TRUSTEES

Chair of the Trustees - Christine Harrop-Griffiths

I have been a University Lecturer for well over 20 years and been Programme Leader for the Business Management degree at the University of Derby for much of that time. I have recently reduced my working hours and am keen to contribute to the local community with my extra time . White Hall is such a special place with a marvelous ethos,  and I am eager to do as much as possible to ensure that continues long into the future.

I also serve on the Football Asscoiation National Serious Cases Panel for grassroots football.

I have lived in Derbyshire for over 30 years and consider it to be an absolutely beautiful county.

 

David Belton - Treasurer

When I was at school we never had the opportunity that White Hall offers to experience the outdoors. My own kids had it better, going to Sheffield's version of White Hall (Thornbridge Hall). Things have improved over the years, and I'm very happy now to help further the cause.

After a good long and often painful career in senior financial roles in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire engineering industry, I did a short spell with the Moors for the Future partnership, and then a final stint in the public sector with Sheffield City Council as Head of Project Finance. Those acquired experiences will help me in the role of Treasurer.

Being indoors is stifling. I've been a keen volunteer with the National Trust, the Peak Park, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. I'm active walking, hiking, and doing the heavy lifting in the garden. Living very local to the centre, I'm inspired by it as much as any young boy or girl might be.

 

Dan Riley

I have been working at White Hall since 2005, firstly as a relief instructor and more recently as a permanent member of staff with responsibility for business development. Although qualified as a PE teacher, my passion has always been for the outdoors and the benefits that it brings to both young people and adults. In my spare time I participate mainly in fell running, mountaineering and mountain biking. I am married with two children and we enjoy going for adventures together in our camper.

 

Peter Johnston

I have been the headteacher at Kirk Ireton C of E Primary School in Derbyshire since 2006 and have been bringing children to Whitehall for residential weekends throughout that time. In 2015 Kirk Ireton formed the Village Federation with Carsington C of E Primary School and in 2018 The FitzHerbert C of E Primary in Fenny Bentley also joined. Prior to my headship I worked in three different Derby City Schools. I also support the work of the Local Authority, providing training for governors and also school improvement consultancy. Outside of my professional life, I have four children and other interests include running, swimming, cycling and I also enjoy playing board games and being part of the acoustic duo ‘Wobble and Wheeze’. I am also a magistrate sitting on the Derby Bench, which I have been doing since 2004.

 

Daniel Holden

My name is Daniel Holden. I am a head teacher at a small school near Buxton and I’ve lived in Derbyshire almost all my life. I have been coming to Whitehall with our school for nearly 25 years and cannot speak highly enough of the experience. I enjoy running, especially in the woods, and watching rugby. My favourite number is four.

 

Sarah Dodgson

I am a mother of two teenage daughters and regularly climb with my eldest. I worked within the children's social care setting for 18 years before changing career paths and becoming a self- employed tradeswoman. My Aunt attended Whitehall in the late 60s, early 70s before going on to become an outdoor instructor. I love being outdoors in nature, walking, hiking and climbing and I am a keen DIY enthusiast. My only regret in life is not finding my love for the outdoors sooner.

 

Andy Collier

I am a retired Buxton GP, having lived here since 1991. I have three grown-up children, all of whom came to White Hall for a residential stay during junior school. I am a member of the Rotary Club and have been organizing and supporting the Rotary Youth Leadership Award for 14–16-year-olds which Rotary holds annually at White Hall. I am an outdoor enthusiast, a keen hill and mountain walker, skier, birder, fair weather sea-kayaker and distinctly average golfer. I hope that through our efforts the Friends of White Hall will help improve access for all to its wonderful facilities and heighten their experience when there.

 

Jean Wharmby

I am a retired businesswoman, an ex-hotelier, with two children, a doting husband and a rampant cockapoo Bertie.
In 2005, I went into politics, and am currently serving as a councilor on both Derbyshire Council and High Peak Borough Council. I have previously held the positions of the Mayor of High Peak on the Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Adult care on the County Council, as well as being Civic Chairman of the County Council from 2021 to May 2022
I am involved with many local organisations and charities, including RBL Glossop Branch poppy appeal.
When I'm not serving the public I enjoy, cooking and relaxing with a good book.

 

James Lowther

After a varied career that included roles in retail, management consulting and ended with a decade working for a London based private equity fund, I retired and relocated with my wife from Kent to the Peak District. After 35 years in a corporate environment, I was very keen to find voluntary activities that would enable me to leverage my previous experience for the benefit of the local community and given my love of the Peak District landscape, Friends of White Hall Centre was the perfect fit. I'm a keen golfer and love to walk and cycle in the Peaks.