Honorands 2000-2009

Judge Francis Allen (1924-2007)​

A senior member of Northamptonshire Judiciary who was actively involved in educational training within his field.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, November 2000.

Professor M Blandamer

A retired Professor of Chemistry at Leicester University who was also closely involved with UCN with the development of the Leather Technology and the Research Degrees Programme. The previous successful partnership between Leicester University and UCN owes much to his experience, support and guidance.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 2000.

Madame V Bourdin

Director of International Developments at the Ecole Superieure de Commerce et Management in Poitiers. The Northampton-Poitiers axis has led to a wide range of course developments, including the International MBA and a collaboration over many years including staff research.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, July 2000.

Captain John Macdonald-Buchanan

A retired Vice Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, who has worked in support of voluntary organisations operating in the county, particularly those concerned with young people and countryside activities. He has a distinguished military career, receiving the military cross in 1945. Chairman of the Jockey Club from 1979 to 1982. A long term supporter, benefactor of The University of Northampton.

• Honorary Award Recipient: MA, July 2000.

John Mills

The sculptor, was elected President to the Royal Society of British Sculptors in 1986 and 1997. His D-Day 50 pence pieces, designed for the Royal Mint, received the best coin award in 1994.

• Honorary Award Recipient: MA, November 2000.

John Scott, 9th Duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury KT 1923 – 2007

An enthusiastic champion of the countryside and strong advocate of environmental education. A former MP and Lord Lieutenant, he has played a major role in re-focusing national attitudes towards the disabled.

• Honorary Award Recipient MSc, July 2000.

Mike Leigh OBE

Trained in theatre, film, art and design.  He has become best known in recent years for a succession of award-winning films of which Naked and Secrets & Lies will be the most familiar.  His career began working with young people on devised plays at the Cannon Hill Arts Centre in Birmingham.  He made a particular impact through the BBC Play for Today series – Abigail’s Party being the best known.

• Honorary Award Recipient: MA, July 2000.

The Rt Hon The Lord of Slynn of Hadley

Lord Slynn is one of the most senior judges in the UK. He is Lord of Appeal in Ordinary and sits in the House of Lords to hear appeals on both civil and criminal law, he has been a Privy Councilor since 1992. In 1981 appointed as Advocate General and in 1988 a Judge of the European Court of Justice. His interest in legal education and the welfare of students has led to numerous honorary awards around the world.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, July 2001.

Dr L Howard

Honoured for his strong sense of public service which has led him to play a pivotal role in the restructuring of the Magistrates’ Court Service in Leicestershire, to the senior ranks of the Magistracy at a national level and to a Deputy Lieutenancy of Rutland. He valued the long standing relationship fostered between UCN and Leicester University, especially in the areas of Health Science.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, July 2001.

Mr C Lowe

In 1970 became the first head of a new Northamptonshire comprehensive Price William School, Oundle and during his 28 years as Head, become Honorary Legal Secretary of the Secondary Heads Association and then its President during 1990/1. He now works as a consultant, lecturer and writer.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, July 2001.

William (Bill) Morris

Joined the Transport and General Workers Union in 1958 and was elected their General Secretary in 1991. A member of the TUC General Council and joint Chair of the National Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Committee, also a Director of the Bank of England. Associated with University College Northampton’s Court.

• Honorary Award Recipient: MSc, July 2001.

Professor Derek Pugh

An Alumnus of the university. He has a international reputation as a writer, teacher, researcher and consultant in the field of organisational behavior and international management. He played a major part in the establishment of the Open University Business School.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, July 2001.

Mrs A Goodman

Voluntary work has been the central theme of her life and a large number of organisations in Northamptonshire have benefited from her support. A county councilor for over 20 years, representing the south ward of Northampton. She received an MBE in 1998 for services to the community.

• Honorary Award Recipient: MA, February 2002.

Christopher Davidge 1929 – 2014

Born in Little Houghton, Northampton. Had a long and distinguished rowing career and has excelled in the world of business. Governor (Chairman) of St Andrew’s Hospital since 1969 and responsible with Sir John Lowther for the founding of the Three Shires Hospital, member of The University of Northampton Foundation Committee.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, February 2002.

