Governors

Tim Milne – Headteacher
I have been headteacher here at St. Mary’s since 2014 and have really enjoyed getting to know the school and helping to move it forward. Away from school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter. My hobbies include running, music and theatre. I have been a member of Hereford Musical Theatre Company for many years and have performed in several amateur productions at the Courtyard Theatre in Hereford, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. The Governing Body plays an ever-increasing role in the life and operation of the school, and I value having a strong relationship with the governors to ensure that we continue to offer the best possible provision for each and every child in our care. 

James Pothecary – Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor
I live in Woolhope with my wife and two boys (oh, and the dogs and horses!). I work at the Cheltenham Ladies’ College as the Co-Curricular Director. When I get into the classroom I teach physics and some computing. I have worked at CLC for over 15 years and have had all manor of roles. I enjoy going out on my bike with my boys and spending time away from my computing in the garden (usually just hacking things back). Both of my boys went to Fownhope and they are now both at Bishops.

Chris Moore – Vice Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor
I am the Rector of Fownhope, and have been a governor of the school since 2011. Although all my teaching experience is in higher education, I have five sons and this has given me a real desire to fire up the imaginations of children and to communicate the excitement of Christianity. Before working for the church, I was a Chartered Surveyor and Mary, my wife, was a primary school teacher.

Alison Baldwin – Foundation Governor
I joined the Governing body in September 2017 as an associate governor. I took early retirement from local government in 2011, where I was the Corporate HR Manager.  I have worked in both the private and public sector, with over 25 years in HR. I worked with Elected Members, Chief Executive, Directors, Senior Managers and staff/trade unions to ensure that the workforce was well trained, motivated and rewarded.
Part of my role involved training managers and staff.  In my spare time I have tutored adults in various craft activities, so although I don’t have children, I am used to the ‘learning environment’. I have attended various events at St Mary’s and as the governors were aware of my background, was asked to be an Associate Governor. I became a Foundation Governor and Vice Chair in 2020.

Amanda Gunn – Foundation Governor
I have lived in Woolhope for 30+ years. I enjoyed working as the school secretary for the Rudolph Steiner School which included a wide range of responsibilities. My other jobs are too varied to be mentioned here. As to strengths, I believe I am a good organiser and listener. I am getting to know the children at school through listening to their reading, and it is always an interesting discussion with them before during and after the session. We even sometimes talk about the book! After my husband, my interests and hobbies include sailing, cooking, travel, and watching MotoGP. The family consists of two daughters and I have two grandchildren, one in primary, and one in secondary school. I think the Governing Body do an excellent job now, and look forward to the next few years of creative thinking.

Jake Herbst - Foundation Governor 

I am a retired primary school inspector with seventeen years’ experience as a primary school headteacher. Since retirement in 2011 I have thrown myself into community life. I have started a youth club and a community choir in our village. I am a parish councillor and help run and raise funds for our Parish Hall. I have also been involved in the Ledbury Poetry Festival and in several amateur dramatic productions in Hereford and Ledbury (I think all teachers develop acting skills). My wife encouraged me to plant a small vineyard in 2007. I now enjoy making (and drinking) my own wine. I strongly believe the most important years in a child’s education are in primary school. This is the time when values, attitudes to learning, confidence and social skills are nurtured and established. As a governor since March 2018 I welcome and enjoy the opportunity to support the school in ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive and develop to their full potential.

Demelza Gibbs – Deputy Headteacher / Staff Governor
I have been a teacher at St. Mary’s for 16 years. I joined the school as a newly qualified teacher and started my career teaching in Key Stage 1 and Early Years. I have now experienced teaching in all year groups at St. Mary’s and my current roles are year 6 teacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Deputy Headteacher .

Throughout my time at St. Mary’s, I have enjoyed helping the school to grow and succeed. I have had the opportunity to develop as a teacher and have completed training in Forest School Level 3 leadership, the National SENCo Award and am currently working towards the National Qualification for Senior Leaders.

I have two children who both attend / attended St. Mary’s and in my time away from school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. Weekends and evenings usually involve supporting them in various football teams and events! As a Governor, I value the opportunity to support the future of the school and to contribute to decisions which ensure we provide the best possible education and care for the pupils.

Kate French – Parent Governor

As a family we moved to Fownhope in 2018 and we were delighted to find St Mary’s Primary School so close to home. After many years of moving with the Army and attending various different schools it is exciting to be able to have a look behind the scenes, help out where I can, and stay a while. I have a background in Health and Social Care and keen interests in Nutritional Health, different cultures, art, the environment, and keeping things simple.

Ros Powell - Parent Governor 

Originally from Scotland I worked for a few years as a Secondary School teacher, before moving to Herefordshire to become a farmer’s wife. I have 3 children who are all currently at St Mary’s. As a family, in our spare time we enjoy canoeing, walking, meeting with friends and visiting family in Scotland. Our faith and church life is also important to us. I have only recently joined the Governing body of the school and help form part of the curriculum committee. I am looking forward to getting more involved in the life of the school and working with other governors to help support the school and staff going forward.