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Trustees

David Odgers

Chair of Trustees

I live close to Glastonbury having moved to Somerset when I started as a trainee conservator working on the West Front of Wells Cathedral in 1979. 
 
I then set up an architectural conservation company based in Frome which gave me the opportunity to work on many important historic buildings in the UK (including Glastonbury Abbey) and abroad.
 
For the past 20 years I have been advising, teaching and writing on the conservation of the built heritage. Through this work, I have become more and more aware that it is not just the conservation of the buildings which is important but equal focus is needed on the preservation of the intangible heritage values that are associated with any site; it is these values that make Glastonbury Abbey so special.
 
As a Trustee, apart from using my professional expertise in conservation, I hope to be able to contribute to the development of the facilities of the abbey and to engage with the local and wider community so that they too can enjoy its splendour.

David Odgers

Stephen Bird MBE

I retired in 2021, having worked in museums, tourism and heritage management in Bath for many years, and am proud to be an Honorary Freeman of the city. After moving to the West Country in 1980, I soon discovered the magnificent remains of Glastonbury Abbey with its strong Christian heritage and the extraordinary landscape around it, steeped in myth and legend. As a frequent walker in the Mendips, Somerset Levels and Polden Hills, Glastonbury is rarely out of sight and never far from my mind!

I am a Fellow of The Museums Association (MA) and serve as a Diploma mentor and Fellowship assessor for the MA. I am also a Director of the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution and sit on the Advisory Board of the Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury. Away from these professional roles, I work on a weekly basis on landscape maintenance as a Cotswold Voluntary Warden.

I was honoured to become a trustee of the Abbey in 2009. For many years, the Abbey had seemed to me to be a sleeping giant, with so much potential to educate and inspire. As trustees for but a brief moment in time, we are privileged to be the Abbey’s custodians, to protect and interpret the ruins in perpetuity and support the talented staff and volunteer teams with sound governance and strategic thinking. 

I currently chair the Abbey’s Nominations & Appointments Committee and support the Chair of the Board of Trustees in matters relating to the Abbey’s charitable status.

Stephen Bird MBE

William Bloom

Originally a Londoner I remember the first time I came down to Glastonbury and just breathed a huge sigh of relief. There was something about the landscape, how it looked and felt, that was right for me.
 
I remember too the first time I walked around Glastonbury Abbey and in particular how moved I was when I sat quietly in the Joseph Chapel, the site of the original wattle church. I have a huge affection for this wonderful spiritual site.
 
My work background is as an educator and author specialising in a holistic approach to spirituality and health and I lead a small educational charity called the Spiritual Companions Trust. I have a doctorate in social psychology from the London School of Economics and also spent nine years working with special needs adults and teenagers.
 
In my role as a trustee of Glastonbury Abbey I try to bring an approach that is grounded in everyday realities yet also open to the wonder and mystery of life.

William Bloom

The Ven. Anne Gell

Before her ordination in 2001, Anne read Mathematics at the University of Oxford before training in Medicine at the Royal Free Hospital in London. She then worked as a doctor in London, Aylesbury and Guildford working towards a career in General Practice. Her vocation to ordained ministry emerged within a broader understanding of healing and wholeness and of God’s calling to a ministry supporting the growth and flourishing of individuals and communities.
 
Prior to her appointment as Archdeacon of Wells, Anne was Vicar of St Peter’s Wrecclesham in the Diocese of Guildford, and Area Dean of Farnham.
 
Anne is married to Simon and they have 3 adult children.

The Ven. Anne Gell

Professor Roberta Gilchrist, FBA, FSA (University of Reading)

My interest in Glastonbury began with my undergraduate degree in Archaeology, when I was taught by Professor Philip Rahtz at the University of York. My connection with the abbey developed through my professional interest in medieval archaeology and especially my fascination for medieval monasteries. 

In 2006, the abbey invited me to undertake analysis and publication of their archaeological archive of 34 seasons of excavations. This proved to be a very congenial partnership and we’ve  been working together ever since!  We obtained funding from the AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) for the initial research and additional resources to share the research with wider audiences through digital reconstructions, a guidebook, educational resources, an AR app and heritage trail.  For more information and links, see the Glastonbury Archaeology project webpage. 

I am currently working with the Abbey Director and Learning Team to implement a new Interpretation Strategy to fully embed the research in all aspects of the abbey’s activities.

The abbey ruins have spiritual and mythical resonance for people of many faiths, in addition to their historical and archaeological significance. Glastonbury Abbey means different things to different people and the great challenge for us as trustees is to give vital meaning to the abbey’s past and to enhance its present and future.

 

Professor Roberta Gilchrist, FBA, FSA (University of Reading)

Paul Heal

Glastonbury in all its facets has always played an important role in my life. I was born in Somerset and apart from College years and training as a Chartered Accountant in the City my home has been in Somerset.
 
Since retiring from Public Practice I have taken on a number of Charitable roles. I am Chair of the Theatre Royal, Bath, a leading regional theatre and an important part of Bath society. I also Chair the Andrews Charitable Trust based on Christian foundations with the objective of the relief of sickness, poverty and distress. I also served as Treasurer of the Somerset Churches Trust for 5 years.
 
My aim is to bring my financial knowledge and experience to the running of the abbey, working with the team to ensure that its financial affairs are well founded and that there are sufficient reserves for it to continue to be an important part of Glastonbury for generations to come.