Sir James Spooner 1932 – 2019

Appointed Chairman of Coats Viyella in 1969, a position he held for 20 years, also Director of Morgan Crucible for 20 years. Knighted in 1981 for his extensive contribution to public life. A Governor of St Andrew’s Hospital and Chairman of the Prince’s Trust.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, February 2002.

John George Church CBE DL

A former Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, grandson of the founder of famous shoemakers, Church & Co. Received the CBE for services to the footwear industry in 1998.​

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, February 2002.

Jo Whiley

Presenter for BBC Radio and former presenter of the Jo Whiley Show for Channel 4.  Born in Northampton she studied Applied Languages at Brighton Polytechnic and Radio Journalism at London City University. Awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her significant contributions to music broadcasting and to the appreciation of popular music.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Master of Arts, November 2002.

Mr R Bedford

A lifelong resident of Northamptonshire and previous Engineering Director of Express Lifts, also responsible for the construction of Northampton’s Lift tower.

• Honorary Award Recipient: MSc, November 2002.

Dr S M Gaskell

A retired Rector of UCN, honored in recognition of his significant contribution to the growth and development of the institution. A distinguished scholar in his own right, who in 1993 steered the institution through to its achievement of independent powers to award taught degrees, and in 1999 was instrumental in ensuring that Nene College achieved University College status and title.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, November 2002.

Joan Armatrading MBE

Musician and songwriter of extraordinary and enduring talent, her career began in 1972 and continues with widespread acclaim including being nominated as one of the 100 most influential women in rock.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, November 2003.

Colin R Chapman MA, CEng, CSci, CChem, FEI, FNucI, FRSC

Born in Northampton, qualified as a chemist and had an illustrious career in the power generation industry. He has a long established interest in professional education and training and has occupied a senior role within the Engineering Council and as a consultant to the United Nations.  An acclaimed international lecturer and published author on British Social, Military and Family History specialising in Northamptonshire and surrounding counties.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, November 2003.

Dame Elizabeth Neville

Deputy Chief Constable Northamptonshire Police 1994-1997 and Chief Constable Wiltshire Constabulary 1997- to present. She was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 1996 New Year’s Honors List and in the 2002 New Year’s Honors Lists was created a Dame of the British Empire.

• Honorary Award Recipient: July, 2004.

Lady Gayle Robinson

Canadian by birth, Lady Robinson, together with her husband Sir John Robinson, manages Cranford Hall, their estate in the north of Northamptonshire. She has become an important contributor to voluntary sector activity with the country across a wide range of interests, including forestry, children and education. A former High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, and a member of The Court of The University of Northampton.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, November 2003.

Gary Wolstenholme

Born in Surrey and now residing in Northamptonshire, Gary has played golf all over the world, winning tournaments on all five continents. Among his many achievements he can count 14 major international tournaments and 15 national tournament success. In team golf, he has a record 168 caps to become England’s most capped player ever.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Master of Arts, November 2003.

Benjamin Zephaniah

The famous poet, playwright, actor, presenter and musician. His poetry is strongly influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica and what he calls ‘street politics’.  Working in Asia, South America and Africa has given his poetry a global outlook which, in turn, has helped him understand his role as a poet and the nature of the cultural cement which binds us all together.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Master of Science, November 2003.

Bill Amberg

Designer of elite leather goods, who began his design consultancy business in London in 1982. His work encompasses furniture products, luggage and other similar leather goods.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 13 July 2004.

Peter Ellwood

Chairman of ICI and former Chief Executive of Lloyds/TSB. A member of the Court of The University of Northampton.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 16 July 2004.

Chris Fox

President of the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and former Chief Constable of Northamptonshire.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 13 July 2004.

Jeffery Greenwell

Retired Chief Executive of Northamptonshire County Council and former Governor of University College Northampton.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 14 July 2004.

Eric Lawe

A bandleader and photographer from Northamptonshire.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Master of Arts, 15 July 2004.

John Leaver

Chairman of SITA Environmental Trust, who has worked in the wastes management industry for over thirty-seven years.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 16th July 2004.

Peter Robinson

Managing Director of Easirider Company Ltd, and Honorary Secretary of the Real Sheepskin Association.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Master of Arts, 15 July 2004.

Martin Wylie

Former Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce of Commerce and Business Link. Currently a Trustee of Royal and Derngate Theatres and an Accreditation Assessor for the British Chambers of Commerce.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Master of Arts, 14 July 2004.

