John Thirlwell, Chair of the Board 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 Board since December 2015.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michelle Waterworth 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 is also a school foundation governor.