Our Trustees
The Witham Hall Limited is governed by a board of trustees all of whom are registered at 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, DL12 8LY. Roles include:
Liz Bromley Chair
Liz Bromley, is our Chair was appointed on the 15th July 2024.
Liz grew up on a farm in Cheshire and studied English at university. She has spent her career advocating for the arts and humanities in education, working primarily in universities such as the Open University, Salford, Goldsmiths, and UCLan. In 2019, Liz was appointed as CEO of NCG, the UK’s only national Further Education group. Working in this sector has given her extensive experience in leading within an underfunded industry.
Since relocating to Barnard Castle, Liz has thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Witham and seeing the range of ways in which this fantastic asset contributes to Barney life. Liz has three daughters, a son, a stepson, six grandchildren, and a dog named Ralph who loves running amok through the woods…living his best life!
Nicky Grace Treasurer
Nicky joined The Witham’s Board in 2016 and has been our dedicated Treasurer since 2019. A certified accountant and member of the Chartered Governance Institute, she brings a wealth of experience from a career in finance, governance, and heritage — most notably with the National Trust, where she led teams at iconic sites like Souter Lighthouse and Fountains Abbey.
Drawn to Teesdale by The Witham’s vibrant programme, Nicky moved here in retirement and quickly became part of the community. She’s passionate about ensuring The Witham’s long-term sustainability and balancing the books so we can keep delivering great experiences for everyone.
Outside of trustee duties, Nicky enjoys live performances, tai chi, gardening, walking in the Dales, and travelling with her husband. Like all our trustees, she volunteers her time — and we’re lucky to have her!
Peter Hodges
Peter brings decades of expertise in construction and civil engineering to The Witham’s Board. With a career that spans leadership roles at Shepherd Construction, May Gurney, Kier, and Niven Architects, he’s overseen major projects including hospitals, colleges, hotels, commercial spaces, and thousands of homes.
Peter’s long-standing ties to Barnard Castle and love for heritage buildings drew him to The Witham, where he’s passionate about improving customer experience, embracing sustainable energy, and enhancing our social spaces. A Chartered Institute of Building member and active community figure, he also serves as a Governor at Barnard Castle School.
Now in ‘semi-retirement,’ Peter stays hands-on and full of energy. He enjoys family time with his three grown children and six grandchildren, and brings that same dedication to helping The Witham thrive for future generations.
Gordon Duffy-McGhie:
Gordon’s connection to The Witham goes back to the 1980s, when he took to our stage as The Pirate King—and met his future wife in the audience! A familiar face from many Castle Players productions, Gordon has been a valued trustee for over two years.
With a 30-year career in education, he now runs an education consultancy, tutors in robotics and ethics with The Brilliant Club, and is working towards a PhD. He’s passionate about sustainability and widening access to higher education.
Gordon brings creative flair to strategy and leadership development, using tools like LEGO® Serious Play to spark innovation and teamwork. His energy, experience, and love of performance help shape The Witham’s future as a vibrant community hub.
Jo Turnbull
Jo brings a wealth of experience in law, public service, and community care to The Witham’s Board. After qualifying as a solicitor in Australia and working there for a decade, she returned to the UK and dedicated her career to a range of national and local non-executive roles.
Her public service includes time on The Parole Board, the Farm Animal Welfare Council, and the National Consumer Council, as well as leadership roles in the NHS, where she chaired a local Mental Health Trust for 10 years. She continues to support mental health services through panel work under the Mental Health Act.
Jo has also served as Vice Chair of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and held key roles with Relate at both local and national levels. Her sharp legal mind and deep commitment to community well-being make her an invaluable part of The Witham’s leadership team.
Ian Smith
Ian joined The Witham’s Board a year ago, bringing a rich mix of marketing expertise and creative energy. With over 35 years as Director of a design and marketing firm, he later followed his passion for performance, earning an MA in Theatre and now working as a writer, director, and theatre producer.
As a trustee, Ian is particularly focused on participation – especially building on the fantastic work of our youth theatre. He believes creative spaces like The Witham are vital for wellbeing, connection, and self-expression.