Professor Will Alsop OBE RA

Internationally renowned Northampton-born architect who is famous for his artistically derived, colourful and innovative architectural and urban design concepts. Celebrated buildings include the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, Hamburg Ferry Terminal, North Greenwich underground stand the regional government headquarters in Marseilles and the acclaimed Peckham Library and Media Centre, for which he won the Stirling Prize for ‘Building of the Year’ in 2000. A Professor of Architecture in Vienna, Chairman of the Architecture Foundation, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a Royal Academician. In 2005 Professor Alsop received an OBE for services to architecture.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 14 July 2005.

Mr Stephen Dunmore

Chief Executive of the Big Lottery Fund since June 2004. Previously Chief Executive of the New Opportunities Fund, in 2003 he was appointed Chief Executive of the Community Fund, in order to lead the merger of the two organisation to form the Big Lottery Fund.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 15 July 2005.

Baroness Manningham-Buller (Eliza)

Born in Northamptonshire, attended Northampton High School, then Benenden School and read English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She worked for three years as a teacher in London before joining the Security Service in 1974. In the Service she specialised in counter-terrorism, both international and domestic. She became Director-General in 2002 before retiring in April 2007. She is currently a cross bench member of the House of Lords, a governor of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the Council of Imperial College, London.

Dr John Toby

A GP in Northampton for 33 years before retiring from his practice in 2002 and since then has been Chair of Northampton Primary Care Trust. He has had a long involvement in medical education and was Deputy Director of GP education for the Oxford Region and Chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners during the 1990’s.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 13 July 2005.

Mr John Whittaker

John is the Chief Executive of the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs. Youth Work has been his life’s commitment for over 40 years with more than 23 years of his working life playing a leadership role within this organisation. Additionally, he led the development of the King’s Park Conference and Sports Centre in Northampton.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Master of Arts, 15 July 2005.

Dr Ron Whittaker

Chief Executive of SATRA (shoe and Allied trades Research Association) the leading UK technology centre for consumer product testing. Dr Whittaker has a long professional relationship with the University from examining PhDs to being a member of Court. His strong commitment to the county and the region is represented through his Board membership of EMDA (East Midlands Development Agency), the LSC (Learning and Skills Council) and two local schools.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, 14 July 2005.

Ben De Lisi

A keen supporter of the University’s Fashion department and has dressed many celebrities from the worlds of TV, music and fashion, with his designs hitting the red carpet. He designs a diffusion line in conjunction with Debenhams called BDL by Ben de Lisi.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Doctorate, 14 July 2006.

Sir Malcolm Arnold CBE (1921-2006)

Born in Northampton in 1921, the late Sir Malcolm Arnold made an outstanding contribution to music as one of Britain’s leading composers of the twentieth century. He wrote over a hundred scores for film and television, including the Oscar-winning Bridge on the River Kwai.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Doctorate, presented in absentia, July 2006

Andrew Collins

A former writer and features Editor for NME, then Editor for Empire and Q magazines. He presented the Sony award-winning Collins & Maconie’s Hit Parade on Radio 1, as well as being a scriptwriter for the BBC’s Eastenders and Channel 5’s Family Affairs. Northampton born and bred, he is currently film editor for the Radio Times, hosts his own radio show for BBC 6 Music, the Radio 4 comedy show Banter and the Radio 2 comedy show The Day The Music Died.

• Honorary award recipient: Fellowship, 11 July 2006

Mr Jonathan Ollivier (1977 – 2015)

Recognised as one of the country’s leading male ballet dancers. He has been nominated twice for the National Dance Awards and has a successful career with the Northern Ballet Theatre.

• Honorary Fellowship, 11 July 2006.

Mrs Elizabeth Cracknell

Chairperson of the Joint Validation Board for the College of Occupational Therapists, has previously been Director of Training at the St Andrew’s School of Occupational Therapy and has contributed significantly to the development of the profession of OT in the UK.

• Honorary Fellowship, 12 July 2006.

Professor Chelly Halsey (1923 – 2014)

Currently an Emeritus Professor of Nuffield College, is internationally renowned for his scholarly sociological publications and for his direct involvement in the areas of social and educational policy and practice. His recent book addressed the history of sociology in Britain.

