- Home
- About Us
- Governing Body
Governing Body
I would like to warmly welcome you to Brookfield Community School. Brookfield aims to be an inclusive school for all its students and has worked hard in recent years to improve the academic achievement for all of its students, and to improve the ethos of the School, whilst closely developing a strong partnership with parents.
The Governors at Brookfield work closely with the School to fulfil their statutory role and to shape the School’s policy, curriculum, accountability and ethos. The Governors, all volunteers, from a variety of backgrounds, who contribute to the work of the Governing Body through a number of committees.
There has been significant expansion of the School over the last few years and the Governors have sought to make certain that Brookfield is able to serve its local community.
Considerable effort has been made to ensure that all the students have a strong sense of belonging. It is a tribute to the School’s senior leadership team and staff that this has been achieved.
Please also feel free to contact me or any member of the Governing Body via the Clerk to the Governors - email: chairofgovernors@brookfield.hants.sch.uk at the School.
Ann New
Governor Profiles
Rachael Ashby
I’m a new Parent Governor at Brookfield School and am looking forward to contributing to the development of the school.
Family Life:
I am a former Brookfield school Pupil and have spent most of my life living in the local area. My Daughter attends the school, and I have a 2 year old son with my partner.
Work:
I started my career in Hospitality and after a numbers of years decided to follow my passion for training and developing people. I currently work for a large Independent Training Provider delivering apprenticeships in the Financial, Management and Human Resources. I have 15 years’ experience in the education sector having worked previously in other companies that delivered Digital based apprenticeships and Hospitality apprenticeships.
Interests:
I enjoy exercise & fitness and regularly attend classes at Holly hill Leisure centre. I love running, especially around our beautiful surroundings. I also enjoy meeting up with friends for a coffee and a catch up.
James Brown
I was initially elected as a parent governor, but have served from 2013 as a co-opted governor. Since 2012 I have chaired the Learning and Teaching Committee and am also a member of the Infrastructure Committee. I have been privileged to be part of the governing body that has seen Brookfield go from strength to strength over the last eight years.
Work:
Having completed my PhD in gastrointestinal pharmacology at the University of Aston, I worked briefly for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals as a Clinical Research Associate before continuing my research career at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. I returned to the UK in 1997 to take up an academic post at Portsmouth University and am currently Head of Pharmacology.
Family:
Two children, both of whom attended Brookfield and went on to Barton Peveril College. Our son is in his second year of training as a deck officer cadet at Fleetwood Maritime College and our daughter is completing her A-levels. My long-suffering wife of 25 years is a pharmacist, so it is fair to conclude we are a family of scientists! We are also a family of animal lovers and it would be unfair not to mention our dog Nelson (a retired racing greyhound) and Dash, a “retired” tomcat.
Skills & Interests:
Having grown up in Cardiff, I am a rugby fanatic, but enjoy watching most sports. My academic interest is in gastrointestinal disease and therapeutics and I enjoy international travel immensely, both professionally and personally. With almost 20 years of experience teaching in higher education, I appreciate the challenges faced by those that wish to attend university. I am also proud to be part of a school and governing body that aspires to achieve success for all our young people.
Michaela Burge
Co-opted governor (appointed April 2019).
Work:
Real Estate Solicitor.
Home:
Mama to our little girl, Sennen and soon-to-be Mama to another little girl. Dog mama to our first baby, Lola the fox red lab. Wife to high school sweetheart, Rob.
Interests:
Commercial real estate solicitor by day. Beach loving, dog walking, barefoot wandering, backpack travel loving, DIY cracking, herb growing, woodwork making gal the rest of the time.
Leslie Cockerton
I’m a newly elected Parent Governor and am looking forward to supporting Brookfield Community School.
Family Life:
Married to Sue, our son Max is a current student at Brookfield – we live within walking distance. I also have two Stepdaughters (in their twenties) that attended the school.
Work:
I’m currently serving as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Navy - Specialising as a Mine Clearance Diver/Bomb Disposal Officer. Following a role in Operational/Training assurance, I have now taken post at the Defence Diving School overseeing training of new recruits.
Favourite Quote:
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. — Colin Powell
Tim Felton
I was appointed as a co-opted governor in 2017 and have been involved in all the boards committees some as Chair and some as Vice Chair. I am also the DTG, (Development and Training Governor). I have been Vice Chair of the Governing Board for the last two years.
Family Life:
I live in Locks Heath with my wife Jenny. I have two adult children who attended Brookfield and also four grand children aged 12 to 19 all who have or are still attending Brookfield. My eldest granddaughter is now at Bournemouth University studying Criminology.
