TRUSTEES
Our Trustees oversee and govern Orchard Vale Trust.
With a dynamic and diverse range of backgrounds, skills
CHRIS ABSOLON
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Chris’ younger brother Jonathan, who has Downs Syndrome, was one of the first people to move into East Court, the home that was created right at the beginning of Orchard Vale Trust in 1986, so Chris has a very personal understanding of learning disability, and its impact on a family.
Chris retired from General Practice in 2017. In addition to General Practice, he had a special interest in palliative care and safeguarding, and his medical experience has been very helpful in his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Chris lives in Bath with his wife Christine, and enjoys being outdoors – particularly cycling, hill walking and scuba diving. He was ordained in the Church of England in 2021 and serves as a part-time minister.
TONY MULLIN
DEPUTY CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Tony has been a trustee since 2007 having been invited to join the board as a friend of another trustee.
Tony’s daughter Isabel, born in 2005, has learning difficulties and so he bring both professional and personal life experience to the role.
Professionally, Tony has been a Partner at Oxford Architects for the past 20 years (Chair 2015 – 20) and brings to the board those skills that overlap with the trusts needs such as strategic planning, design, project management and governance.
Being a trustee has allowed Tony to understand at first hand others who need our help and support. That is a very satisfying and rewarding thing to do.
ADRIAN LUMLEY-SMITH
Adrian has been a trustee for over 10 years now following in the footsteps of his mother who retired from the Board some years ago.
His brother Tim is one of the original residents at Northcroft. Before Adrian retired he was a solicitor working in a number of roles focussed on international corporate law which included over three years living and working in Australia.
Towards the end of Adrian’s career he worked in senior management positions which, together with his past experience, has been so valuable now that he is a member of the board at OVT. He is delighted to be able to contribute to OVT and be part of the passionate team leading it these days.
JAMES LAWSON
As someone with cerebral palsy, the Reverend Doctor James Lawson is passionate about enabling people with disabilities to live life to the full.
Alongside his personal experience of the barriers that people with disabilities face in achieving full social inclusion, his professional trajectory has also focused on working with those excluded and marginalised in society; from his initial study of law at university; to teaching at a secondary school in Romford, East London, that served one of the most deprived estates in the country; to now working in the post-industrial valleys of South Wales as a minister in the Church in Wales. He is delighted to be supporting the work of OVT as a trustee.
HANNAH ALLAN
Hannah’s older brother Matt was one of the first group of residents to move into East Court after Orchard Vale Trust was founded by her Parents along with Mary and Mike Absolon. Consequently, Hannah has been fully involved with Orchard Vale Trust from its conception and has been a Trustee for many years.
Hannah took over the fundraising role from her father and had several successful campaigns, although now is very happy the Trust has a full time fundraiser. She still helps organise a charity golf day every year.
Hannah lives in Chippenham with her two adult Children, one who has left university and one who is about to do a Masters. She loves travelling and socialising with her friends.
MARTHA VENNER
Martha’s older brother, Matthew was one of the original residents at East Court, and so she has grown up with the understanding of learning disability and how important family and community is in their welfare.
Martha is a Chartered Physiotherapist and Pilates instructor. She works in private practice and also provides domiciliary Physiotherapy to elderly patients who are unable to attend the clinic.
She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and three children.
JOANNA SUDELL
Joanna’s brother Jonathan was one of the very first residents at East Court and OVT has always felt like an extension of the family to her. She live with her husband and adult children in North London and work as a GP in Hackney.
Joanna runs a weekly community café through her church and love to see people from many and varied backgrounds and abilities getting together. She enjoys escaping to green spaces with bike or dog, going to the allotment and making jam and chutney, much of which finds its way to an annual London Christmas sale of beautiful OVT art work.
KATE STEELE
Kate has been a Trustee of Orchard Vale Trust since 2014. Her friend Bronwen has lived at East Court since 1986. She has known Bronwen and her family since she was 5 years old. Kate visits her regularly at East Court.
Kate spent most of her working life in education, both as a teacher and in administration. Before retiring, she was a manager at the University of Bristol. She has experience of managing people and systems in a large department.
JOHN FOX
John has worked in the field of pharmaceutical research and development for over 35 years, particularly in dementia, breast cancer and bone health. Semi-retired, he still sits as a non-executive director on the boards of two university start-up companies. He was an Army Reservist for many years, finally retiring in 2009, but still keeps active through hiking, cycling and the occasional run. A father of two grown up children, he has an ongoing interest in education and is Chair of Governors at a secondary school in Bath. John has been a Trustee of Orchard Vale Trust since 2019.
BECOMING A TRUSTEE
You may also be interested in:
Orchard Vale Trust.
East Court, Doctors Hill, Wookey, Wells, Somerset. BA5 1AR.
Tel: 01749 671706
Email: info@orchardvaletrust.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 326940
Company No. 1946592
