Meet the Deputy Lieutenants
Mr Robert Bland DL
Date of commission: 3 October 2011
Lives in Cound
Town & Community Link
Dawley
Robert has lived in Shropshire all of his life. He joined his family business, Oakleys Ltd, in 1973 and remains its executive Chairman today after 47 years. The company has been involved in many spheres over that span but is now focussed on the distribution of garden and professional groundcare machinery.
For 10 years, he has been actively involved in the distribution of renewable energy both locally and nationwide. He set up and chaired The Wood Heat Association within the Renewable Energy Association (REA).
He was Chair of Governors at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College having served for 13 years on the Board. He was Chair of Trustees of the Princes Trust in Shropshire for five years and now chairs The Shropshire Youth Support Trust which helps disadvantaged young people into self-employment in the county.
He lives on a small working farm in Shropshire and maintains a strong interest in countryside and rural issues. He is married to Tricia, has three sons including one grandson, enjoys country sports, gardening and sailing. He is a keen tennis and bridge player as well as amateur dendrologist and an avid reader of history books.
Robert was High Sheriff in 2014/15 and appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2011
Viscount Boyne DL
Date of commission: 3 September 2009
Lives near Bridgnorth
Town & Community Link
Dittton Priors/Burwarton
- President Burwarton & District Agricultural Society
- Director Ludlow Race club
- Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
- Shropshire committee Country Land and Business Association
- Chairman of Burwarton Estates Company
Mrs Claire Brentnall DL
Date of commission: 6 April 2020
Lives in Much Wenlock
Town & Community Link
Much Wenlock
Claire gained an honours degree in marine biology and worked as such before she was married. She then ran a small fish-related business for a number of years in Shropshire. She is and has been a serving magistrate for the past 20 years. She is a trustee of the Radbrook Foundation which is an educational charity associated with the Shrewsbury colleges group. Claire has been parochial church council secretary for the the parish of Holdgate.
As a family we have been privileged to live in south Shropshire for over 30 years and enjoy walking in this beautiful landscape with our dogs.
Her interests include gardening; natural history; travelling and the arts – I greatly value my membership of a local book club that has been running over 18 years.
Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Brettell DL
Date of commission: October 2022 Lives Marchamley, Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
Oakengates
Lieutenant Colonel Brettell is a serving officer in the British Army and is currently head of Engagement for the West Midlands, a role that ensures the army remains society connected and especially within her own county of Shropshire. She has had a long and varied career from starting her military career a reservist then transitioning into a full-time post for the last fifteen years.
Samantha is a passionate advocate for wellbeing and mental resilience. During Op RESCRIPT, the forces support to the COVID19 crisis, headed up the operational stress management for all service personnel and other organisations involved in support to the NHS and Local Authorities during the national crisis. Her expertise has also been used to support veterans in prisons and the Civil Service.
Samantha has lived in Shropshire all of her married life and has set up home in the north of the county with her auctioneer husband David and twin daughters Tallulah and Gemima.
Mrs Claire Crackett MBE DL
Date of commission: 6 April 2020
Lives in Stanton-upon-Hine-Heath, Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
Shrewsbury & Shawbury
Interests:
- Honours Committee
- QAVS
- Youth, inc education
- Church and other faiths
- Charities
Claire started volunteering when at school and has not stopped since. She holds masters degrees in metallurgy and information science and has worked for a global microchip manufacturer as well as running her own IT consultancy.
Roles as youth leader, primary school chair of governors, company secretary for a music festival, IT advisor for the voluntary sector and many more have built a wide range of experience in the local voluntary sector. Claire led the project to produce a new Roll of Honour for the Great War for Shropshire and organised the weekly remembrance services throughout the 100th anniversary of the war.
Current roles include voluntary IT consultancy for a range of local charities, treasurer of Shrewsbury Homes for All, treasurer and volunteer advocate for A4U (a disability charity which runs the Shropshire Autism Hub), member of Telford Fostering Panel and chair of Education Appeals Panels.
Major General J Crackett CB TD VR DL
Date of commission: 4 November 2016
Lives in Stanton-upon-Hine-Heath, Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
Shrewsbury & Shawbury
Resume
John Crackett is a chartered engineer with experience running large businesses and in the Army.
