Meet the Trustees

I was persuaded to become a trustee of the Heritage Centre by my friend Pat Willis as I am interested in all forms of art. As I am a textile artist, I have become fascinated by the Maldon Embroidery, its design, its exquisite stitching and its wealth of Maldon’s history. I love giving talks to both school children and adults, explaining how it was made and what is represented in the panels. I realise what an asset the Heritage Centre is to the town as we not only have local visitors, but many from further afield and all over the world who appreciate our unique offering to the town. Now as chair of the Trust, together with the Trustees and the manager, I am keen to improve what we offer to make the Centre a ‘must see’ place in Maldon.

I retired as a Chartered Accountant in practice in Chelmsford several years ago. During my career I have been Treasurer to several charitable organisations and now enjoy that post with the Maeldune Trust.

Whilst working as Town Clerk at Maldon Town Council I was involved in the transformation of the former ground floor of the Plume Building, which had previously housed the Essex County Council Library, into what is now the Maeldune Centre.  It was a very exciting period when the magnificent Maldon Embroidery was moved from the Moot Hall, where it was previously displayed, to the purpose built cabinets in the Maeldune Centre.

After a career move to becoming Town Clerk at Billericay Town Council I was very pleased when I was approached by a former Trustee and asked to become Secretary and a Trustee of the Maeldune Centre.  I have continued in these roles since retirement from full time work.

This has enabled me to see the Centre grow and prosper providing local artists with an excellent venue in the centre of the town to display their artwork and crafts.

I was really pleased to be appointed a Trustee in March 2016.  The Centre truly is one of the gems of Maldon, housing the Maldon Millenium Embroidery as well as the gift shop and exhibition area, which represent an important facility for the district’s arts and crafts community.

As a Committee Member of the Maldon Society, I was already familiar with the work and value of the Heritage Centre as our digital and oral history archives are stored here.  Since becoming a Trustee, I understand even more about its importance.  I have also had an opportunity to research and find out more about the stories behind the motifs on the Millennium Embroidery and share them with our visitors.

I am delighted to have been appointed Centre Manager of the Maeldune Heritage Centre, from January 2026.

My background spans public service, education and organisational management, with experience in leadership, operations, financial awareness and working with a wide range of stakeholders. I hold a degree in History and Politics and I am particularly interested in how local heritage can be made accessible, relevant and sustainable.

I have lived in the Maldon area for several years and have greatly enjoyed engaging with its rich history, active cultural life and distinctive landscape. In this role, I look forward to working closely with the Trustees, volunteers, partner organisations and exhibiting artists to build on the excellent work already achieved and to further strengthen the Centre’s role within the community.

There are real opportunities to develop the Centre’s reach and resilience. I hope to contribute to the promotion of the town’s cultural history, education and artist talent and to welcome many of you to the centre personally, whether resident or visitor to the town.

Finally, I would like to thank Joye, the former Centre Manager, for the strong foundations she has laid, and I look forward to taking the Centre forward from here.

Find out more about The Maeldune Trust