Work:
Prior to retirement in 2018, I worked for Grafton UK Plc . They sold and distributed building materials across the UK. Ireland and mainland Europe. I ran their Southern Region responsible for the operational and financial control of the twelve depots in the South.
Interests:
I am a very keen golfer, cyclist and enjoy different forms of Pilates. I will watch most sports and for my sins have supported Southampton FC for over 50 years. We travel a lot and have a huge list of things to do and see in our retirement.
Kevin Gristock
I ‘got the bug’ for voluntary work following my first experience volunteering at the London 2012 Olympics and Para-Olympics which was a truly amazing experience. A governor since summer 2017, I am particularly looking forward to my role on a Mental Wellbeing working group for Brookfield and its partner primaries.
Work:
Self-employed for some 37 years so now totally unemployable! My wife and I built up and operated several companies ranging from security & CCTV systems to a development company building large individual homes.
Family Life:
Married for 38 years to my wife Jenny. We have two children, who both attended Brookfield; two young grandchildren living in the catchment area, and an Irish Red Setter, Lottie.
Skills:
No degrees or formal qualifications - just 40 years of making and standing by those decisions, thinking outside the box to get results, and the constant juggling of making a small business work.
Hobbies and Interests:
Musical theatre - particularly new works from the smaller production companies. A bit of a ‘train nerd’. And a fan of USA road trips with minimal planning - just go and enjoy.
Neil Haines
I volunteered to represent the School as a staff governor over 8 years ago and I am now in my third term of office. I sit on the Infrastructure Committee.
Family Life:
Married with two children.
Work:
One of my proudest achievements was completing my Masters in Education Inclusion, including an 18,000 word dissertation.
Hobbies/Passions:
I am a very keen sportsman and before getting old played football and rugby at a good standard. I have a season ticket for Fratton Park and in the summer month enjoy a lot of sailing and fishing.
David Marsh
I have recently been appointed as a co-opted Governor at Brookfield School, and I am very much looking forward to learning more about the activities of the school and contributing in any way I can to all those involved at Brookfield. This is breaking new ground for me and I am certainly looking forward to the challenge.
Family Life:
I have lived with my wife, Sally, in Warsash for the past 26 years; we have two grown up children, one is now a Project Manager working locally, and the other is a teacher of Modern Languages in a similar school in Nottingham. I spent a full career in the Royal Navy and then BAE Systems with a Supply Chain Background before retiring a few years ago.
Hobbies and Interests:
I am now very happily involved in a number of organisations on a voluntary basis and am delighted to add this new role to my already busy diary. I work with a couple of charities, I am a serving Magistrate and I spend a considerable amount of my time on my allotment or playing tennis in Warsash. I am a long time Portsmouth FC supporter.
Ann New
Chair of Governors
Home Life:
I live in Locksheath with my husband. I am a volunteer for the Home Library Service, which fits in my love of reading and talking to people.Being an ex-Wren I joined the local Association in Portsmouth and am the Secretary of this. I also belong to the local Trefoil Guild. I was persuaded to take up bowling by my husband and have recently joined Fareham Bowls Club where I am the Secretary. I also enjoy Pilates, going to the theatre and cinema, walking and Aquacise, and - more importantly - I enjoy spending time with my husband and going on holiday.
Work:
Before I retired in May 2016 I was the Human Resources Director for an aviation company based in Portsmouth. Before this I had two other HR jobs – one for a packaging company and the other for a company making seat belts and airbags for a number of automotive manufacturers. Prior to these jobs I was in the WRNS for 22 years.
Favourite Quote:
Never a truer word in “I don’t know how I found the time to go to work”
Davina Obstancias
I have been a Governor at Brookfield now for over 3 years. I am a co-opted school Governor and presently sit on the Resources Committee and Chair the Welfare Committee. I was the Safeguarding Link Governor for a period of time.
I also was part of FOBS (Friends of Brookfield School) for a number of years serving as both the Secretary then latterly, the Chair.
Work:
I am a Senior Administrator for a construction company and am currently working on the Royal Haslar re-development site in Gosport. My career has mainly been Administration based although I was a Prison Officer both in Milton Keynes and Winchester and also worked for a long time for the NHS as a Childcare advisor part time when my children were young.
Family:
I originate from Northamptonshire but have lived for the past 18 years in Park Gate. I am married with two children, both of whom went through Brookfield. My son (22) is a Car Technician at Hendy, Cosham and my daughter (20) is a Bed Flow Co-ordinator at Southampton General Hospital.
I also have 3 step-daughters who all live locally and have their own young children. We have a black cat Ace and a very active Belgian Malinois Cross, Kari.
