C H A I R

I started my career in education at schools in Hampshire and Herefordshire before working with Local Government and latterly, the NHS.

A Governance professional by day, I am currently studying for a Law Degree with the Open University and, when not working or studying, I enjoy writing, photography, travel, food and long walks through the countryside.

I have also volunteered for many years with health charities which has taken me across the UK, delivering talks, and China and South Africa where I worked to deliver healthcare in rural communities.

My commitment to the Farm stems from my keen interest in social and food history. With my experience of corporate governance, I am able to support the Friends in their stewardship and charitable purpose.

D E P U T Y C H A I R

I studied History and Theology at University and have always had an interest in experimental archeology as a way to expand our understanding of past, present and future. I work in education in the secondary and sixth form sector and believe the work Butser Ancient Farm does to educate people of all ages is of vital importance . The Farm is an invaluable tool with which to build on the cultural capital of present and future generations in an engaging and experiential way that can create lifelong memories.

Alongside my work with the Friends of Butser Ancient Farm I also volunteer as a tour guide for the Haslar Heritage group, and can often be found in Scotland looking for stone circles and chambered cairns to explore or watching eagles and otters.

TREASURER

I am an IT manager by profession, but my degree is in Business Management and Economics. I have also just signed up to do my masters in Business Administration.

When I am not working or studying I find it imperative for my mental health to get into nature and I am lucky enough to live somewhere with access to lots of greenspace.

I am passionate about educating the next generation about our natural history so they can learn how to continue to manage existing activities. Without history we have no future.

Although I am based in Scotland my skillset allows me to support the Friends continue their important work continuing research and education.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

I first brought my children to Butser 20 years ago and they loved the site, coming back at first to enjoy the activities and eventually to help run them. I became a Friend and decided to extend my knowledge with an A level in Archaeology.

As a Chartered Building Surveyor, I have always had an interest in vernacular construction and enjoy helping out with maintenance and repairs whenever there is an opportunity. I became a Trustee in 2019, and Chair 2021. This year I will be supporting Stephen as Deputy Chair and as primary link to the Farm.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

History does not always need to be viewed in the light of day; often heritage comes to life at twilight, and there is something about stories in a roundhouse, or the sparks rising from the wicker man at Beltain that demonstrates the value of living history.

With my background in Quantum theory and heritage interpretation, and as the Director of my own events business, I’m particularly interested in the events at the farm and in those run by the Friends. These provide a great opportunity to talk to people about the Farm’s work. I enjoy a mystery, and have a particular interest in our experimental and interpretive work.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

I'm a retired Ministry of Defence civil servant, insurance broker, and office manager of British Forces Broadcasting Service - Falkland Islands, amongst other things!

Whilst living in the Falklands, I was heavily involved with the annual fundraising auction for Wireless for the Blind which was the main charity supported by the British Forces Broadcasting Service. I've travelled extensively since retiring, enjoy theatre trips, meeting new people and life in general.

My involvement with the Friends of Butser Ancient Farm has been on a 'helping out' basis over recent years, but I am now looking forward to being part of the official team.

C O M M I T E E M E M B E R

I am a Communications and Marketing Manager by profession, and have a masters' degree in Professional Writing, but outside of my day job I am also an artist and published children's author. All of my books are rooted in my love for forests and nature, but I particularly adore anthropology, especially when it relates to how people have survived and thrived since ancient times, and this is a theme I return to again and again.

I first visited Butser Ancient Farm on an early date with the man who is now my husband, so it has a very special place in my heart.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

I have been a teacher and lecturer for most of my life, but have done a wide range of other jobs over time.

I love working with children, as there is nothing quite as special as seeing their wonder and joy as they learn things for the first time. My wife and I started a Woodcraft group for children between the ages of five and sixteen and ran this for around ten years.

Making history come alive is a particularly good way of engaging with children and Butser Ancient Farm is perfect for that.

I also enjoy D.I.Y. so getting hands on with things at the farm is a real treat!

C O M M I T E E M E M B E R

I’m a Partner and General Counsel at Greyhound Capital, a growth equity fund and I oversee the legal and compliance function.

Previously, I worked for Silver Lake Partners for over 12 years in their Hong Kong, London, Menlo Park and New York offices. I hold a BA and MA in jurisprudence from Magdalen College, Oxford and am qualified to practice law in England & Wales and New York.

My husband and I, and our young family feel privileged to share in the wonderful educational resources that Butser Ancient Farm has to offer and we’re keen to support the work of the Friends.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

My background was in banking but I took early retirement a few years ago. Our family has been coming to Butser for over 12 years now, so we have seen how it has grown and developed into such a fantastic place.

I’ve also been involved in organising events, including the local South Downs Green Fair for the Sustainability Centre, and I am treasurer for the Haslar Heritage Group who work to ensure that the history of this historic hospital site is not lost.

I am a trustee and co-founder of the charity Hub4stuff which addresses furniture poverty and saves as much as possible from landfill by giving furniture a second chance.

In my spare time I sing with a local choir and go line dancing.