people you might meet at the farm!
The Land Team
Lena Sucker joined Canalside in June 2016. Growing up on an organic smallholding in northern Germany she enjoyed the self-sufficient lifestyle her family practised. Eager to see more of the world, Lena went to work and study abroad, which led her to complete a PhD in European politics. Studies and travels raised her interest in environmental issues and problems concerning food production. When the time was right, Lena decided to take a more hands-on approach and connect with her roots in organic smallholding. She has also completed the Future Growers course run by the Soil Association, during her time at Canalside.
Lena is a Grower for Canalside.
The land team is boosted by casual workers – many of whom are valued Canalside members with long-standing involvement in the farm – and temporary seasonal growers.
The Admin Team
Ali Jeffery returned from Pakistan (where she worked as a VSO volunteer), convinced that the supermarket culture has it all wrong in the way it divorces people from the food production process, the land where their food is grown and their local environment. She started growing a few veggies on the roof of her boat, but then discovered something even better: she came across the newly established Canalside Community Food shortly after returning to Warwick in 2007. She started as a regular volunteer at the farm straightaway. After two years, a six-month trip saw her leave temporarily, but she’s been firmly back in the area, and a Canalside employee, since 2010.
Ali is the General Administrator for Canalside, and the Education Project Coordinator.
Carmel Dipple
Carmel is the Finance Administrator for Canalside.
Volunteers:
The growers’ work is supported by members who volunteer at the weekly Wednesday and Saturday Land Team sessions. They help with a wide variety of tasks in the fields and polytunnels – weeding, planting, harvesting, maintenance and much more.
Steering committee:
The work of Canalside Community Food is overseen by its steering committee, which consists of its employees and members. These people are elected at the AGM each year, and their pictures can be seen in the pole barn.
September 2025 – Current members of our Steering Committee are: Gareth Davies, Craig Barnes, Nikki Cooper, Roger Daley and Tom Ingall. Staff members attend as needed.
We are continuing the process of restructuring the Steering Committee and are developing sub-committees with delegated responsibility for specific areas: community; infrastructure; fundraising.
Members who are interested in getting more involved in the decision making process of Canalside Community Food and would like to join the Steering Committee or a sub-committee should get in touch with the general administrator!
The function of the steering committee: The steering group is the board of directors of Canalside Community Food, which is a Community Benefit Society and which is subject to legally binding rules.
The steering group is legally responsible for the company and must meet regularly to keep the organisation running productively, financially responsibly, and in line with its Community Benefit Society rules. Its members reflect the different interests of the members and employees.
It is always ready to listen to members’ concerns/ideas.
Any Canalside member who needs to ask questions about anything to do with the organisation is welcome to get in touch via steeringcommitte@canalsidecommunityfood.org.uk
Updated on 20th October 2025