People & Committee

Sally Aldridge (Chair)

Sally first came to Newcastle from Zambia in 1977 where she had been teaching African history to study for a Post Graduate course in Counselling at Keele. She never left! After graduating she got a job as a counsellor at Staffs University (then North Staffs Poly) and eventually became Head of Student Services setting up a nursery for staff and students in the old Railway Club next to the North Staffs Hotel. She went on to become a directory of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP); a job that took her round the world.

She loves running (she has a representative vest for England over 70s half marathon), walking and her allotment in Basford.

“The Lyme Brook is an essential part of our community. It has been treated very cruelly in the past and deserves projecting and enhancing; it’s great to see chub and brown trout returning to the Brook, but as a potential wildlife corridor running through the Borough, there is so much more we need to do to look after it and preserve it. We need to encourage everyone in the community to respect and enjoy it.”

Paul Hackney (Secretary)

Paul retired in 2014 after a legal career of nearly four decades. Born and raised in The Lake District, he has always been passionate about wildlife and the natural world, seeking opportunities for hands-on, practical conservation work whenever he can. This led him to run his own wildlife rescue sanctuary for many years, followed by a 15-year project to conserve the Barn Owl (one of the country’s best-loved but increasingly rare birds) in Staffordshire and adjoining counties. In 2011, his book describing the project, “Growing Barn Owls in my Garden”, was published by Whittles Publishing Ltd. As well as continuing with Barn Owl conservation, Paul has recently been awarded a University Certificate in Biological Recording and Species Recognition by Manchester Metropolitan University. Since 2015, he has been a Trustee and Honorary Secretary of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Richard Moth (Treasurer)

I worked for a UK telecomms company for over 30 years after leaving school, first  as an apprentice, moving on to  technician, and finally as a manager. After retiring early I worked for a charity for a short time, and then took on four other roles before finally hanging up my boots in 2009.

I moved to Newcastle-under-Lyme and volunteered at several charities including as a treasurer for the local RSPB for five years.

I really enjoy living close to the Lyme valley. Being able to help maintain and improving the local environment means a lot to me. I see The Brook as an immensely valuable community asset, and one that needs plenty of TLC.

I get great satisfaction knowing the Lyme is again capable of supporting several species of fish and invertebrates – if only it’s treated properly. I’m sure many more species of birds, fish, invertebrates and flora can become established, if we do things right!

Celia Abbott

Roger Bird

Clive Rosen