Jane Miles – President
Jane’s our President & a founding member. She’s been Vice Chair of Essex Fed’s Comms & Marketing Committee & Digital Storyteller, & currently manages their website and socials. Jane’s married with 2 ASD children & is active in the local community, including organising a Tudor Festival. A wannabe children’s author, a vlogger & L&D graphics consultant, Jane helps run our online groups. Her interests include films, geeky science, Asperger’s & being creative.
Viv Shooter – Treasurer
Viv is the current Treasurer for The Brentwood Belles WI. Having recently retired as Headteacher of a primary school she now has more time for social activities and enjoys being on the Belles committee. Retirement has also given her more time for her favourite activities, tennis and golf, as well as leading the Belles walking group. She is married with no children and if you don’t see her at one of our meetings she is probably on one of her many well-earned holidays.
Tricia Dyke – Secretary
As our secretary, Tricia deals with all correspondence and keeps members informed via the monthly newsletter. A former primary school Headteacher not quite ready to retire her red pen, Tricia works on a part time basis mentoring student teachers. She likes reading, dabbling in craft and singing in a contemporary choir. Tricia is determined to make the most of her leisure time and get outdoors as much as possible and so started up the Walking Group.
Margaret Webb – Membership Secretary & Refuge Liaison
Margaret is a retired teacher, living in Billericay, and is married with two sons. Margaret is our Membership Secretary and also coordinates our donations to the Basildon Women’s Refuge. She enjoys being outdoors – walking, cycling, and playing tennis – and is also a keen allotment gardener. Other interests are swimming, knitting, and reading.
Liz Southgate – Minutes Secretary
Proud to be an ‘Essex Girl’, and a huge Musical Theatre fan, Liz is President of Brentwood Operatic Society, having hung up her dancing shoes many years ago. Liz loves cats and all things crafty and volunteers behind the scenes at Brentwood Theatre.
Kirsty Halsey – Events Photographer
Kirsty has been a Belle for several years and decided to join the committee to share her photography skills. Kirsty runs her own successful company, Little Black Cat Jewellery, and felt that her experience could also be of use to the Belles and their social media presence.
Nicola Hatch-Lighterness – Social Media Secretary
Nicola has been a Belle for several years and is a proud member of the committee. As a blogger (All Things Spliced – about travel and being a parent), and copywriter, Nic has lots of online social media experience to share and put to good use for the Belles.
Gemma Carroll – Sub Group Coordinator
Gemma moved to Brentwood without knowing anyone in the area and joined the WI to make some new friends. She is mum to two future Belles and works part time as a freelance subeditor/copywriter. She helps keep everyone informed as to when and where our many subgroups take place.
Jan Donovan – Bookings & Spring Group Coordinator
Jan joined the Belles after moving to Brentwood. She is a town planner by day, and an amateur potter, clumsy crafter and knotty knitter by night. A proud mum of three boys, Jan enjoys the female friendship of the Belles.
Rosa Gevaux – Webmistress
Rosa is a writer and educator, and joined the WI to participate in the community dedicated to making Brentwood vibrant and Inspiring Women. She runs Creative Writing Workshops at the Chicken and Frog Bookshop in Brentwood, and is very active in the Belles. Currently she organizes the Thirsty Thursdays and Neurodivergent Support Sub Groups, and manages the Brentwood Belles website.
TBBWI committee generally meets the Monday the week before the general monthly meeting. If you would like to get involved, please email us to see how you can help.