His civilian career was mainly in designing, building and running power stations, and in distributing electricity to homes and businesses. He is a former managing director of Central Networks, the utility that provided electricity throughout the East and West Midlands. John was also an Army Reservist for 40 years. His final roles before retiring saw him responsible for reserves policy and strategy, working at the highest levels in Defence and on the Army Board.
John now undertakes a number of charitable and non-executive roles. He is a member of the board of the electricity regulator Ofgem, and of the West Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. Closer to home he is a trustee of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company, running 51 almshouses, and County President of SSAFA. As a member of the Engineer and Logistic Staff Corps he still provides professional advice to the Army.
John has lived in Shropshire for 25 years, was appointed CBE in 2015 and a DL in 2016.
Colonel Mark Cuthbert-Brown CBE DL
Date of commission: 15 September 2014
Lives in Pentre, Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
From a childhood spent mostly in Essex, Mark’s nomadic career brought him to our County in 2003. From the moment he arrived, the warmth of the welcome from staff in Copthorne Barracks prompted his ambition to settle here.
He has been based in the Nesscliffe area ever since, permanently so since leaving the Army in 2012. That year, he ran much of the administration for the visit of Her Majesty to RAF Cosford, an event that saw over 35000 people (mostly children) converge on the site to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.
Mark has since taken on a number of charitable and voluntary roles. He sits on committees of the Shropshire Horticultural Society and is currently President of both the Shropshire Society in London and the Shropshire Gundog Society.
He is a keen supporter of, and for a period chaired, the Shropshire Appeal for the ABF the Soldiers’ Charity. For several years, he chaired the Kinnerley Parish/Shropshire Council voluntary footpaths partnership – and when not tinkering with old machinery and between mowing the verge of a community garden, continues to mend stiles and gates in the area.
Mrs Clarissa Daly
Date of commission: November 2022
Lives Nr Ludlow
Town & Community Link
Church Stretton
I moved to Shropshire with my husband, Henry Daly in 1994. Prior to that I worked in London for a political lobbying company. Since then I have worked in various roles in PR and marketing whilst helping Henry with his business of training racehorses. I currently oversee the Pony Racing Authority which runs pony races for children aged 9 to 16 years old. I am involved in developing and delivering schemes for children who do not own their own ponies to enable them to participate in pony racing.
I am also a member of the Jockey Club and a Director of Aintree Racecourse.
I was a member of the Committee of the Memories II Art Exhibition (October 2022) having also been on the committee for the original exhibition in 2005 raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society, the Brook Weld Project and the Shropshire Community Fund.
I was a member of the British Red Cross Committee in Shropshire and have been involved in various fundraising events for the County Air Ambulance and Racing Welfare.
Dr Josh Dixey MB; BS; FRCP(UK); MD(London) DL
Date of commission: 9 April 2021
Lives in Pentre, Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
Shrewsbury
Dr. Josh Dixey moved to Shropshire in 1989 and continues to work as a Consultant Rheumatologist at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. In his professional life, he has had a number of senior management roles including Medical Director and Commissioner for the Shropshire CCG. He has published widely on his research interest of early arthritis. He was responsible for setting national standards in rheumatology. He is a past Trustee of the national charity Versus Arthritis.
Dr. Dixey also has an interest in education and is chairman of governors at Moreton Hall School having been chairman before at Packwood Haugh.
In the year 2019/20, Dr. Dixey was High Sheriff with a focus on the role volunteering in support of Civic Society.
Dr. Dixey is married to Diana and has 2 sons and a daughter.
Mr Edward Dugdale DL
Date of commission: 15 September 2014
Lives in Much Wenlock
Town & Community Link
Broseley
Trustee
- Tickwood Care Farm (chairman)
- Social Farms and Gardens (retiring)
Designated Partner
- Supported Ownership LLP (Shared Ownership)
- Supportive Living LLP (Supported Living)
- Tickwood LLP
Director
- Much Wenlock Affordable Homes Construction Ltd
- Heritage Manor (Nursing Homes)
Area of Interest
Charities
Local Community
Locally, I am involved in the Broseley, Much Wenlock and Cressage Well-Being Forum which brings together all the charities, Surgeries, police and local County Officials and creates local initiatives and partnership working. I am a member of Bridgnorth Rugby club and coach at Bridgnorth Cricket Club. I am a member of the Shropshire Voluntary and Community Assembly. I sing in the Much Wenlock church choir.
