Trustee Week 2023

November Club staff and Board of Trustees.

Top L-R: Jo Darby, Mark Quigley, Andrea Perrett, Fiona Whitehurst, Helen Fussell, Jill Read, Cath Hindle, Lauren Regan, John Beattie.

Bottom L-R: Chris Foxon, Louise Taylor-Asheg, Joe Hufton, Kathryn Row.

Trustee Week runs from 6 – 10 November 2023.

This is a chance to celebrate and thank our Board of Trustees for the work they do. A Trustee role is voluntary, and we are lucky to have an incredible group adding their expertise and guidance to the wider November Club team.  

Cath Hindle, Chair, Clear the Clutter 

“When I was looking for a trustee position, I wanted it in a sector that I didn't understand very well to increase my knowledge and learning, but also with an organisation that would benefit from the skills that I did have. I get to work with and share a common goal with interesting people who I wouldn't meet otherwise. And as a self-employed, sole trader, I get to be part of a team! I love the way this team comes together to help guide and shape our organisation.  

“I love the craic of a good board meeting and learning about a different sector and way of doing things that improves my skill set and I love then, using that skill set to shape and improve the way we do business.”  

Lauren Regan, Mole Creative

“As a storyteller at heart, I felt my skills and connections would be a great fit in supporting the team’s dedication to champion our region and bring untold stories to life. I was looking for an organisation that aligned with my values and where I thought I could use my skills as a catalyst for the organisation’s growth and I certainly found that with the ambitious team at November Club.

“Having started my career in a non-profit, I really value the opportunity to continue to support an organisation that I believe is making a valuable contribution to our region. There is a real mix of skills and expertise on the board, and I relish the opportunity to tackle challenging issues, hear different points of view and experience and be part of a team who are all excited about the possibilities for the company.”

Jo Darby, Voice in the Room

“I do it because I want to give back and think that my background means I might be able to help. What is the good in having experience if you don’t share the learning, is generally my mantra. I also do it because I like to be involved in a wider thing and be part of a team. And of course, underpinning all this is I LOVE theatre so for me the key is being a trustee in an arts’ organisation.

“From a selfish perspective I also get to meet new and interesting people and keep stretching my brain a little, so I guess there is a personal development aspect to it too.”

Chris Foxon, Papatango Theatre Company

"I leapt at the chance to join November Club as a trustee because it is dedicated to the idea that new stories, new theatre and new culture should be made by and for everyone - an ethos I have built my entire working life around. And having grown up in the region, I love that November Club is so dynamic and mobile it can make work in every beautiful inch of it. Being a trustee for such a company reminds me of what is best about Northumberland and its people, and challenges me to be better in my own work."

John Beattie, Employee Ownership Association

Having spent most of my career in education and culture settings, I know the transformative power of learning and creativity. I love that by volunteering my time as a trustee I get to support Joe, Andrea, Kathryn, Louise and the wider team in:

✨Cultivating Talent - GROW nurtures new talent and theatre professionals through an innovative talent development initiative.

🎭Empowering Stories - Josey the Indignant Daughter is a musical bringing to life the inspiring story of Josephine Butler, a Northumberland heroine, social reformer, and advocate for women’s rights. Her legacy resonates, reminding us of the power of resilience and the importance of fighting for what is right.

✨Community Collaboration - Cambois Creates is a partnership with the Dandelion Collective at The Institute to create something really special and memorable in the area.

Here’s a big thank you to all our of Trustees: Cath Hindle, Fiona Whitehurst, Chris Foxon, Helen Fussell, Lauren Regan, Jill Read, Mark Quigley, Jo Darby and John Beattie. We’re lucky to have you.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee or would like to find out more you can email info@novemberclub.org.uk