TRUSTEES
Our Trustees
Littles Gillies is a not-for-profit Charitable Incorporated Organisation – The day to day running of the setting is the responsibility of the on-site management team, alongside a group of voluntary Trustees. The Trustees come from all walks of life and comprise of parents and members of the public. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Trustee, please do get in touch.
All are subject to enhanced DBS with child barring checks.
Helena Deakin – Chair
A Bank Manager of 19 years and lived in Wells since birth. I have a degree in Business Studies and have undertaken additional studies in finance through my work at HSBC. I am currently undertaking a diploma in Coaching through an Apprentice scheme. I have 2 children one who previously attended Polka Daycare and another who was due to start in July. I am on the board of directors for a local Community and Arts Centre and volunteer with Wells Carnival.
Email: chair@littlegillies.co.uk
Catherine Scoles – Treasurer
I moved to North Norfolk over 20 years ago working in a pub initially. I now run my own professional photography business for high end properties and family photo shoots. My husband is a composite engineer building boats in Wells working for the wind farm sector. We have been severely impacted by the closure of Polka.
Fran Marshall – Secretary
Semi-retired currently managing a local holiday let business. 40 years’ experience in administration including media, education, sales and housing. Director and company secretary for Wells Carnival. Lived and worked in Wells for 25+ years with many contacts to support Little Gillies.
Email: office@littlegillies.co.uk
Lucy Wines
A teacher of 22 years currently the special needs coordinator across two Norfolk Primary Schools and teach EYFS. I have volunteered with Wells Carnival since moving to Wells in 2007 and have chaired the PFA for Wells Primary School for 10 years. I have two children and feel strongly about the sustainability of small rural communities to ensure a thriving, dynamic workforce.
Katie Rutland
A life resident of Norfolk, living and working in and around Wells for c25 years. I am a single mum of two boys under the age of 4. I feel strongly about the local community and have personally felt the impact of the closure of Polka. I hope that my local knowledge and spirit will aid Little Gillies and the future of childcare in Wells-Next-The-Sea
Val Chitty
Started work as a Junior Commodity Trader in the City of London working in the financial sector for 35 years. My last role was with a FTSE 100 company Head of Exchange Traded Derivatives across Europe and Asia. I regular volunteer in my home town of Wells passionate in supporting the local community.
Dan Ferro
I hold a BA in communication specialised in marketing, festivals and social impact events. I was national Event Manager for Friends of the Earth for 5 years and have been event manager for several large scale festivals. I now run a renewable energy company which is being impacted by the lack of Childcare in Wells.
Alex Triplow
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD) and an MA in coaching and mentoring. Over 25 year’s experience working in HR. Previously chair of Stepping Stones Pre-School. Head of HR at Holkham for the past 5 years and have relocated to the area in the last 2 years with my two children
Rev. Brenda Stewart
Church of England rector for the parishes Holkham, Wells, Holkham and Wighton. I have seen first hand the impact of the closure of Polka particularly through the church group Little Fishes. I have been a school governor for 6 years and a trustee of an independent pre-school whose premises adjoined the local school.
Lynne Dowdy
I’m now retired after 25 years in education, mainly in SEN settings. I’ve a BSc in Horticulture and am passionate about promoting the therapeutic benefits of gardens and green spaces. I’m especially keen to foster and encourage children’s appreciation and joy in the natural environment. With my husband Jim we regularly open our large rambling garden for charity.
Since coming to Wells, over 15 years ago, I’ve volunteered as a community governor at Wells Primary and enjoyed 7 years with Wells carnival crew. I’m currently a Leader in Running Fitness with our local running club.