On the Care Farm, we work extensively with the local as well as the wider Shropshire community. With Severndale Specialist Academy, the majority of the school come weekly and we have the sixth form and students from Futures at SCAT doing Horticulture/food production HNDs, work experience and other projects such as converting a WW2 nissan hut into a bunk house. We held our first EVERYONE FESTIVAL (the festival of inclusion) in 2019 with a thousand people attending. Wrekin College do weekly forest school with a Severndale class. We have a monthly Saturday Arts Club in the woods for children and young adults with learning difficulty and their siblings and various family days. The Llama hut is used by families with a disabled child for respite and a break.
The Shropshire Police Cadets come to the farm for their first get together of the new year. The Wheatland Care Home come for a monthly walk and a cup of tea and a piece of cake. We are the end of the Wenlock Countryfile walk. Telford College have a number of pupils doing work experience and continuing education with us. We work with Landau and Telford Social Services to provide work experience for young adults with SEN including doing various farming qualifications (even taking over as the location from a Telford library for English and Maths). There is a volunteers mental health group which comes once a week but the individuals come out when they want to, helping them get back into society and some back into work. With a number of SEN Colleges/Schools in Shropshire we have jointly created outdoor activities and experiences for their pupils.
Colonel Michael Evans TD DL
Date of commission: 17 July 1995
Lives in Kenley, Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
Colonel Michael Evans TD DL has lived in Shropshire for most of his life. Practising as a land agent with the county firm of Balfours and retiring as Managing Partner in 2018, he is currently a consultant with the firm, counting amongst his clients both private landowners and charities. His interests are long-term sustainability of landed estates and their contribution to the rural environment and public benefit.
Col Evans served in the Territorial Army for 22 years commanding the Queens Own Mercian Yeomanry and the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry and on promotion to Colonel, as Deputy Commander 143 (West Midlands) Brigade, then headquartered in Shrewsbury. He is a trustee of the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum in Shrewsbury Castle and a trustee of a housing charity. He lives with his wife Min, near Much Wenlock and has three daughters.
Mrs Diana Flint DL
Date of commission: 3 September 2009
Lives in Ellesmere
Town & Community Link
Ellesmere
Organisations:
- Shrewsbury School Board Member
- Ironbridge Gorge Museum Foundation Committee member and trustee
- Sight Loss Shropshire Chair
- High Sheriff of Shropshire 2013-14
Interests:
- Youth and Education
- Church
- Heritage, Arts
- Health Care.
In my local community in addition to contributing to the organisations above, I support and run events for the parish Church, I support the Parish Hall and events run at local schools and hospitals.
Mrs Katherine Garnier DL
Date of commission: 9 April 2021
Lives near Bucknell
Town & Community Link
Cleobury Mortimer & Clun
Having spent much of my childhood in south Shropshire, I moved back with my husband and five young daughters in 2000. Since then, I have supported numerous local campaigns for better services and amenities and helped a variety of charities and organisations to raise funds including the community hospital, rural churches and the Midlands air ambulance.
On becoming committee Chairman of the Shropshire volunteer branch of the Art Fund in 2011, I took over the planning of regular fundraising events for over 800 members. Through a programme of visits, lectures and a variety of other activities it has been possible to increase support for all forms of local arts, galleries, museums, cultural heritage centres and buildings of architectural significance throughout the county.
Each year the choir of Hereford Cathedral return to the Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks to sing at the Advent in London service. As a Patron between 2016-19 I was able to help Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust with fund raising in their continual support of Hereford Cathedral.
As co-director and Company Secretary for J H Garnier & Associates Ltd, I work with my husband to provide management consultancy, executive coaching, mentoring, mediation and business strategy locally, nationally and internationally.
With interests including heritage and the arts, literature, gardens, food and travel my husband and I are now introducing our five small grandchildren to the glories of Shropshire geographically, culturally, historically and gastronomically.
