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Our Trustees

Stephen Segar – Chair
After a career with Lloyds Bank, Stephen has a portfolio of voluntary and community roles.  He took on the role of Treasurer for the charity for five years and was elected as Chair in 2004.  Stephen offers that steady steer as we continue to experience substantial growth in membership, volunteer support and income.  With his leadership, the Trustees are united in helping Westonbirt Arboretum deliver exciting initiatives in the forthcoming years, see Westonbirt Project.


Jenny Alcock
Now retired, Jenny was employed full-time in NHS Capital Estates as a business manager.  As a Trustee, Jenny supports Westonbirt Arboretum’s Learning and Participation to increase funding, volunteer activities, school visits and family events.


Sue Bradley-Jones – Vice Chair
A garden designer with special interest in Westonbirt Arboretum’s collection and its history, Sue manages grant support, ensuring funds are allocated to agreed projects in accordance with the charity objectives. Sue attended a Independent Panel on Forestry workshop held in the Forest of Dean on 13 June 2011, representing the charity.


Christine Fraser
Employed full-time as Science Faculty Manager at the University of Bristol.   Christine is passionate about the importance of Westonbirt Arboretum and its conservation role, encouraging a wider group of Friends to share in our future.


John Hammond
Having worked for National Grid (and previously British Gas and Transco) John supports the Westonbirt Project in promoting wider public access and preserving our heritage for future generations as well as bringing human resources expertise to the Board.


Paul Hazel – Treasurer
Following a career as a qualified Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse and 30 years in industry, Paul was elected in 2009.  As Treasurer, his financial and commercial expertise is invaluable, as he manages the sustained growth of the charity.


Margaret Headen
A barrister for 39 years, Margaret now works part time as an immigration judge. Her working experience and many years as a volunteer at Westonbirt Arboretum place her well to head up the Member Events Team.


Peter Higginbotham
Following 21 years abroad with chemical companies, Peter brings his management skills to the Board. Volunteering for more than five years at Westonbirt, Peter’s knowledge of the history and heritage of this Grade I Listed landscape are invaluable. This interest will be helpful in our restoration of this magnificent heritage within the Westonbirt Project.


John Kendall
A retired Army colonel and former bursar/secretary to the governors at Wycliffe College, John chairs the local Citizens Advice Bureau.  Involved with fundraising for local projects, John’s commercial and communication experience has been instrumental in progressing the future of our Westonbirt Magazine. He is also a member of the Westonbirt Arboretum Consultative Committee. John attended a Independent Panel on Forestry workshop held in the Forest of Dean on 13 June 2011, representing the charity.


Ron Manuel – Honorary Secretary
After 25 years in the aircraft industry, Ron brings his experience as an insurance industry liability surveyor to our organisation.  Ron heads up the health and safety sub committee and takes on all questions relating to insurance.


Antonia Mills
Antonia is a Chartered Landscape Architect also qualified in Historic Landscape Conservation (AA) and Town and Country Planning (UWE). She has 30 years experience in local authorities, central government and private practice. She is also Trustee of the Landscape Institute and chair of their Research and Standards Committee. Antonia is keen to contribute to the sensitive conservation and enhancement of Westonbirt and preserving its essential character.


Malcolm Potter
Since the 1960s, Malcolm has practised as an architect in London’s private and public sectors and more recently in delivering construction management consultancy services.  Now semi-retired, Malcom is able to offer his professional advice and experience by supporting the Westonbirt Project Capital Development team. Malcolm attended a Independent Panel on Forestry workshop held in the Forest of Dean on 13 June 2011, representing the charity.


Hugh Purkess
Following a career in banking over 40 years, Hugh joined us as Treasurer.  Having been Chairman of the charity for five years and taken us through Incorporation, Hugh continues to support us as a Trustee, heading the Westonbirt Magazine sub committee.


Karen Thornton
A qualified accountant in local government from 1985-2007, Karen is now busy raising her young family.  Passionate about the value to society of the public and not-for-profit sectors, Karen was appointed as a Trustee to strengthen the management and financial skill set of the Trustees.  Karen is now involved in working with the team directing the Westonbirt Project.


Mike Westgate
After a professional career with the National Air Traffic Services as controller and software engineer, Mike supports many local charities.  Involved as a volunteer at Westonbirt Arboretum for many years, Mike was elected to the Board and plays an active role in supporting the management of our many volunteers.