• Honorary Doctorate, 12 July 2006.

Sir Patrick Walker (1932- 2021)

Co-Chairman of the North Northants Development Company, was Chairman of The University of Northampton’s Governing Council from 2000-05. His final year, before retirement from the role, saw the achievement of university title and Research Degree Awarding Powers.

• Honorary Fellowship, 13 July 2006.

Lord Donoughue (Bernard)

Lord Donoughue has been a leading figure in British politics for over three decades. In 1974, he set up the first No.10 Downing Street Policy Unit at the time of the Wilson Government and in the Blair Government of 1997, he served as Minister of Agriculture.

• Honorary Fellowship, 13 July 2006.

Professor Robert Burgess (1947 – 2022)

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Burgess was also Chair of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), a past Chair of the East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) and past Honorary Secretary of the Society for Research into Higher Education. He chaired the UUK/Guild HE enquiry on Measuring and Recording Student Achievement, and was President of the British Sociological Association, President of the Association for the Teaching of Social Sciences, Founding Chair of the UK Council for Graduate Education and was a member of the Council and Chair of the Postgraduate Training Board of the Economic and Social Research Council.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Doctorate, 4 February 2007.

Bob Harris

Born in Northampton, Bob has presented on music radio for over 30 years produced, including seven years as presenter of the famous ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ on BBC2, produced several records, won 3 Sony Bronze Awards, awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters for his contribution to the UK music industry’ and in April 2003 received the Radio Academy/PRS award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music Radio.  He is founding co-editor of the magazine ‘Time Out’, compiler of two rock reference books and an autobiography and through his work over three decades for the British music press, Bob is an acknowledged author and archivist.  He currently hosts two radio shows on BBC Radio 2, playing ‘the best music you’ve ever heard’.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, Tuesday 10 July 2007.

Zandra Rhodes CBE

Studied at the Royal College of Art, where she specialised in textile design.  Her early designs were considered too outrageous by traditional British Manufacturers, so in 1969 she established her own retail outlet on the Fulham Road in London.  Famed for her dramatic, glamorous and extrovert lifestyle, bright hair, theatrical make-up and art jewellery, Zandra has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion and designs for royalty, the rich and famous around the work.  She was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1997.  In 2006 she was Headline speaker at our Textiles Lecture Day and graduates of the University have won the prestigious ‘Zandra Rhodes Textile Award’ at London’s Graduate Fashion week in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Doctorate, Tuesday 10 July 2007.

Lord Naseby

Educated at Bedford School and St Catherine’s College, Cambridge, Michael Morris entered politics in 1968 as a councillor in Islington.  In 1974 he was elected as Conservative MP for Northampton South, a seat which he held for the next 23 years, during which time he served on numerous committees, most notably the Public Accounts Committee and was latterly Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.  In 1997, he was created a life peer: Lord Naseby of Sandy, Bedfordshire.  This enabled him to continue his work on a number of Parliamentary Committees focused on south-east Asian countries, in which capacity he visited the region following the tsunami in 2005.  Alongside this, he is the Chairman of the Victorian County History for Northamptonshire.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, Wednesday 11 July 2007.

Lynn Wilson (1939- 2008)

Managing Director of the family construction firm at the age of 28, where he helped steer the growth of the Wilson Connolly Plc from a Northampton company to that of a national organisation, culminating in the sale to Taylor Woodrow in 2003 for £500 million.  The Wilson Foundation that carries the family name now offers local young people a “helping hand”.  Lynn has also made a significant contribution to the local sporting world – to Northampton County Cricket Club in particular where he served as both Chairman (1990-2000) and President (2000-2005).

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, Wednesday 11 July 2007.

Professor Sir AL Aynsley-Green

The first Children’s Commissioner for England and Emeritus Professor of Child Health at University College London. The Commissioner’s role is to give an independent voice to all children and young people and represent the latest in a lifetime of achievement working to improve the lives and wellbeing of children and young people.  Sir Albert’s career in medical research has been equally ground-breaking particularly in the area of pain relief and endocrinology.  His many prestigious roles have included the National Clinical Director for Children, Nuffield Professor of Child Health, University College London, University Lecturer and Fellow of Green College at the University of Oxford, and Professor of Child Health and Head of the School of Clinical Medical Sciences at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.  He has received many national and international honours and was knighted for his services to children and young people in 2006.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Doctorate, Thursday 12 July 2007.