Mrs Selina Graham DL
Date of commission: May 2023
Lives near Broseley
Town & Community Link
Born and bred in Shropshire, she practiced as a solicitor for 4 years in London before moving to Zimbabwe and running an ostrich and paprika farm for 10 years, alongside setting up and running Asekela Painting Holidays. She returned to the family Estate at Willey in 2002 which she now runs as Chief Executive. The Estate is involved with residential and commercial tenancies, forestry, farming, renewable energy, and leisure and she is passionate about preserving the history of the Estate as well as using the assets to shape and inform the future.
She has volunteered in many guises for most of her life, and acted as a trustee for many charities and voluntary organisations both in Zimbabwe and the UK, helping to raise considerable sums for a variety of good causes – in particular with the two Memories Art exhibitions in memory of her father, which raised in excess of £275,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, Brook Weld Project and Shropshire Community Foundation.
With a particular interest in young people, she built a school in Zimbabwe and helped to set up the first primary free school in Shropshire. She was a school governor for 20 years and is still an academy trustee. She has also served as County President of St John Ambulance for 12 years, and remains on the County Priory Group. She has been and continues to be involved with a variety of charities for older people, as well as climate action groups, and various committees in and around her home town of Broseley. She has raised money for Help for Heroes, the Zim Farm Trust, Zac’s Brave Battle, Barrow 1618, SJA and the Cavalier Centre. She is currently chair of trustees at the RDA Cavalier Centre, chair of the Shropshire branch of the CLA, trustee of the Weston Park Foundation and chair of trustees of the Shropshire Community Foundation, patron of the Footprint Gallery in Jackfield and was High Sheriff of Shropshire 2022/23.
A passionate believer in collaboration and co-operation, working together nothing is impossible.
Married, with two children and two very needy dogs.
Lord Hamilton of Dalzell DL (Gavin)
Date of commission: 3 October 2011
Lives in Shifnal
Town & Community Link
Bridgnorth & Highley
Businesses:
Owner: Apley Estate, Apley Farm Shop
Voluntary:
- President: Ludlow Conservative Association
- Patron: Apley Park Branch, Royal British Legion
- President: Bridgnorth Golf Club
- Director: Bridgnorth Rugby Club Ltd
- Chairman: Stockton Parish Council
- Member: St John Ambulance Shropshire County Priory Group, St. Chad’s Stockton PCC.
- Ambassador: Severn Valley Railway Trust
Interests:
- Charities
- Commerce, business & employment
- Heritage, Arts, media & sport
I moved back to Shropshire in 2006 with my family. Since then I have supported local charities and organisations including being Chairman of Council of St John Ambulance, Director of Bridgnorth Rugby Club and involved in fundraising for Severn Valley Railway, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (Shropshire). I am passionate about supporting voluntary organisations locally and on the Apley Estate as they are a vital part of our community. Either directly myself or through Apley Estate, I support local churches and local sports clubs and voluntary organisations which often struggle with fundraising and finding sufficient numbers of active volunteers.
Miss Gill Hamer DL
Date of commission: 9 April 2021
Lives in near Oswestry
Town & Community Link
Baschurch
Gill grew up on a farm in northwest Shropshire and went to Oswestry Girl’s High School. In her working career she served as a public servant locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally for just over 40 years. In that time she served as a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, where she worked both in the Foreign Office in London and Embassies and diplomatic missions in Europe and the Far East, held roles in economic and rural development in Local Government, headed up the West Midlands Regional Development Agency’s business support programme and was the Partnerships Director for the Manufacturing Advisory Service, covering the North East and West of England. From January 2015 – July 2021 Gill was the Chief Executive of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). As CEO of the LEP she collaborated with Local Authority Leaders, the heads of Universities and Further Education Colleges and senior businesspeople from the counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire to champion and support the economic growth of the Marches area.
Interest or area of expertise
Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
Business support and initiatives to help develop the Shropshire economy.
