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Meet the trustees
Our Board of Trustees are committed to our vision and mission and generously donate their time and support to enable Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust to meet its charitable objects.
Fran Dickson
Trustee
Fran has a background in policy research and prior to moving to Longtown, she completed her PhD with the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University, where she also taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Before becoming a trustee of the Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust, she was a trustee of Longtown Pre-School where she took an active role in policy development. She aims to bring her research and analytical skills to new areas of policy, underpinning the important governance work of the Trust. Fran is currently a managing partner in a family farming and hospitality business, responsible for corporate governance in addition to over 25 employees.
Fran is a local parent of three children, the oldest of whom has used the Centre for after-school and holiday clubs for the past couple of years. Through her children’s experience, Fran acknowledges to the enormous repository of skills, knowledge and enthusiasm that is held within the Centre which inspired her to want to volunteer as a trustee.
To contact the Chair of Trustees email: chair@longtownoutdoorlearning.co.uk
Fran has a background in policy research and prior to moving to Longtown, she completed her PhD with the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University, where she also taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Before becoming a trustee of the Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust, she was a trustee of Longtown Pre-School where she took an active role in policy development. She aims to bring her research and analytical skills to new areas of policy, underpinning the important governance work of the Trust. Fran is currently a managing partner in a family farming and hospitality business, responsible for corporate governance in addition to over 25 employees.
Fran is a local parent of three children, the oldest of whom has used the Centre for after-school and holiday clubs for the past couple of years. Through her children’s experience, Fran acknowledges to the enormous repository of skills, knowledge and enthusiasm that is held within the Centre which inspired her to want to volunteer as a trustee.
To contact the Chair of Trustees email: chair@longtownoutdoorlearning.co.uk
Simon Lee
Trustee and Treasurer
Simon is a member of the Association of Accountancy Technicians and has been in the accountancy profession for 39 years, running his own business for 15 years. During this time, Simon has acted for a number of small charities assisting with the preparation of management and annual accounts and providing accountancy advice.
Simon is a member of the Association of Accountancy Technicians and has been in the accountancy profession for 39 years, running his own business for 15 years. During this time, Simon has acted for a number of small charities assisting with the preparation of management and annual accounts and providing accountancy advice.
Claire Brown
Trustee
Claire graduated with an equine business degree and completed a post graduate certificate in equine science. In 2014, she became a member of the CIPR and completed their Advanced Certificate. She currently lectures part-time, in addition to undertaking PR and marketing projects for a number of clients across the UK.
Prior to becoming a Trustee, Claire initially volunteered to act as Clerk to the Trustees following her children’s participation in activities at the Outdoor Centre. She has witnessed first-hand their growth in confidence and teamwork skills whilst making new friends and thriving in outdoor challenges.
Claire graduated with an equine business degree and completed a post graduate certificate in equine science. In 2014, she became a member of the CIPR and completed their Advanced Certificate. She currently lectures part-time, in addition to undertaking PR and marketing projects for a number of clients across the UK.
Prior to becoming a Trustee, Claire initially volunteered to act as Clerk to the Trustees following her children’s participation in activities at the Outdoor Centre. She has witnessed first-hand their growth in confidence and teamwork skills whilst making new friends and thriving in outdoor challenges.
Erica Wallace
Trustee
Erica has a long history with Longtown; she first visited as a student with her secondary school and then came as a trainee instructor between completing her PGCE and starting her first teaching job. Since then, she has been back many times with groups as a teacher.
With the pressures on education at the moment, both curriculum and funding wise, Amy feels it is important that places such as Longtown continue to be supported as what they offer the children visiting is way beyond anything that can be offered in a classroom.
Children who may not have the chance to shine in a classroom may demonstrate leadership qualities, motivational skills or organisational skills that would not be noticed otherwise. They also get to see some stunning scenery and try things they may never before have had the opportunity to do.
Erica has a long history with Longtown; she first visited as a student with her secondary school and then came as a trainee instructor between completing her PGCE and starting her first teaching job. Since then, she has been back many times with groups as a teacher.
With the pressures on education at the moment, both curriculum and funding wise, Amy feels it is important that places such as Longtown continue to be supported as what they offer the children visiting is way beyond anything that can be offered in a classroom.
Children who may not have the chance to shine in a classroom may demonstrate leadership qualities, motivational skills or organisational skills that would not be noticed otherwise. They also get to see some stunning scenery and try things they may never before have had the opportunity to do.
Guy Bourner
Trustee
Guy studied Fine Art Painting at Bath Spa University before moving to London to work for a world-renowned fine art shipping firm. Today, he works remotely for the firm as a logistics co-ordinator.
Moving to Herefordshire with his family in 2016, Guy went to work for a local restoration building company where he learnt the skills necessary to renovate his own Welsh longhouse overlooking the Black Mountains. This continues to be an ongoing project. Heritage, architecture and craftsmanship are his constant passions.
Volunteering for Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust since 2022, Guy has always been an advocate for adventure and opportunity. Both of his children have enjoyed the after-school clubs provided by the Centre and will continue to do so.
Guy studied Fine Art Painting at Bath Spa University before moving to London to work for a world-renowned fine art shipping firm. Today, he works remotely for the firm as a logistics co-ordinator.
Moving to Herefordshire with his family in 2016, Guy went to work for a local restoration building company where he learnt the skills necessary to renovate his own Welsh longhouse overlooking the Black Mountains. This continues to be an ongoing project. Heritage, architecture and craftsmanship are his constant passions.
Volunteering for Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust since 2022, Guy has always been an advocate for adventure and opportunity. Both of his children have enjoyed the after-school clubs provided by the Centre and will continue to do so.
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