CYMRU: New committee members appointed

Fields in Trust Cymru is supported and advised by a Welsh Committee who apply their skills and experience to support the work of Fields in Trust as volunteers.

Regular meetings of the committee provide governance and support to the Fields in Trust Wales Manager and more broadly to the UK-wide charity.

The Fields in Trust Cymru committee benefits from the leadership of former Rugby International Brynmor Williams as Chair; the other members of the Committee include JR Jones, Dr Lynne Spackman, Geraint Williams and Robin Williams.

Following recent changes in membership we introduce here our new committee members who join the aforementioned existing members.

Kate Evans
Originally from Swansea, I am the Communications Manager for the Welsh Sports Association. I have worked in corporate communications for over 15 years; with a specialism in public affairs. I have been a consultant for a number of Wales' leading communications agencies, working with high profile clients across all sectors. Most recently I held a Government Relations role for Sport Wales, leading on advocacy. A passionate sports fan, I sadly admit to being a much better watcher than player of cricket. I am also a volunteer coach and safeguarding officer for a local junior bilingual rugby club in Cardiff.

John Ridgewell
As a professional horticulturalist and speaker, I've spent my entire career in green space management and, if asked, readily admit to possessing a passion for parks. Having worked in London, the South East, and for the last 24 years here in Wales, where I now run my own Consultancy, I know how important our green open spaces are and how essential it is that these vital green assets are protected. Fields in Trust plays a crucial role in ensuring we all have access to high quality outdoor spaces for recreation, play and sport and I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to join the committee.

Aled Roberts
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the work of Fields in Trust Cymru. I spent 40 years in various roles, developing, promoting and providing local authority sports and leisure facilities, primarily in North West Wales. During those years I had personal experience of leading and supporting a number of projects which benefited from the valuable support of Fields in Trust Cymru, and other partners. I have a passion for most sports, and as a keen amateur I have benefited immensely from a life of participation in a number of activities. I believe my background and experience in Local Authority provision will allow me to contribute positively to supporting the aims and objectives of Fields in Trust Cymru.

David Roberts
I was born in North Wales and attended Grove Park Grammar School Wrexham and then Selwyn College Cambridge. I was a partner in Hugh James Solicitors for many years and now work as consultant with the firm. I am passionate about sport. I'm a former Board Member of Sport Wales; I competed as a sprinter for Great Britain between 1974 and 1978 including the European Championships and for Wales at the Commonwealth Games.

Currently I am a board member of Welsh Athletics.

John Whalley
My early career was in civil engineering, culminating in my appointment as Assistant County Surveyor with Gwynedd County Council. I moved to the Planning Inspectorate in 1979 for a career of greater independence, deciding planning and enforcement appeals, over 2,000 in all, up to final retirement this year. I recall school days in Nefyn and later in Cheshire where extensive playing fields provided opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation that later appeared to be under threat from development. I am glad to have the opportunity to assist where I may in the retention of areas of land that, hopefully, encourage more young people and adults to enjoy the evident benefits of physical exercise. I am somewhat past playing football and rugby, but have the had honour of representing Wales in the squash Home Internationals, albeit in the over 70s and over 75s ages categories, where I think, the main qualification may be still being alive rather than having particular skills.

We are grateful to all the committee members whose continued volunteer support enables the work of the organisation to develop.