Peter Holt DL
Date of commission: 3 October 2011
Lives in Wellington
Town & Community Link
Wrockwardine
Mr Rupert Kenyon-Slaney DL
Date of commission: 6 April 2020
Lives in Shifnal
Town & Community Link
Shifnal
Rupert is Vice-Chairman of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and a Trustee of the Ironbridge Heritage Foundation. He is also a Trustee of the Shropshire Youth Support Trust and a member of the Shropshire Committee of the Country Land & Business Association.
Rupert is a farmer and former Banker. He is married to Christina and they have three sons. He is a Director of the London Speaker Bureau and acts as Trustee for a number of landowning families in Shropshire.
Air Vice-Marshal (Retired) Warren James CB CBE DL
Date of commission: 6 April 2020
Lives in Uffington
Town & Community Link
Shawbury & Cosford
- Currently the Chief Operating Officer at Cheadle Hulme School in South Manchester
- Former Air Officer Commanding Number 22 Group, which included Royal Air Force Stations Cosford and Shawbury in his wider remit (leading much of Defence’s technical training, youth development, apprenticeships, through-career leadership, the RAF College at Cranwell, military flying training, the Air Cadet Organization and the Red Arrows display team).
- Royal Air Force, former Station Commander of RAF Shawbury
- Life member of the RAF Association (Shrewsbury Branch)
- Honorary Companion of Lincoln College
- Companion of the Chartered Management Institute (CCMI)
- and Chartered Manager (CMgr)
- Board Advisor – People Director Partnership
- Alumnus – Windsor Leadership Trust
Interested in:
- Honours,
- Armed Forces incl Cadets,
- Youth incl education
Mrs Nicola Kershaw DL
Date of commission: 4 November 2016
Lives near Craven Arms
Town & Community Link
Craven Arms
Married with three sons and two grandsons and lives in the parish of Wistanstow, South Shropshire.
Member of the Shropshire Lieutenancy Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service panel since 2016.
Member of the Shropshire Lieutenancy Queen’s Individual Honours panel since formation in 2019.
A founder member of the Fundraising Committee for the Church Stretton Branch of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital League of Friends since 2007.
A volunteer for the Church Stretton Good Neighbours, delivering hot meals to clients’ homes and driving people in the Church Stretton area to and from hospital and other similar appointments who find it difficult to get about.
Previously a Lay Member for the West Mercia Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace from 2008 to 2018.
Committee member of the Shrewsbury and District Branch of the NSPCC Fundraising Committee from 2003 to 2016.
Fundraising Committee member of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital League of Friends from 2003 to 2012.
Committee member of the Arts Society Shrewsbury, (previously NADFAS), from 2005 to 2013.
Interests and hobbies are hill walking, including partaking in annual long-distance Challenge walks in the Shropshire hills for the benefit of various charities, and playing bridge.
Mrs Veronica Lillis DL
Date of commission: 6 April 2020
Lives in Whittington
Town & Community Link
Oswestry
Veronica has run her own property management and refurbishment business for many years and has been involved in the last 25 years with a variety of local charities including the Art Fund, Whittington International Music Festival, gardening at Severn Hospice, fundraising for Horatio’s Garden Oswestry and Shropshire Rural Support. She has been a Trustee of the Executive Committee of the League of Friends of the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital since 2018 and was recently responsible for the refurbishment of the five-bed Relatives’ cottage. She assisted her husband during his year as High Sheriff 2017/18, focussing on rural isolation.
She has been Chair of Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service since 2020 and involved locally with Whittington Church and PCC, and RJAH Flower Guild.
Mr Tullis Matson, FRAgS, DL
Date of commission: 6 April 2020
Lives in Whitchurch
Town & Community Link
Whitchurch
Director of the following companies:
- Stallion AI Services Ltd
- Cryogenetics Ltd
- Equine Reproduction Supplies Ltd
- Gemini Genetics Ltd
- Chapel Field Conference Suites Ltd
- Elite Kennel Fertility Ltd
Other positions:
- Equine Employers Association – President
- National Equine Forum – Committee Member
- Rare Breeds Survival Trust – Expert Advisory Panel Member
Tullis Matson has worked in the equine industry for over 25 years. He began running the small natural covering stud at the family farm in 1989. In 1990, he travelled to New Zealand to learn the practice of Artificial Insemination before returning home to set up one of the first equine AI only units in the UK.