Paul Heal

Edward Gregory

Ed has worked in education for 28 years, joining the Diocese of Bath & Wells in January 2019 as Director of Education. He has worked extensively in Primary schools in Somerset from being a newly qualified teacher through to headship. In the past 19 years, Ed has held three headships; for a rural Community School of 60 pupils, a Church of England VC Primary of 230 children and most recently at Bishop Henderson, a school of 429 children near the centre of Taunton.

A practising Christian, Ed has represented church schools on Somerset’s Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) and been a member of the Diocesan Board of Education for three years. Ed is currently training as a SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) Inspector, has previously been involved in the delivery of number of national programmes, a Local Leader of Education and also chaired the Taunton Learning Partnership.

Edward Gregory

Rob Jackson

As a dual-qualified veterinary surgeon and surveyor I have spent over a decade of my career working with horses around the Glastonbury area, but I have also been responsible for the care of Lulworth Castle and the standing remains of two other abbeys in Dorset, and was the National Trust general manager for Petworth House & Park, for Uppark and for Woolbeding House & Gardens in West Sussex.
 
It is a great privilege to be able, in some small part, to contribute to the ongoing conservation of this internationally important site and to aid people's understanding and enjoyment of the abbey and its rich and colourful history.

Rob Jackson

Nick May

I was born and raised in Kingston, Surrey, and have lived with my family in the Mendip area of Somerset for 35 years.

Upon qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I moved into commerce and held various finance and administration roles in different company sectors over three decades. In 2008 I moved into the charitable sector, joining The Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Finance and heading up the finance function before becoming Diocesan Secretary in 2014. I retired from this role in 2020.

As a trustee appointed to the historic and sacred site of Glastonbury Abbey, I see a shared responsibility with fellow trustees in good governance, setting the strategic direction in line with its charitable objectives, ensuring sound financial and operational management, and supporting the dedicated staff and volunteers in their work.

Through such collective involvement, the abbey will no doubt continue to be an enjoyable and memorable experience for its many visitors and pilgrims coming from near and far.

Nick May

Preb. David MacGeoch

The Abbey has a wealth of history and is the centre of our spiritual Christian life in the town.

I have been vicar of Glastonbury since 2008 and for that reason an ex-officio member of the Abbey Board of Trustees. Living my working life in Glastonbury helps to enhance stronger links between the local churches and the Abbey. I offer spiritual support to staff, trustees and visitors as well as providing a regular Eucharist in St Patrick’s Chapel every Tuesday, using a team of local clergy.

I see the role of the trustee board as ensuring that financially, historically and educationally, the Abbey continues to play its part in the local community as well as on the national and international stage. Our task is to support the staff in the running of the Abbey.

Preb. David MacGeoch

Monica Sidique

Monica is a UK qualified commercial lawyer and has supported many well-known global brand names to succeed through ethics and rigour. She recently relocated into the area, has a passion for UK heritage sites, archaeology and classical languages, and is very excited to use her skills to help preserve the abbey for generations to come.

“I have been raptured by the beauty of the abbey, the surrounding nature, and the spirit it embodies. I truly wish for people of all faiths, and none, to be able to experience the ‘spark’ of this site. There is space for all”.

Monica Sidique

Martin Thomas

I have been working for heritage and culture organisations for 30 years - from independent charities and local government services, to national bodies including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Trust and Arts Council England. During my time as Executive Director for Torbay Culture, I established Torbay as one of the first ‘Heritage Places’ selected by the Heritage Fund for its innovative 10 year investment partnership. I also designed a bespoke Torbay local heritage grant scheme to support grassroots ideas and communities; commissioned a heritage strategy that was formally adopted by Torbay Council and highly commended by the RTPI’s Awards; and authored the successful application to the DCMS Cultural Development Fund which awarded £3m investment for Paignton. 

As a Heritage Fund Mentor I supported the successful delivery of projects across the south west over an eight year period. I spent five years with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) as Creative Programmer where he commissioned leading artists - including Sonia Boyce, Susan Collins and Polly Morgan - and secured new investment for RAMM’s contemporary arts programme. As a consultant, my clients have included Dartington, The Box Plymouth, and the National Trust, where I co-authored the lottery bid securing £2.5m for the transformational conservation of Castle Drogo. My earlier roles include serving as the first Director of Exeter Cultural Partnership, Head of Learning for the Arts Council’s south west region, and Head of Development at South West Museums Libraries & Archives Council. Glastonbury Abbey is one of the most atmospheric and beloved locations – with a profound spirit of place and a deep and complex history. Serving on the board is stimulating and enjoyable.

Martin Thomas

Janice Emily White

I was born, educated, married and have lived in Glastonbury all of my life. Through various committees etc I have always taken a great interest in what is happening in the town and wanted to be part of its development. I was invited, through the Town council, to be a member of the Abbey fundraising committee when the new entrance and museum was planned. Having eventually become chairman of that committee, when the project was completed, I was invited to become a trustee, which I happily accepted.
 
Glastonbury is known world-wide and attracts many visitors for many reasons. The Abbey is the jewel in the town’s crown and needs to be maintained and improved whenever possible to ensure a complete experience for all visitors to the town. We have a very experienced board of Trustees, who bring a variety of skills to the running of Glastonbury Abbey. Such an important place benefits from all their input and loyalty.

Janice Emily White
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