Who We Are

Patron

Ben Stoneham, Lord Stoneham of Droxford

Ben has lived in Droxford for over 30 years. He worked for over twenty years in the newspaper industry initially with the company who owned the Portsmouth News and then as Operations Director of News international. He chaired the company who built the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, and has been involved in economic regeneration work since the 1990’s. He was made a Liberal Democrat Life Peer in 2011. He has had a lifetime interest in politics and local history, and in particular the logistics of D-Day.

Trustees

Trustee, Chair, Education Advisor, Communications, Heritage – June Kershaw

June retired as an Executive Head Teacher in 2018 after working for 30 years in education. She started her career in Portsmouth teaching English, and later as a Primary Head Teacher she worked as a School Advisor for Hampshire County Council. Appointed to an executive post for Surrey County Council, she successfully carried out the amalgamation of two infant schools, a junior school, and a children’s centre, to become the largest primary school in Surrey.
She was a trained Ofsted Inspector and Educational Coach. June has lived in Droxford for 27 years and is a Governor at Droxford Junior School.

Trustee, Building Consultant – Tony Hoile
Tony has worked in the construction industry for 50 years, and recently retired as Contracts Manager for CLC Contractors Ltd. In addition to his role on the FODC he also acts as an advisor on building matters for the PCC.

Trustee , Treasurer – Sandy Baillie-Strong

Sandy is a retired dental practitioner who was in practice in Hedge End for 29 years, after having spent 15 years in Durban, South Africa.

After living in Curdridge for 23 years he moved to Droxford and as well as becoming a trustee for FODC, he is the Droxford Electoral Roll Officer and also assists with maintaining the graveyard,

Originally from Edinburgh, his grandfather and great grandfather were successive vicars in a local parish for a total of 50 years.

Trustee, Secretary, Membership and Events – Sally Sturt

Sally retired as a Chartered Patent and Trade Mark Agent and European Patent Attorney having been a partner or owner in various firms since 1997. She is a long term resident of the Meon Valley with active involvement reinvigorating Droxford Neighbourhood Watch, being an admin on various Droxford WhatsApp groups, Tower Captain of the recently reformed Droxford Bell Ringers, trained barista, and team lead at Wilfrid’s Café. Experience also includes co-authoring the Meonstoke Village Design Statemen, and chairman of a local investment club for 9 years.

Droxford Parochial Church Council Representative – Jeff Hooper

Jeff is a long term Droxford resident and member of the church.  He has extensive business experience as a Company Director.

Trustee, Heritage ( Former Chair ) – John Symes
John retired from Cisco Systems in 2011 having spent 30 years as a senior manager in the telecommunications industry.  He led the FODC during Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project, and later fund-raising for the Annexe.  He is a member of the congregation at St Mary’s church and has lived in Droxford for over 30 years.

Trustee, Communications – Adam Sinnott
Adam is a Software Engineer and creates custom Web, Mobile and AI/ML Apps.

Trustee and Architectural Advisor – John Dryden Brownlee

John was a Chartered Architect, and had worked with Portsmouth City Council, HCC, and as Chief Architect HCC/GLC Basingstoke Town Joint Committee for town expansion programme, and Borough of Basingstoke Chief Architect 1973-1982; he worked in Private Practice 1982 until his death. His support and professional wisdom was invaluable to FODC and the recent restoration of Droxford church.

Audio Visual Consultant and volunteer- Colin Richardson ( details to Follow)

Events Organizer and Volunteer – Clare Hooper ( details to follow)