Stallion AI Services Ltd was formed in 2000 and is one of the most successful stallion collection centres in the world, offering semen collection services, fertility assessment and worldwide semen export. His expertise in this regard, has also resulted in him delivering lectures worldwide on equine breeding and stallion management. Stallion AI Services Ltd hold an annual Open Day, the proceeds of which are donated to local charities such as Whitchurch Hospital, Riding for the Disabled and the Air Ambulance.
He founded Gemini Genetics Ltd in 2018 and now works with organisations such as Chester Zoo to help cryopreserve semen from endangered species such as rhino and lion.
Tullis is also co-founder of Equine & Canine Reproduction Supplies Ltd (ERS Ltd), which since 2008 has been supplying over 90% of the UK’s canine and equine AI equipment to both veterinarians and stud owners.
In June 2019, an opportunity to diversify into canine reproduction was identified and Elite Kennel Fertility Ltd was established. Tullis is excited at the prospect of using his equine knowledge to aid development of the same high standards in canine reproduction.
Mr Tony Morris-Eyton DL
Date of commission: October 2022
Lives near Newport
Town & Community Link
Newport
Tony served as High Sheriff of Shropshire for 2021-22, using his year in office to champion the county he loves.
During his tenure he took part in over 250 meetings and events and engaged with thousands of people from all walks of life. Some had not even realised there was such a role as High Sheriff – and that it was such a force for good – before they met Tony.
He promoted a wide range of local charities – some small, underfunded and in need of the higher profile he was happy to provide through his public role.
The promotion of Shropshire’s tourism industry, as a leading player in the county’s post-pandemic economic recovery, was a significant part of his year. He worked closely with Shropshire Council on the commissioning of an exciting new tourism action plan, including promotion of the county nationally, which should hopefully bear fruit in the coming years.
He used his role to champion those who serve in the police, fire, and ambulance services, the NHS and armed forces as well as the many volunteers across a variety of sectors.
Tony also spoke publicly on a range of tough issues – the plight of the homeless, the exploitation of children and young people by drug gangs, domestic abuse and climate change.
He is not one to cheer volunteers from a cosy armchair, either. He and his wife Clare have been out on night patrols with Shrewsbury Street Pastors – the charity which offers support to those on the streets in distress including occasionally attempted suicides who need pulling from the river.
Clare was very much by his side during his year in office and their grown-up children, Tom, Marcus and Lucy also lent their support.
He grew up with the concept of service to the community, his late father having been Vice Lord Lieutenant and Chairman of Shropshire County Council, while Tony himself served as a governor of Harper Adams University, Edgmond, from 2004 to 2012.
Tony was for many years head of the West Midlands office of high-end property agent Savills. As a senior director, he is a specialist in the sale of major farms and estates and large residential country houses. His wide-ranging management brief also includes being head of country sales in the Midlands and northern region.
Mrs Nichola Peers DL
Date of commission: 9 April 2021
Lives near Whitchurch
Town & Community Link
Wem
Nichola Peers was brought up in Shropshire. Trained as a physiotherapist, she worked for the NHS in London, Oxfordshire and West Midlands with a spell volunteering in India before retiring to concentrate on family life.
Nichola, her husband Anthony and their three children moved back to North Shropshire in 2012. She is now involved in farming with a particular interest in the environment, sustainability, health and well-being.
Nichola is church warden of Holy Trinity, Calverhall. She is a member of the Shropshire St John Ambulance CPG and serves as a trustee of Preston Trust Homes; Calverhall Almshouses and the Lady Galway Trust.
Mrs Fiona Rogers-Coltman DL
Date of commission: October 2011
Lives near Bishops Castle
Town & Community Link
Bishops Castle
Fiona was brought up in Shropshire, and is married to Philip, they have 3 grown up children and 2 grandchildren.
After a period working away in London they returned to the family dairy farm near Bisops Castle where for 15 years she ran her own business, Chilton Liqueurs (sold 2021) .
Over the years she has been involved in many fundraising events in the county helping a variety of charities and organisations raise funds including Macmillan and the Severn Hospice and continues to help run the RJAH Ludlow Christmas Fair in aid of the League of Friends.
