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 4 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.
Danny Tooby
Hello I’m Danny and I am the staff governor here at Withnell Fold. I am the Foundation Stage Class teacher at school and have been in this role since 2017. I also lead other subjects at school such as Art and Music.
I began my teaching career at Edge Hill University where I undertook a degree in Primary Education with QTS. In my spare time I play an active role in my local theatre group on the committee. I also enjoy attending concerts and performances when I can. I enjoy walking, hiking and running. Two of my favourite things to do are to visit art galleries and travel!
I hope that by volunteering as a staff Governor I am able to further contribute to the development and running of our school.
James Hillman
Hi I am James Hillman and I am a parent governor at Withnell Fold. I’ve had one child complete her journey through the school and another two currently there – given the gaps in ages this means our family association with the school will span 18 years! I also live just across the field from the school and realise what an important role it plays in the local community.
In my professional life I am an engineering leader for an international technology company which gives me a particular passion for all things science, technology, engineering and math's related but also a recognition that we need to give our children a diverse education to help them develop the creativity needed to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital and complex world. I hope by volunteering I will bring diversity to the board of governors by being from a non-educational background and be able to contribute to the school’s on-going success.
When not working I am usually busy with our three children or DIY on our old cottage that we started renovating 10 years ago. I love spending time in the countryside - if possible on my mountain bike and/or on top of a hill!
Neil Holden
Hi, after a long career working as a Nurse in a multi faceted role for the NHS I have now moved into retirement. One of my greatest pleasures was to see Student Nurses progress in their knowledge and skills through my teaching role. I have always placed great emphasis on Education and Development of the person, and I hope that my years of experience will contribute to the Health and Wellbeing of the school.
As I now have spare time, I am pleased to become a Co-opted Governor. I live only a short distance away and have seen many generations walking through the fields on their way to school.
My interests are many and varied, travelling in our Motorhome, walking on the hills, skiing, cycling or sailing our wooden yacht that we have built.
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.
Kerry Jones
I have lived in Withnell Fold for thirty years and my daughter attended this school. After working for twenty-five years as a neurophysiologist in the NHS, I trained as a primary school teacher and taught until my retirement.
In the past, I have served on various public bodies, I now have more time to spend in my allotment.
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.