Skills:
I obtained a Diploma in HR Management at Solent University in 2014 and enjoy training to broaden my knowledge and skills.
I am a STEM Ambassador and attend school events and workshops in order to raise the profile of STEM roles particularly in the construction sector. I spent 5 years as the District Secretary to East Northants Scouting Association and assisted at various charitable events. On moving to Hampshire I volunteered at Locks Heath Infant and Junior school with reading and swimming.
Interests:
I enjoy eating out and travel, either on my own, with my daughter or my husband.
I love walking and as a dog parent have no excuse not to. I enjoy taking my dog to obedience classes and also agility.
Reading books and watching films are a must too!
Samantha Palmer
I'm a newly elected parent governor. I am looking forward to working with the established governing body and the school team.
Work:
A nurse manager at a large local NHS Trust. It is a challenging role with a strong governance ethos.
Home:
I live with my husband, daughter and two house rabbits. I enjoy our camping holidays which give us a great opportunity to wind down and enjoy nature.
Mark Redfern
I have been a parent governor since November 2021. I look forward to supporting the school and its team in ensuring they provide the best environment they can for the students attending Brookfield.
Family Life:
My wife and I live in Whiteley with our three school age children, all at different schools! They keep us busy and provide us with great enjoyment and pride.
Work:
I have been working in the IT software and services sector for the past 25 years having moved away from training to be an actuary. My current role sees me overseeing around 50 portfolio leads and project managers delivering IT projects to a major customer.
Skills:
I hope that my financial and IT experience together with me always working with people to support and get the best from them can provide a perspective that will further enhance our governing body capability,
Ali J Rennie
This is a new role for me as a Parent Governor. A job, I’ve always wanted to do.
I’m interested in learning more about the different Sectors. Supporting the Children, and Staff at Brookfield Community School.
Family Life:
Our home is in Warsash and I’m a proud mum to two teenagers. Our daughter is in year 10 at (Brookfield) and our son at Cemast aged 16. Nigel and I have been married for 18 years.
Work:
My experience over the last 10 years is within the Event Management/ Film Industry,
I’ve been a landlord for over 10 years, and enjoy all aspects, from the necessary safety/maintenance to the décor and interior design.
Tropic is my recent passion and love of 100 % natural Vegan Skincare.
Also the carbon neutral aspect which is so relative now, which is why I became an Independent Tropic Ambassador.
Skills:
Fund raising for PICU in Southampton. Trained Actor, Feng Shui Coach.
Hobbies:
I love going to the beach and forest walks all over Hampshire with our beautiful dog Charley, and enjoy Kundalini Yoga and Zumba.
Chris Russell
I have recently been co-opted onto the governing body of Brookfield. This is something of a step into the unknown, however having been a governor at St Johns for the past nine years, mainly as the Chair of Governors I am hoping that the transition is not too arduous!
Family Life:
I live in Hook Village, Warsash. Married to Jenny with two children aged 37 and 34 who both attended Brookfield. Four grandchildren, one in her third year at Brookfield and the other three currently at Locksheath Junior School. Family holidays are our highlights.
Work:
I currently work for the Post Office in their Head Office in London as the Head of Data Protection, a challenging role if you consider how many letters and parcels are sent on a daily basis. A little known fact about the Post Office is that we are the largest retailer in Europe with over 11,500 branches across the UK!
Skills:
I have been fortunate that my 9 years as a Governor at St. Johns have meant that I have been exposed to many issues faced by schools ranging from managing the school budget, child protection issues, school numbers and Curriculum standards. Common to all of these areas however is having the skill of listening to understand how to respond.
Hobbies/Passions:
I have been very lucky in my working life that I truly do a job that I am passionate about so in a way my vocation is also a hobby. Outside of work I enjoy all sports, ranging from playing golf very badly to an armchair fan of both football and rugby.
Martin Wright
Newly started as a parent governor this term with a completely open mind and desire to learn about the school, and hopefully contribute to its further successes in the future. I sit on the Finance and Personnel Committee and recently attended my first Pay Committee.
Family Life:
Married to Maria for 12 years. Father of two daughters (Locks Heath Junior School Yr6) and (Brookfield Yr7), as well as two adult sons from an earlier marriage.
Work:
I have run Media Mergers Limited for the past 25 years - an international brokerage of media businesses.
Skills:
Whatever I have learned in life…and now a reformed accountant after a past as a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).
Hobbies/Passions:
Follower of Wasps and England Rugby, Hampshire and England Cricket. Jazz nut and lover of a wide range of music. I collect wine.