Insole Court Trust AGM 2024

The Annual General Meeting of the Insole Court Trust will be held on Saturday, 14th September 2024 in the Carriage House Hall, Insole Court, at 12.30pm to transact the following business:
 

  1. To receive a Report from the Board of Trustees and approve the audited accounts for the year ended 31st October 2023.  Copies will be on our website or are available in the Stable Yard Gift Shop or can be posted to you on sending a large addressed envelope with large size stamp to the Stable Yard Gift Shop office.
  2. To appoint Directors under Articles 34-38:
  3. Laura Reid has retired from the board, Laura Humphreys, John Prior-Morris and Catherine O’Brien will be retiring from the Board.
  4. Jon Nicolson-Ashcroft (treasurer), Mathew Ashcroft, Michael Macdonald, Rebecca Ball and John ap Steffan offering themselves for ratification.
  5. To vote to amend 17.1 and 17.2 of the Articles of assocation altering the quoran from a percentage to a fixed number, and allowing online voting in advance to count to towards the quoram.
  6. To appoint Independent Examiners:  Messrs MacIntyre Hudson Associates – Formerly Watts Gregory – are prepared to continue in this role and are recommended by the Board to act as Independent Financial Examiners.
  7. Any other business appropriate for an AGM        

Members can attend the AGM in person at Insole Court, or online via Zoom. Please confirm your attendance prior to the meeting.  If you are unable to attend, please let us know and we will forward on the Proxy Form. Members may nominate another Member as a Proxy under Section 324 of the Companies Act 2006 and Company Article 22, to vote on their behalf.

Below are the biographies for all our Trustee candidates

Trustee Biographies

Below are the biographies for the trustees offering themselves for ratification.

Mathew Ashcroft

Biography coming soon

 

 

Michael Macdonald

Originally from London, I started a pivotal role as a ranger and volunteer manager for English Heritage in 2007. Following on from an early interest in plants, I studied horticulture at Capel Manor Gardens, to gain the RHS level 2 qualifications. This led to becoming a gardener at Kenwood House in London: A John Adam mansion in a Repton landscape. After many years at Kenwood, I took the role of horticultural gardener at the historically important Hatfield House. I followed on from my earlier studies, gaining two RHS level 3 certificates in Horticulture, and am studying to complete a third to gain the RHS diploma. My last 10 years have been spent as a founder director of marketing business, giving me a wealth of experience in growth strategy, operations, staff and project management, software implementation rollouts, client and staff training and much more!

What’s your favourite thing about Insole Court?

It’s a hidden gem of Cardiff, and my favourite element of the site is the tree collection. Clearly the passion of a plant lover, they dominate the gardens, and each has their own character, some of which are yet to come to maturity and will provide joy, colours, interest and shade for years to come.

What made you want to become a Trustee of Insole Court?

On my first visit I was taken by the building then the trees and immediately wanted to be a part of it. Hearing of the position, I felt that with my history in horticulture and historic sites, and working with diverse groups of people that have different needs of a site, I would be able to help in the preservation and future of a special place.

John ap Steffan

I’m John, and I work for BBC Children in Need as their Programmes & Partnerships Manager within the UK Grants, Partnerships and Programmes team. In my current role at BBC Children in Need, I take the lead in all areas of grant making including developing new projects and initiatives, managing extensive networks of expertise, and developing strategic alliances with a range of partners – which are skills I’m keen to bring to the table as a Trustee of Insole Court. I’ve been working in the voluntary sector since 2012 – having most recently been the Head of Grants, Individual Giving and Legacies at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice. Throughout my professional career, I have successfully led and managed my department to a high-performance standard – fostering creativity, innovation, and resilience – along with developing and implementing the strategic direction of each organisation’s grant activities. I live in Canton with my fiancée Liz, and we have an amazing baby girl called Lilwen and a crazy cockapoo called Griff. I also love football, singing, paddleboarding and cycling!

What’s your favourite thing about Insole Court?

Favourite thing about Insole Court – My favourite thing about Insole Court are the beautiful gardens! We’re very lucky to be able to walk to Insole Court from home in 10 minutes, so myself, Liz, Lilwen and Griff can often be spotted in the gardens having a stroll and a picnic.

What made you want to become a Trustee of Insole Court?

I’ve always been fascinated by history and conservation, and went on to complete an MA in History from University College London. I was hugely inspired by the work and dedication of the Friends of Insole Court to facilitate the Court’s complete renewal as a heritage asset and community hub. I want to use my skills and experience to help safeguard Insole Court for future generations to enjoy as it’s a unique and critical part of Cardiff’s history.

Jon Nicolson-Ashcorft

Having grown up in and around Cardiff my partner and I moved to Llandaff 7 years ago.  I hadn’t even seen Insole Court prior to moving to Llandaff as it lived up to its name as one of Cardiff’s ‘Best kept secrets’. As soon as we moved in the to the area we started walking our dog at Insole and learning about the history of the building and how it came to still be here when many of it’s peers were knocked down.  I’ve always loved history and Insole Court certainly has a fascinating history and place in the story of Cardiff’s industrial past.

I work as an independent financial adviser where I help clients with their overall financial goals, studying investment markets, cashflow management and often more importantly, learning about what is important to them and their families. I try to apply my professional knowledge in my role as treasurer by supporting the board of trustees and management team in the strategic planning for Insole’s future whilst also always remembering that the community and the people who work and visit the site are at the core of the success.

In my spare time I’m usually cleaning a car eating chocolate or spending time with my partner and our two dogs

Rebecca Ball

Rebecca has worked in funding for culture, arts and heritage in Wales for over 15 years. In her role as a Senior Investment Manager at the National Lottery Heritage Fund she is responsible for supporting organisations to deliver ambitious and complex schemes which protect and promote the heritage of the UK. Rebecca previously worked for the Arts Council of Wales on the delivery of interregional EU-funded projects. She studied English at the University of Exeter and is a fluent Welsh speaker. Rebecca is a school governor and sits on the management committee of the Cardiff Governors Association. She lives in Cardiff with her husband, their three young children and two cats.

 

What made you want to become a Trustee of Insole Court?

I’ve enjoyed visiting Insole Court over many years, from attending festivals and classes, enjoying the beautiful planting schemes and taking the children to picnic playdates. It is a much-loved local treasure that tells the story of our past and provides space for the enjoyment of nature, coming together with friends and space for learning and culture. It deserves love, care and protection. As a new Trustee I would hope to play a full role in securing the further development of the site, supporting the excellent fundraising efforts of staff and volunteers and making sure we are sustainable in everything we do.