Helloes, goodbyes and a new Chair
Introducing fresh leadership and vision to the charity
We are delighted to announce that we have just welcomed landscape architect Angela Wolferstan of TeaselFinch as a new trustee and director of the Trust and appointed current Trustee, Bethan Collerton, as the Trust’s new Chair.
At the Annual General Meeting held earlier this month we also said a sad goodbye to Helen Johnson who has stepped down after six years. Helen’s heritage expertise, (as Community Engagement and Partnerships Officer with Staffordshire Archives & Heritage Service) as well as her clear, diplomatic approach has been of considerable value to the Gardens and the Board’s work over the last difficult years. A formal vote of thanks was passed – echoed with much informal agreement.
Although still a small group, the Board is confident that it is successfully building a set of diverse and relevant expertises (and shared passion!) which will help guide the Trust into its 41st year and beyond.
We are particularly pleased that Bethan, (Head Gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens) has stepped up to the position of Chair of the Trust, a role that has lain vacant for over 6 years! Her willingness to take on this position of leadership indicates that the Trust is truly ready to grow and deliver on our goals – even in these tough times.
Each trustee brings a unique set of skills and valuable experience to our board. We are confident that their collective wisdom will further strengthen our organisation and help us achieve even greater success.
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Bethan Collerton (Chair)
Bethan is Head Gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens having moved from Yorkshire and working for English Heritage. She brings a wealth of practical and planning knowledge and is currently supporting our hard-working Gardeners weather the storm in the face of Box Moth and climate change affected growing. Trustee since Aug 2024
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Seb Lovell-Huckle
Seb is a senior arts leader with extensive experience of leading organisations. Currently Manager of Birmingham Opera Company, he has led a range of musical organisations in the region including English Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. He is an experienced trustee with excellent arts fundraising and governance experience his skills are very welcome.
Trustee since Aug 2024
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Ted Richards OBE
Ted’s connection with both the Hall and the Gardens Trust goes back a very long way. A senior engineer by trade, he once lived at the Hall itself during his apprenticeship with GEC. As well as serving as Councillor to the Parish and subsequently the Borough Council for more than 50 years (including seven years as Leader of SMBC), Ted has been a trustee since the formation of the Trust in 1985 and helped see the Trust through many developments and changes.
Trustee since 1985
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Angela Wolferstan
A landscape architect with experience in design of schools, hospitals and residential developments. Previously manager of a small estate and large country garden as well as being a lab biochemist isolating plant chemicals from British plants historically used for medicinal purposes researching their potential use as modern day medicinal drugs for cancer, HIV and diabetes treatment.
Trustee since Oct 2025
Looking Ahead
We are excited – cautiously- about the future and look forward to working closely with everyone in our new Board. Together, we will continue to champion our amazing historic, community and environmental asset.
If you would like to learn more about our trustees or get involved with our charity, please visit our website or contact us directly. Thank you for your continued support!
