The Brickfield Trust

Passionate about education and equality of access; I been involved in the governance of the trust schools since 2015, first as Clerk to the Board before being co-opted onto the board itself in 2019. I was elected as Chair of Trustees in September 2020.

In my day job I look after the governance and compliance of a national charity, which fits in well with my role for the trust as there are lots of shared skills and experiences.

I’m proud to lead a team of professionals that is dedicated to working with the schools’ leaders to ensure all of the children in our community have access to a solid and balanced education, and that our schools are places where children and staff feel inspired, challenged and valued.

I was born in Colchester and brought up in the village of Layer De La Haye, which remains my family home. I completed my education in Colchester, studying Residential Care and Social work. On completion of my studies I worked in Severalls Hospital with adults and children with mental illness.

I moved to Walton on the Naze in the 1980’s and became a Senior Care Officer in a residential care home for the elderly and absolutely loved this work. It was while I was working in the home that I came to faith. My family were not ‘religious’ so church played no part in my upbringing, obviously it is now my life.

I met and married John in 1988, we have three children and two grandchildren. We lived in Kirby Le Soken and it was while we were living there that I began the process of discernment into ordained ministry - a journey of ten years. I completed my BA Hons in Contextual Theology and did a 3yr Curacy in Takely with Little Canfield after which I came to Great Wakering. I have been here for over four years now and really enjoy working within the local community.