Kirby Hill C of E Primary School Website | Meet the School Governors

Meet the School Governors:

Clerk to Governors - Mrs Sue Houseman

Governor Profiles:

Ric Welsby - Now retired, I taught for forty years, in England, Kenya and Papua New Guinea where I was headmaster of Bugandi High School in Lae. Hilary and I have been happily married for forty-eight years, have two daughters and three granddaughters. Originally from Lancashire, we moved to North Yorkshire in 1974 and returned here after our spell overseas in the eighties. I became a school governor through the church, and I find the work stimulating and immensely rewarding.

Gill Ward - For many years I was involved in the running of a family business. I returned to university 18 years ago. After being awarded a BA(Hons), I studied for a PGCE. I currently teach part-time.

My involvement with Kirby Hill School began through links to All Saint's Church. I was delighted to be invited to become a Governor. It is an increasing joy to be part of the school. I am Vice Chair and Governor for Blue Class and SEN.

Alison Askew - Having been born in Leeds over half a century ago I am now pleased to have come back to my roots. Prior to being appointed part- time Priest in Charge of the parishes of Kirby Hill, Skelton and Cundall in September 2010 all my working life had been spent in the South of England ( although my family have always lived in Yorkshire).

For 10 years I worked as a teacher in Dover, becoming Head of Department and Head of Year 7. For the next 20 years I worked as a hospital chaplain in Basingstoke where I became Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services.

I am enjoying a very different lifestyle in our lovely village, and working for the first time as a parish priest, and am delighted to be able to make a small contribution to the life of our wonderful school. I welcome the opportunity of building on the excellent links that exist between the church and school.

Simon Arnold - We are relative newcomers to Yorkshire having lived in Langthorpe for just 6 years, but we really love it here. I have two girls currently at Kirby Hill - Alys and Esther - and am determined to all I can to help the school and children develop and improve continuously. I previously partnered a grammar school under the Government Partners in Leadership programme and work for Norwich Union Healthcare. Away from all this, I also suffer from a love of Queens Park Rangers FC and Alys humors me by coming with me to watch them a few times every season.

Rose Moulton - I am retired now, but was a primary school teacher in the 1970s. My own children were educated at Kirby Hill and I was a member of the PTA in those days. I am an active member of the congregation at All Saints Church and visit school regularly as part of the Worship Group when we lead worship each half term.

Vicky Davis - This is my fourth year at Kirby Hill C of E Primary School and my sixth year of teaching. I previously taught in a large school in Lancashire. During my teaching career I have been fortunate enough to teach a wide range of year groups in both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two; I currently teach Year 2 and 3 which I thoroughly enjoy.

Prior to my teaching career I studied a BA honors degree in English Language and Literature at The University of Central Lancashire and went on to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Saint Martin’s College.

I have responsibility for Inclusion across the school and also coordinate SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning).

Heather Chester - My involvement with Kirby Hill goes back to 1996 when our daughter, Emma first started school. I joined the PTA soon afterwards, serving 2 years as Treasurer and 3 years as Chairman. I am also Minute Secretary for the Coronation Hall Committee.As a member of staff for the last 6 years, I am passionate about helping to realise the tremendous potential of our wonderful school. Before joining Kirby Hill School, I worked for over 18 years as an Analytical Chemist for the construction materials company Tilcon (now Tarmac) heading their Laboratory Services Department. Following the birth of our son, Mark in 1996 I became an Analytical Consultant, setting up my own laboratory facilities, a role which continued for 9 years. As a family, along with my husband Mike, we are vintage and classic tractor enthusiasts who enjoy motor-caravanning, especially visiting the Clyde,its ships and ferries.

Mark Maxwell - I am delighted to have been asked to become a governor at Kirby Hill School. I love to help people. Always checking 1st that they want my help! I look upon life’s journey as one of continual improvement & strive to be a positive influence on all around me, when ever & however I can. Like most parents I aim to shape and ensure a better life for my children, as far as possible. I am sure the role of school governor is a positive step in helping me achieve this. My wife Mandy & I must confess we are too old for primary school, as are our 3 boys, Sam, Craig & Tom, the youngest being an ancient 24. I am currently the manager of Newby Hall farm shop, good food is a passion of mine. I have worked for some of the major UK food companies in various roles as trouble shooter, general manager & technical manager posts. I have continued my own education throughout my career and have many qualifications in Horticulture, Food production, Engineering & Auditing. My interests outside of work are genealogy, numismatics, photography, rugby, music & motorsport.

Neil Tennant – I was raised in York before moving to Raskelf with my fiancé, and then moving to the area some 7 years ago, with my wife of 10 years and our two sons now aged 6 and 8. Over time our two sons have both been enrolled at Kirby Hill School where we give our support wherever possible. I work for a privately owned nationwide construction company where I started 17 years ago as an Administrator, but latterly provide ICT support services to up to 30 construction sites and 8 permanent offices.

Lucy Hornby - I moved to North Yorkshire in November 2010, marrying my husband Paul the following June. Having spent most of my adult life in London I feel I have finally found my little slice of heaven in Kirby Hill. A web manager by profession I juggle a busy working life with family and my many Kirby Hill hats. I was delighted to be asked to be Parent Governor in November 2011 and look forward to many happy years involved with the School and village life.

Antonia Praud - having lived in the area as a child, my family and I moved to Kirby Hill in 2004. Following my academic studies, I completed an international MBA then worked as a consultant before moving into specialist HR. Roles in the construction then banking industry.

I have two daughters, Minty and Emilia, in the main school, and Toby who is in the nursery. I am a member of the PTA and am committed to help the school develop and flourish further by supporting the fantastic staff, delightful children and caring community that make it the school it is today.