David Fulton

David is a publisher whose commitment to young people with difficulties with for learning as a result of disability, emotional trauma or being from marginalised groups such as has been crucial to the development of inclusive education.  His personal involvement with teachers and others working in schools, to recognise their needs and the challenges which they face every day in the classroom, has enabled him to seek academics who can write books which combine a sound theoretical underpinning with an understanding of the practicalities of working in schools.  Due to this pragmatic approach his books have featured on courses and reading lists for students working at both undergraduate and post graduate levels. In addition to his work as a publisher David Fulton has served his local community as a patron of the St Jude’s Music Festival and through his active participation on the board of a number of educational and charitable organisations.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, Thursday 12 July 2007.

Mark Van De Weil MA (Oxon), ARCM, HonARAM

Mark is established as one of Britain’s leading and most versatile, clarinettists.  He was born in Northampton, educated at Merton College, Oxford and the Royal College of Music.  As principal clarinettist of the Philharmonic Orchestra (since 2000), the London Sinfonietta (since 2002), the London Chamber Orchestra, Endymion (founder principal) and as a well-known soloist, he performs at major venues throughout the world.  He is a professor at the Royal Academy of Music and active in both playing and teaching.  Mark is particularly well known for performances of contemporary music and has given many premieres.  He has recorded for EMI, ASV, NMC and Finlandia, Olympia records, and for the London Sinfonietta label.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Doctorate, Friday 13 July 2007.

Baroness Billingham (Angela) of Banbury

A teacher for over 35 years who has contributed significantly to education, regional economic development and politics in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. Having served on Banbury Borough Council, Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire Country Council, Baroness Billingham was elected to the European Parliament as Labour MEP for in Northamptonshire and Blaby (1994-1999), where she took a keen interested in economic affairs and brought the need to support economic development, especially in the north of the County, to the attention of the European Parliament.  As member of the House of Lords since 2000, Angela worked hard for the recognition of the then Nene College as a University and was Chair of Catalyst Corby until 2006 when it become part of the newly established North Northants Development Company.

• Honorary Award Recipient: Fellowship, Friday 13 July, 2007.

Camila Batmanghelidjh

Born in Iran and educated in England, Camila is the founder of Kids Company, a charity with a unique and pioneering approach to delivering therapeutic service to vulnerable children and young people. The original Arches 11 centre offers a drop-in service to ‘lone’ children who are living with poverty, abuse and neglect or living on the street in London. In addition, therapeutic and social work services are now offered in 33 schools in the most disadvantaged areas of the capital. She is nationally recognised for her contribution to the social inclusion agenda and was awarded the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2005 and Woman of the Year in 2006.

Diane Hayes

Born in Northamptonshire, Diane read Economics at the University of Manchester in the 1960s. After a short career as a computer analyst/programmer with the Shell Corporation Diane began lecturing in computing in further education moving on to Nene College in 1979. Diane moved rapidly through the ranks to Subject leader for Computing in 1983, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Management and Business in 1987 and Dean in 1989. In 2000 Diane was promoted to a central Directorate role as the Clerk to the Governing Council. Diane retired as Senior Pro Vice Chancellor in 2007 after 28 exceptional years of service and dedication.

Lady Juliet Townsend 1941 – 2014

Lady Juliet Townsend is Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, a position she has held since 1998. She was Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret between 1965-1971 and Extra Lady in Waiting from 1971-2002. In 1981 she was conferred with a Royal Victorian Order, an award given by The Queen to people who have served the Monarchy in a personal way.

Hugh Dennis
Hugh is a comedian, writer and voice-over artist best known for his work with long term comedy partner Steve Punt. Hugh’s early career included stand-up with Steve, being a resident support for Jasper Carrot on BBC 1’s Carrot Confidential, and providing the voices for seven series of Spitting Image. He was one quarter of The Mary Whitehouse Experience. He is currently to be seen on BBC 2’s Mock the Week, BBC 1’s Outnumbered and heard on BBC 4’s The Now Show.

