Patricia (Trish) Gurney, Chair of the Board of Trustees Trish 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. Trish also serves the George Borrow Society as Events Secretary. She became Chair of the Bronte Society Board of Trustees in July 2019
Rev Peter Mayo-Smith, Chair of Finance & Audit 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. Peter chairs the Finance & Audit Committee.
Susan Aykroyd (Vice Chair) 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 Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Rachel Coaker Rachel is a chartered accountant with over 20 years' experience in the private, public and third sector. She has a strong technical background and a broad experience of working in and for many organisations. Rachel is interested in working with a wide range of people to drive performance through support and development and finding solutions to complex problems.
Sarah Collins Sarah has a postgraduate diploma in Business Studies and also has an MA in Literature from the Open University.She has been a freelance holistic therapies teacher for over ten years, during which time she has developed skills and experience in marketing, finance and legal matters.Sarah lives in Haworth.
Elina Eady Elina is a non-practising barrister and was admitted as a solicitor in 2003. Upon qualification she worked in private practice advising on Immigration, Asylum Law and Family Law. She has worked as a senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Leeds. She has also been a prosecutions solicitor for Calderdale Council and is currently employed as an Adult Health and Social Care solicitor. Elina is a co-author of Children and Same Sex Families: A Legal Hand Book. She is also a Stonewall Schools Role Model.
Samantha Ellis Samantha is an experienced journalist and author of two books. She is very interested in helping the Society reach more diverse visitors and members.
Helen Meller Helen Meller is Director of Hebden Bridge Arts Festival. She has an extensive track record in the arts and heritage sector in areas including project management, fundraising, strategic development and sustainable business planning. She is committed to reaching new audiences and deepening engagement.
Diane Park Diane is a Haworth business woman with a background in customer service, sales and retail. She has also served as a local authority councillor, a church deacon and Rotary President.
Anne Powell Anne is a life-long Brontë enthusiast and has an MA in Women and Literature. She has run her own antiques business for over twenty years and has also served on the boards of schools. She is particularly interested in developing the diversity of membership to the Brontë Society.
John Thirlwell 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 was Chair of the Brontë Society Board between December 2015 and July 2019.