John Thirlwell, Chair of Council John Thirlwell is a professional in the film and broadcast sector.He has been a trustee for two Yorkshire charities and is on the national volunteer group of Save the Children. John lives in Ilkley and has been Chair of the Brontë Society Council since December 2015.
Rev Peter Mayo-Smith, Treasurer Peter Mayo-Smith, now retired, was Rector of Haworth Parish. Prior to going into the church, Peter worked at a senior level for several financial institutions managing significant business projects. Previously, he had been a research scientist before turning to management consultancy. He became Honorary Treasurer at the 2015 AGM.
Catherine Rayner, Honorary Publications Officer Catherine is a Registered Nurse who spent many years working in hospitals before moving into the management of Nursing Homes for Palliative Care and Homes for Adults with Learning Difficulties and Mental Health problems. Catherine is also a former University Lecturer in both English Literature and Health and Social Care and has experience in HR, welfare, finances and policy making.
Michelle Waterworth (Vice Chair) Michelle studied theology at Oxford University before completing a postgraduate degree in newspaper journalism. After working as a news reporter for the regional press, Michelle moved into public relations in the higher education sector, firstly in the press office at Oxford University and then at the University of Essex, before retraining to work in the criminal justice sector.Michelle has been on the board of an annual arts festival and is currently a school foundation governor. She is currently Vice Chair of Council.
Sir James Aykroyd, Bt Sir James was born and bred in Yorkshire. He has worked in the wine & spirit business all his life, holding senior roles in James Buchanan & Co (now part of DIAGEO), Martini & Rossi, Turin and more recently as Chairman of a Scotch Whisky company. Sir James is the owner of Brontë Liqueur and has pledged to make a contribution to the Brontë Society for each case sold.
Susan Aykroyd Susan is originally from Haworth and has been an active member of the Bronte Society for almost 30 years.She lives in London and has a background in media sales, retail and the Civil Service.Susan has served as a Trustee since 2012 and is currently Chair of the Membership Committee.
David Broadley David has a working background in finance and management in public service. He is passionate about helping secure a successful future for the Brontë Society, ensuring it is suitably equipped to meet all the challenges of the 21st century."
Patricia Gurney Patricia studied languages before becoming a teacher. She now specialises in assessing and teaching dyslexic people. Her experiences as a councillor have helped her to build positive relationships as well as research, negotiate and achieve goals. Patricia also serves the George Borrow Society as Events Secretary.
Janice Lee Jan retired as a Deputy Headteacher after a career teaching English at secondary schools in Liverpool and Bradford. She then worked for the NHS as an Assistant Director until her retirement in 2007. Jan has served as a Trustee/Director on a range of Charities and is presently a Director of a local Multi-Academies' Trust.
Anne Simpson Anne has been a member of the Brontë Society for twenty years and has been a trustee for six years. Her background is family business and she has studied Business Management at degree level. Anne has been a committee member of three other large charities, is a former Parish Councillor and is now a member of several other large Literary Societies and Museums.