John Smeathers

Born in Trinidad to a civil service family, his Northampton born father being based there whilst working in the local Forest Department. John returned to England and went on to read Enginneering at the University of Cambridge. In 1967, John commenced a career in computing, firstly at Radio and Space research Station at Ditton Park in Slough, then Cranfield Institute if Technology and later University of Birmingham, where he remained until 1985, working as a systems analyst.

Morcea Walker

Morcea has made an outstanding contribution to education and training in Northamptonshire over the past thirty years, both as an education professional and as a leading member of the local African Carribean community. She is dedicated to community building as well as to education. In the 1970’s she was a pioneer Clack teacher in Northampton schools, and a founder member of the Northampton African Caribbean Community Organisation. Nowadays she is Northamptonshire County Council co-ordinator of 23 Supplementary Schools, with more in the pipeline.

Gary Hoffman

Gary was appointed Barclays Group Vice Chairman in 2006 and was formally Chairman, UK Banking and Chairman, Barclaycard. Prior to this he was chief Executive of Barclaycard. He is also non-executive Director of Trinity Mirror PLC and a board member of Visa Europe. He is Trustee of the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust UK and Charities Aid Foundation and Vice Chair of Coventry City Football club.

Peter Dunkley MBA BA ARMCM Cert Ed

Born in Ilford and studied at the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Manchester College of Music. Following a period as a freelance performer and conductor he became Head of Wooswind for Wiltshire. He joined Northamptonshire’s Music Service in 1989 becoming Director of the Music and Performing Arts Service in 1993. Under his leadership the county orchestras, concept bands and brass bands, choirs and other groups have consistently completed in national competitions.

Charles Landry

Charles was born in 1948 and studied in Britain, Germany and Italy and is tri-lingual. He founded Comedia, Europes leading cultural and planning consultancy in 1978. Apart from Britain, Comedia has worked in 35 countries ranging from Australia, Russia, South Africa, the USA and Hong Kong. Charles is regarded aas an international authority on city futures and the use of culture is revitalising cities, through cultural planning and heritage issues.

Baroness Manningham-Buller (Eliza)

Born in Northamptonshire, attended Northampton High School, then Benenden School and read English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She worked for three years as a teacher in London before joining the Security Service in 1974. In the Service she specialised in counter-terrorism, both international and domestic. She became Director-General in 2002 before retiring in April 2007. She is currently cross bench member of the House of Lords, a governor of the Welcome Trust and a member of the Council of Imperial College, London.

Damon Hill OBE

Born 17 September 1960 in London is a British former racing driver from England.

Hill started his Formula One career in 1992 with the then uncompetitive Brabham team. He took the first of his 22 victories at the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix for the Williams team the following year. In 1994, he won the British Grand Prix, a race his father had never won in his long and successful career. During the mid 1990s, Hill was Michael Schumacher’s main rival for the Formula One Driver’s Championship, finishing runner-up in the German’s 1994 and 1995 title seasons. The two had a series of controversial clashes on and off the track, including the collision at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix that gave Schumacher his first title by a single point.

Hill took eight victories and eventually the world championship in 1996. Despite this, Williams decided in mid-1996 not to renew Hill’s contract for 1997. He went on to record the Jordan team’s first ever win at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, and came within a few miles of being the only driver to win a Grand Prix for the Arrows team and their Yamaha engine supplier at the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix. He retired from the sport at the end of the 1999 season, after 122 race starts.

In 2006, Hill became president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, succeeding Jackie Stewart.

Don Page

CEO Marval Group, has been responsible for the design & implementation of some of Europe’s largest award winning IT Service & Support operations, both in Public & Private sector environments. Don’s projects have won nine European service improvement project awards.

A major IT industry thought leader, co-author & innovator of the world’s first standard for IT Service Management ISO/IEC 20000. He has played a pivotal role in the shaping of standards within the IT industry. Over the years organisations, both in the private & public sector have become dependent on information technology to operate effectively. This has meant that poor service or seconds of computer downtime can result in thousands of unsatisfied customers; job losses and reduced profits. Consequently Don’s Company Marval, which is based in Kettering, has helped numerous companies create a well managed IT & Service Infrastructure, which has become critical to their success.

Baroness Julia Cumberlege

Baroness Cumberlege comes from a medical family. Having chaired the Brighton Health Authority and subsequently the South West Thames Regional Health Authority, in 1992 Julia was appointed a Junior Health Minister and for five years covered all health and social services matters in the House of Lords.

