Barnstondale - The Charity

I grew up and was educated on the Wirral before attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and commissioning into the British Army. I am proud to have served for 16 years as an Infantry Officer, leaving at the rank of Major. During my service I deployed on numerous operational tours to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falkland Islands. Since leaving the Armed Forces, I have worked successfully in senior management roles in both the third sector and in commercial business with Amazon. I believe strongly in Service and 'paying it forward' so also volunteer as a Trustee on 2 charitable boards: one a Mental Health Charity, the other a Veterans' Charity. I live on the Wirral with my wife, who is a primary school teacher, our two young children and crazy dog, Poppy. It is a privilege and honour to be part of the Barnstondale Centre and able to play my small part in the overall success and achievements this organisation has and continues to deliver for the children and young adults in our community.

I’m Siobhan, the new Fundraising and Communications Manager at Barnstondale. I grew up in North Wales, by the beach, where I fell in love everything to do with the outdoors. Most of my time growing up was spent playing football or coaching disability sport. Naturally, I went on to complete a Sports Development degree at Leeds Metropolitan University. Once I qualified, I have excelled in Business Development roles across a variety of sectors but always return to the third sector, where I feel my work adds most value. I’ve found most of my life enjoyment comes from elevating people’s lives through sport and challenging inequalities. I live with my other half Michael and two beautiful children in Chester. I live for time with my family. I love live music, going to the gym, camping, and travelling far and wide to learn about culture or volunteer my time in third world countries. I’m an advanced diver so given the opportunity anywhere with a clear ocean is a win for me. I’m excited to be part of the team at Barnstondale. It’s a new challenge and for a charity that really resonates with me. Every child should experience the value and freedom of learning outdoors. We live in a world where we’ve all realised the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing, I want to be part of making sure the next generation know how best to look after it too. 

I grew up and was educated in Liverpool where I worked extremely hard as a Market Trader before following my brother into the British Army. I served for 22 years leaving at the rank of Sergeant Major. During my service I deployed on operational tours to Kosovo and Iraq and was based in several countries including Germany and Cyprus. Upon leaving the military, I began working with young people and was appointed as the Centre Manager for Evolve Military College where I set up a vibrant centre in Wigan for youngsters who wished to embark on a military career. I took up the role at the Barnstondale Centre as it combined my passion for outdoor education and activities with supporting and developing children and young adults. I live in Rainhill, near St. Helens, with my two young daughters and wife. I enjoy all sports, but my passion is football and Liverpool Football Club.....which means there will be many occasions where the CEO (a blue) and I will not see eye to eye!!!!

Mark Woodger recently joined our board as chair to support our continued development of the centre.  Having trained professionally as a dentist, Mark retains a small clinical commitment alongside running a digital transformation business.  Mark has been involved in a variety of charities over the years and currently also sits on the boards of a local youth work charity, and a primary school.

 "It is a privilege to volunteer in this way for Barnstondale, our work with children and young people, though short in time, can be enormous in impact."

Vicki is a solicitor by profession and has worked in Local Government for many years, specialising in Child Protection work. Vicki has been a Trustee at Barnstondale for over 20 years and has connections to the Centre going back to 1969. Vicki firmly believes that Barnstondale offers a wonderful environment which can enrich the lives of young people from all walks of life.

I’m a partner in a firm of Chartered Accountants and have over 30 years experience in my field. I was approached by an existing trustee to find out more about Barnstondale with a view to becoming a trustee. Knowing how difficult it can be to recruit new trustees and having seen the set up and extensive facilities at Barnstondale, I was then happy to join the board. What has pleased me the most up to now has been the changes I’ve seen during my 2-year period, with Jon’s appointment and the transformation he has brought to the centre.

My background is mainly in the arts, but I’ve worked as a fund-raising and development consultant for a wide variety of not-for-profit organisations, including schools and museums. Barnstondale is an important institution on the Wirral, serving young people, and it is a privilege to be part of it.

I am an experienced HR professional with over 30 years' experience across a range of HR functions, predominantly spent working in Local Government.

I am an experienced public servant and am currently the Communities, Equalities and Governance Officer at the Wirral Borough Council. As a physically disabled person, I have a keen interest in equality, diversity and inclusion and am keen to share my experiences and expertise to support Barnstondale.

I am a Pastor in a local church and also run a business providing graphic design and website services to small and medium charities.  I am married and have two kids, love sports and you will often find me in an independent coffee shop. I am passionate about Barnstondale and the incredible experiences it gives everyone who visits.

I lead the local authority’s outdoor activity provision for vulnerable children and am a long-standing scout leader. I have recently qualified as a primary school teacher and work on the Wirral. I joined Barnstondale in 2020 after working closely with the centre as a consumer. I was enthused by the forward thinking vision of the centre and was keen to become a trustee to provide youthful energy to  the centre’s ongoing development. My expertise is in the areas of activity development, meeting the needs of vulnerable children and customer experience. 

I have been teaching for 20 years and currently the Deputy Headteacher at Kilgarth SEMH Community Special School. I became a trustee because I realise the potential that the centre has to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people of the Wirral peninsula and beyond. I love seeing young people grow and develop through the experiences that the centre provides.

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