Governors Pen Portrait

Annette Fairhurst

I’m Annette Fairhurst and am a parent Governor at Withnell Fold. I started my journey as a parent Governor 5 years ago when my child was in foundation stage. Being someone who lives within Withnell Fold I see the importance the school has to the community.  

Professionally I am an Art Psychotherapist and work currently as a Clinical Director of a Therapy and Treatment service which sits within a fostering service.  I have 14 years of experience working therapeutically with children who have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences and am passionate about positively affecting the impact on children’s development and subsequent behavioural communication.  I am a big advocate about the importance that we (the adults) have in affecting change by noticing, listening and adapting; to get alongside what is developmentally needed for each individual child to help them recover and thrive. 

My personal world is filled with my children usually being creative in some way…yes even with glitter!…. Also outdoor adventures feature highly preferrably up a hill, or running/ swimming. 

Helen Norman

Hi, my name is Helen Norman and I am a Co-opted governor, and Chair of Governors at Withnell Fold.

I started as a parent governor nearly 10 years ago and was asked to stay on (hence the Co-opted status!). My three children all went to Withnell Fold and I value the care, teaching and attitudes they experienced here. The education sector has seen a lot of challenges in those 10 years and all schools are finding themselves under incredible pressure, but I've seen first-hand how much effort and commitment staff and governors here give to getting the best possible outcomes for the children at Withnell Fold and hope I've played my part in that.

My interests include sports, especially tennis (at Withnell Fold SSC) and hockey, dog walking, crafts and reading, with occasional crazes for maths and logic puzzles.

Susan Bird

Hello, I’m Sue, a co-opted Governor here at Withnell Fold. After 32 happy years as a Primary School Teacher, I took early retirement in 2020 in order to pursue other aspects of life, and I am so pleased to be able to be involved in Education as a Governor at this school after moving into the area in the Summer of 2022.

Early Years and Key Stage One were my passions in my career, and I look forward to working with the staff in school to continue to nurture children’s love of learning in their informative years that will build enthusiasm and resilience for learning throughout their lives.

Embracing my retirement, I enjoy walking with my two dogs, bike riding, skiing, caravan holidays in Wales and baking and decorating cakes.

Marcus O'Donohoe

Hi, I'm Marcus and I am a newly co-opted governor. I am currently a teacher and senior leader at another primary school in the Chorley area. Having worked in a variety of schools, including large two form entry schools, I am excited to bring my experience and passion for education to Withnell Fold and work alongside them on ensure the school continues to provide the best start in learning for the children.

Outside of education I enjoy playing rugby (Union) and watching my own children taking part in a range of different activities.

Steven Beaumont

Hi there, I am a Local authority appointed governor and Chair of the Resources Committee which covers Finance, Staffing and Premises

I have four grown-up children and three primary school teachers in the family and so I know both the importance of early years education to the development and well-being of our next generations and how demanding delivering it can be. I believe strongly that a well-grounded, balanced and challenging education is vital, not just for our little ones, but for society as a whole, and I am pleased I can contribute in some small way to this aim

I have worked in finance for over 40 years (which dates me a bit!) at all levels and I am currently Finance Director to two businesses involved in recycling and land regeneration. I keep busy with a bit of sport and reading, walking my two dogs and an expanding cohort of grandchildren

Christian Beaumont

Hi all, I’m Christian – a co-opted governor here at Withnell Fold.

Having multiple primary school teachers in my immediate family (as well as two brand new nephews!) has garnered a keen interest in me in the development of children in primary education; something which I believe is vital in contributing to a fulfilling life ahead for early years children.

I have worked in the legal industry for nearly a decade as a commercial solicitor specialising is intellectual property and data privacy.  My interests beyond that include spending time with family, and most sports!