When leaving Government, Julia sought to “close the loop” between politicians and NHS leaders, devising the highly successful Westminster Experience, and in April 2001 she launched Cumberlege Connections.

Julia chairs a number of charities and Parliamentary Groups. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of General Practitioners, a Vice President of the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives, a Senior Associate of the Kings Fund, a Trustee of Leeds Castle and Patron of the National Childbirth Trust.  From 2000 until 2005 Julia chaired the Council of St. George’s University of London, a leading medical school. In 2001 Julia joined the board of Huntsworth plc where she was a Non-Executive Director for 3 years.

At the invitation of the Royal College of Physicians, Julia chaired a working party examining medical professionalism.  The report “Doctors in Society” was published in December 2005. In 2006 she was asked by the Catholic Church to review the protection of children and vulnerable adults, and the Cumberlege Commission was established. The Commission’s report “Safeguarding with Confidence” was published in July 2007

In October 2007 Julia was appointed Chair of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). Prior to this, Julia was a Trustee of Cancer Research UK for ten years.

Rupert Goold

Rupert is an English theatre director. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He is the artistic director of Headlong Theatre, previously known as the Oxford Stage Company. Between 2002 and 2005, he was artistic director of the Royal and Derngate Theatres in Northampton. Prior to that, he was an associate at the Salisbury Playhouse in 1996-97.

He has directed Patrick Stewart, both as Prospero in the RSC Stratford production of The Tempest in 2006, and as Macbeth in his acclaimed Minerva studio staging of Macbeth at the Chichester Festival Theatre in May 2007. Goold also directed Jessica Lange in a 2007 West End revival of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

John Castle 1944 – 2019

John has worked for BP as a refinery engineer, Alcan Aluminium where he was responsible for the HR function in the UK and for the Research and Development function, Marley plc where he was Group Managing Director, Textron, where he was President of the European division of Textron Fastening Systems and Taylor Woodrow where he was Chief Executive.

He has extensive experience as a consultant in the Industrial and Human Resources division of Unbucon/AIC and in BASE International advising on innovation and technology strategy. John has taught on strategic planning programmes at Cranfield and Warwick Universities.

He is currently a non-executive director of Gibbs and Dandy plc.

Sir Igor Judge, QC

Born 19 May 1941, Sir Igor is a British judge. He was educated at St. Edward’s College, Cottonera and Oratory School, Woodcote. He studied history and law at Magdalene College, Cambridge.

He was called to the bar at Middle Temple in 1963. He became a Recorder in 1976 and a Queen’s Counsel in 1979. He was appointed to the Queen’s Bench Division in 1988 (as Mr Justice Judge), and awarded the customary knighthood, and promoted to the Court of Appeal in 1996 (as Lord Justice Judge), becoming a Privy Counsellor.

He was the Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales from 1998 to 2003, when he became Deputy Lord Chief Justice. He was appointed as the first President of the Queen’s Bench Division in 2005 when that post was split from that of Lord Chief Justice. In addition to his role as President of the Queen’s Bench Division, Judge was appointed Head of Criminal Justice in January 2007.

It was announced on 7 July 2008 that he would replace Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers as Lord Chief Justice on 1 October 2008.​

Trevor Baylis 1937 – 2018

Trevor Baylis is an inventor. At the age of 15, Trevor swam for Britain and when drafted for National Service as a Physical Training Instructor, he swam for the Army and Imperial Services. Upon leaving the Army in 1961, he joined a swimming pool company as a salesman, then moved into R & D and went on to develop 50 new products. In 1970, having built a large portable glass sided tank which was used for giving high diving and underwater swimming exhibitions, he founded his own swimming pool company.

With support and encouragement from the BBC World Service in 1994, the Clockwork Radio was featured on ‘Tomorrows World’ after which a product champion was found and plans were struck to employ disabled people in the manufacture of radios. The factory was opened in 1995 in South Africa and QED made and broadcast a documentary, which further raised the product profile and in 1996, he won the BBC Design Award for the Best Product and Best Design.

In the same period, Trevor started raising interest in the need for a Royal Academy For Inventors. As the UK’s best known living inventor, he is currently featured in a national advertising campaign and he was a fascinating subject for a ‘This is Your Life’ programme with Michael Aspel.