Emma Lowe, Secretary

I moved to Stanwick in 1999, having grown up in Hertfordshire, and am one of the newer village hall Trustees having joined in 2021. Previously the chair of the PTA, Friends of Stanwick School, for 5 years when my daughter was at the school, I was keen to get involved in a community organisation again having enjoyed that sense of involvement and chance to be involved in something that can benefit others. 

I have made a career in the rail industry as a human factors specialist and training expert, working for Network Rail, focussing on improving safety behaviours.  With my daughter now studying medicine at Birmingham University I have more time for walking, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family and holidays outside of term time!

John Shearer

I am the newest, though not youngest Trustee!

Having wished to support the community I live in I became a member of the Stanwick Village Hall group in 2019 and became a Trustee in 2022.  My working career was with the civil service, and this has given me skills that help when it comes to managing a facility like the Village Hall.  I am helping to make a small though important contribution to community activities.

Sue Kitchener, Treasurer

I have lived in Stanwick for 53 years and am now retired from a career as a management accountant, with my last role being with the the national child care charity, Spurgeons. As well as being the Treasurer for the Stanwick Village Hall Trust, I am also vice-chair for the Stanwick Parish Council and support the Bowls Club. I am therefore heavily involved in village activities and supporting the community. When I am not involved in councillor or trustee activities I can be found watching Northampton Saints, enjoying a break in the caravan or walking Casper around Stanwick.

Mike Johnson, Vice Chair

I was born in the mid 1950’s and grew up in Stanwick and have maintained an interest in Stanwick and the associated activities ever since despite now living in Raunds.

I have always been keen to be involved in the community having been a parent governor at Park Infants School in Raunds for several years; a member of the group that raised funds for the village sign that was installed to celebrate the Millennium and I am a main player in the Teddy Bear Zip Wire (previously parachute jump) at the annual Stanwick Church Fete.

I have been a member of the Stanwick Handbell Ringers for 26 years and has been their musical Director for the last 7 years. It was this role that led me to become involved in the Village Hall and I have been a Trustee since 2016.

I am now retired after being employed by the Ministry of Defence as a Mechanical Engineer for over 40 years and my hobbies include amateur radio, model engineering, gardening and handbell ringing.

Phil Crooks, Chair

Carol and I and our two children, Mark and Sarah, have lived in the village since 1999. Both children attended the village School where I was a governor but now that they have grown up getting involved in the Village Hall was something else I could get involved with that supported the village we live in.

I was a founding Trustee and have been the chair of the Trust for the village hall since it opened in 2011. I wanted to give something to the community that would have a positive impact for 100 years! The construction of the Village Hall transformed what had been an eyesore into something that should be of value to everyone of all ages. Being involved as a Trustee enables me to focus on ensuring it is sustainable for the future and a credit to the village.

…and his wife, Carol

Carol has also been involved since day one but not as a Trustee. She helped with finding and writing to potential funders and continues to provide support, most importantly in being the minute taker for the AGM and Trustee Meetings. 

I am a chartered accountant and as a family we like travelling, walking and eating!