Fiona volunteers with Church Stretton Good Neighbours, Mayfair Meals and Ley Gardens luncheon club.
She is a member of her local PCC and actively helps support and run events for the church.
Member of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – Shropshire Panel.
Mr David Stacey DL
Date of commission: 4 November 2016
Lives in Hope, near Minsterley
Town & Community Link
Minsterley & Pontesbury
- Trustee of Shropshire Welfare Trust
- Patron Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin
- Trustee of Preston Trust Homes (Alms house)
- Governor Long Mountain Primary School
- Governor Shrewsbury School
- Previously Chair of the Governors of Packwood Haugh School
- Previously a volunteer with the Samaritans
- High Sheriff of Shropshire 2015-16
Areas of interest:
- Youth and Education
- Later life (so I guess that might sit under Healthcare)
- Law & Constabulary, Fire and Rescue
- Commerce, Business and Employment
Mr Martin Stevens DL
Date of commission: 9 April 2021
Lives in Market Drayton
Town & Community Link
Market Drayton, Woore, Norton-in-Hales
Martin was born in the County Town of Shrewsbury in 1982 and spent his early childhood living in Telford. He now lives in Market Drayton in North Shropshire. He has a Degree in History from The University of Sheffield and a Postgraduate Diploma in the Public Sector from, The University of Birmingham.
He was the Assistant Clerk to the Lieutenancy between 2006 and 2015, whilst also working for Shropshire Council. During this time he helped to arrange over 60 Royal Visits to the County, including the visit by HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to Cosford in 2012 for the Shropshire Diamond Jubilee Pageant. He was heavily involved in all Lieutenancy matters such as, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, arranging civic and ceremonial occasions for the Shropshire Lieutenancy, presentations of national honours, military events, citizenship ceremonies and general administrative work on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant.
In 2012, he became a Board Member for the registered charity, the Community Foundation for Shropshire and Telford, having been a Member for a few years prior. He became the Secretary in 2013, a voluntary role, to help oversee the charity merging successfully with the Shropshire Rural Communities Charity. This was formalised successfully in October 2013, when the resolution was passed by the Board for the charity to merge. He was the Honorary Secretary to, The Shropshire Society in London between March 2018 and March 2020 and remains a Committee Member with Life Membership. He continues to work in Local Government, for City of Wolverhampton Council.
His personal interests include, keeping up to date with current affairs, technology, reading, music, art, films, photography and walking. Favourite sports are cricket and motorsport.
Mr Rhoderick Swire DL
Date of commission: 15 September 2014
Lives in Ludlow
Town & Community Link
Ludlow
Rhoddy is Founder of Pantheon Ventures LLP a global Private Equity Fund of Funds with over US$47bn under management. He has various non-executive roles including Chairman of Music Marketing which manufactures multichannel communication devices and, Chairman designate of Azquo Limited, a Ludlow based software company.
Three years ago, Rhoddy joined the Foundation of Ludlow College Trust to help with management of the endowment. The Trust’s objective is to support the college over the long term with the income from the fund. Rhoddy is a Council member for Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust, and was appointed High Sheriff of Shropshire in March 2018.
Organisations
- Pantheon Ventures LLP – Founder and Partner – Private Equity Fund of Funds
- Music Marketing Services – Chairman – Multichannel Communication Devices
- Azquo Limited – Chairman Designate – Software
- Stanhope Capital – Advisor – Investment Management
- Ludlow College Foundation – Governor
- Council of Hereford Cathedral – Member
- Friends of Mortimer Forest – Patron
- Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust – Patron
Interests
- Honours Committee
- Youth incl. education
- Heritage Arts, Media and Sport
- Charities
- Commerce, Business and Employment
I try to help charities deliver their objectives and encourage each to communicate with others, especially locally.