Ian is also Co-Director of Escapade CIC, working with Imperial College to measure the carbon footprint of consumer goods, and consults with a specialist chocolate manufacturer. His wide-ranging experience and belief in the power of the arts make him a dynamic part of The Witham’s future.
Chris Armstrong
Chris is one of The Witham’s newest trustees, bringing with him a wealth of IT expertise and a strong commitment to community. After a decade in Sweden and a global career with IKEA, he returned to the UK in 2021 and quickly immersed himself in local life—volunteering, supporting events, and becoming a regular at The Witham.
Originally from Gateshead, Chris began his career at IKEA aged 16 and rose to lead IT operations across 30+ countries. He now works at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, where he supports another much-loved local institution with his technical skills.
With family roots in Barnard Castle—his mum even remembers when The Witham Room was a library—Chris brings both personal connection and professional insight to the board. He’s passionate about accessibility, sustainability, and making sure The Witham continues to thrive for future generations.
At home, Chris enjoys life with his wife, two children, and a mini menagerie of pets, including hens, gerbils, and a goldfish!
Kenny Walker
Kenny joined The Witham’s Board in 2025 and a familiar face in Barnard Castle as co-owner of Chocolate Fayre. With a background in electrical engineering, his true passion has always been bringing people together—first through student events, then as a DJ and event manager, and now through community-focused business and volunteering.
Since moving to the area in 2013, Kenny and his wife Sarah have grown Chocolate Fayre into a much-loved local business, known for innovation and connection—especially during the pandemic. A father of four and regular supporter of The Witham, Kenny’s personal ties run deep, particularly through his daughter’s involvement in our Youth Theatre.
As a trustee, he brings energy, creativity, and a strong belief in the power of the arts to shape lives. Kenny is especially passionate about supporting young people and helping The Witham thrive as a self-sustaining, community-first organisation.
June Taylor
June has been involved with our charity for many years, with her involvement stretching back to before the building’s refurbishment in 2013. She spent 13 years as minute taker for the organisation before becoming a trustee in late 2025. Over the years, June has supported many areas of The Witham’s work, from marketing and the memorable ‘£30k in 30 days’ campaign to helping manage the ticketing database.
June grew up on a farm in Wensleydale, which she describes as a childhood like no other. Her professional career has largely been in administration, including coordinating consultants travelling around the world to share their expertise. She has lived and worked across Europe before settling in Baldersdale and Barnard Castle, which she has called home for more than 25 years.
More recently, June has worked with the Teesdale Business Awards and developed strong connections across the North East building industry.
June has a particular interest in heritage and in the stories and history that connect people to places. She is also a keen supporter of arts and culture, enjoying dance, ballet, live screenings, film, spoken word and a wide range of music. A grandmother of four, June is passionate about making arts, culture and heritage accessible to everyone.
Jill Baker
Jill Baker joined the Board in 2026, bringing extensive experience in fundraising, grant making and charity leadership.
Having worked throughout her career across the voluntary, community and public sectors, Jill currently works for a grant-making foundation and also chairs an arts grant panel. She has a strong track record in supporting charities, developing partnerships and helping organisations grow sustainably.
Alongside her professional work, Jill is passionate about community engagement, social justice and widening access to the arts. She is also an inclusive dance teacher and believes in the power of creativity to bring people together and improve wellbeing.
Jill supports The Witham’s fundraising and development work and is committed to helping the organisation continue to thrive as a creative and cultural hub for the community.
Rahat Bashir
Rahat Bashir joined The Witham’s Board of Trustees as Treasurer in July 2026, bringing over 20 years of experience in finance, governance and organisational development across the private, public and education sectors.
As a Chartered Accountant Rahat has spent her career helping organisations make informed decisions, plan for the future and build strong financial foundations. She currently works at NCG, supporting the development of new higher education provision through strategic financial planning and business development.
Rahat spent three years living in Dubai with her family, where she became actively involved in her sons’ school through the Parent Teacher Association helping to fundraise and put on events for the school community. Now back in the North East, she is passionate about using her skills to support organisations that make a positive difference in their communities.
Outside of work, Rahat enjoys spending time with her family and is mam to two sons. She is delighted to be part of The Witham and looks forward to supporting the organisation as it continues to grow and thrive.