I’ve lived in the Newbiggin and Lynemouth area most of my adult life, working at Lynemouth First School, experiencing it move from an LEA maintained school to becoming part of the NCEA Trust, and now further evolving to having its own Local Governing Board. I currently represent the Lynemouth Ward on Northumberland County Council and am actively involved in various local community organisations.

Schools need to be at the heart of our communities, promoting a sense of belonging, pride and social responsibility. A good education which is broad and goes beyond the academic, can ensure our children become the best versions of themselves possible. As Safeguarding Link Governor I believe that children will thrive if they feel secure, safe and confident in their environment. As a Governing Body our vision must be to provide equality and opportunity for all our pupils.

I’m delighted to be part of the Newbiggin & Lynemouth Governing Body and see it as an opportunity to make a contribution to not only the schools but also the local communities they serve.

I am Vicar of Woodhorn with Newbiggin and feel blessed to be serving in such a beautiful community- by which I mean the people as well as the place! My life has been quite the adventure so far. I’m a forces child and was brought up in Germany, which explains my love of the country and my continued visits there.

I’ve lived in the North East for over 15 years, although did spend three years at the College of the Resurrection in Yorkshire where I studied for the priesthood and lived alongside a monastic community. I am also a mental health nurse by background and spent some years in the drug and alcohol services, and still have an interest in mental wellbeing.

I am a keen traveller and have seen some interesting places. Aside from of course Germany and the UK I have been to the Holy Land, to the USA and Poland to name but a few.

History is my passion, and I believe that part of the reason for this is because of the way it was taught to me at school and by others. I can talk a fair bit about German history and also have an interest in elements of church history.

My Musical taste is rather eclectic- I can just as easily enjoy Kylie, Kraftwerk and Bon Jovi in equal measure.

I live with my long suffering partner John and our two cats.

As a governor and as vicar I am enthusiastic about serving a church school and advocating worship and pastoral care, which includes working with our Chaplain. I also believe that the academy is a hub for community relations and wish to support the campuses in celebrating their presence in this region.