Mrs Katy Tanner DL
Date of commission: 3 September 2009
Lives near Church Stretton
Town & Community Link
Shrewsbury
- Director, Tanners Wines Ltd
- Chairman, Holroyd Community Theatre at Moreton Hall
- Patron, Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival
- Particular Interest in County:
- Youth inc Education
- Charities
- Heritage, Arts Media
Sir Edward Tate DL
Date of commission: 9 April 2021
Lives at the Isle, Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
Wellington
Brought up in Canada and Jamaica, Edward came to Shropshire in the mid 70’s. He was educated at Shrewsbury before joining the army spending the next 10 years travelling the world along with many other Salopians in a regiment called the Welsh Guards.
On leaving the forces he worked in the housing sector before returning to farm near Shrewsbury. He is a keen advocate of regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices and plays particular attention to biodiversity, soil and conservation.
Having an interest in both history and geography he also supports a wide range of groups, organisations and associations which help both the young and old by promoting social inclusion, mental & physical wellbeing, education and opportunity.
Edward is married to Rosalind, has two grown up daughters and one grandson.
Mrs Amanda Thorn MBE DL (known as Mandy)
Date of commission: 6 April 2020
Lives in Leighton
Town & Community Link
Ironbridge
Business Interests:
Director of Marches Consultancy Ltd
Former Business Interests:
Chair of Marches Care Holdings Ltd (until October 2021)
Trustee
Skills for Care (national workforce development and planning charity)
Lingen Davies Cancer Fund CIO (Chair)
Governor Prestfelde School
Other Current Roles
Member of the Shropshire Lieutenancy Queen’s Award for Enterprise committee
President, Shropshire Chamber (2019 – 2022)
Chair, Marches Local Enterprise Partnership Ltd.
Member of St Mary’s under the Wrekin, Leighton PCC
Member and past president of Shrewsbury Darwin Rotary Club
Member of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company
Non-Executive Director, National Care Association
Mandy, her husband Mark and their two children moved to Shropshire in 1993 following some time living and working in Southern Africa and joined the family care home business which she sold in Oct 2021.
Mandy was a founder member of Shropshire Partners in Care, a trade body focussed on training and development of care staff within Shropshire. Previously she has held the role of Chair for the Shropshire Business Board, was a trustee for Shrewsbury Town in the Community and served on the Advisory Board of University Centre Shrewsbury.
Appointed MBE in 2013 for services to dementia.
Mr Gareth Williams DL
Date of commission: October 2022
Lives in Shrewsbury
Town & Community Link
Madeley
Gareth was born and brought up in Shropshire before his career in the commercial art world took him to London and then to Chester. He later moved to Yorkshire, working in heritage conservation, before returning to Shropshire in 2006. He has since then served the Weston Park Foundation as its Curator & Head of Learning.
He has served on a number of charities in Shropshire, including the Council of St John Ambulance, Drapers’ Hall Preservation Trust, Shropshire Parks & Gardens Trust, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and Art Fund. He is currently a member of the regional committee of Historic Houses.
A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Gareth is the author of several books. He is interested in education, heritage, the environment, and in the wider charitable sector. He lives in Shrewsbury with his partner Stacey and two dogs.
Mrs Jennifer Wynn
Vice Lord-Lieutenant
Date of commission: 4 November 2016
Lives in Shifnal
Town & Community Link
Albrighton, Shifnal & Telford & Wrekin
Current roles
- Director and co-owner of Wynn Developments
- Director and co-owner of The Inspirational Learning group
- Director and co-owner Elmhurst Nursing Home
- Trustee and Board member Wynn Foundation
- University Centre Shrewsbury Advisory Board member
- Chair Albrighton Village Halls Trust
- Committee member Sight Loss Shropshire
- Chair Shropshire lieutenancy Honours Panel
- Member of Queens Award for Voluntary Service committee
- Founder member Shropshire Youth support Trust
Interest or area of expertise
- Queen’s Award for Enterprise
- Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
- Honours Panel
- Business mentoring
- Crime prevention and women’s aid projects
- Health care especially Social prescribing projects
- The law and Probation service
Resume of community involvement
- Organise and help run free activities for village children throughout school holidays
- Assist with activities for OAP’s in Albrighton including, annual Xmas party, weekly lunch club.
- Fund raising for village people, Red House and other good causes.
- Support for British Police Symphony Orchestra
- Support for Children’s University (University of Wolverhampton)
- Evaluating community projects and funding applications to the Wynn Foundation