Birmingham-born, I’m a committed European now living in Berlin and working with my husband, Michael, as a freelance translator to the music business. A General Committee member from 2007 – 2019, I also served on the General Purposes and Membership Committees, and initiated the Literary and German Circles. I introduced the first German reciprocal clubs, supported participation in “Open House weekend”, hosted LibDem receptions at the Club, and championed many recently-established NLC Forums.
I was a prison visitor, Witness Service volunteer – supporting witnesses at court, and a charity worker in Canterbury. I was active in LibDem politics – first in Canterbury from 2000, then in Bromley until 2018 – and am now an active member of the (reciprocal) International Club, Berlin. My interests: music, literature, handcrafts, swimming. (Janet joined the Club in 2004 and was Chair between 2016–2018; she is now a Vice-President and an elected, voting Council member).
An NLC member for two decades, I have chaired both the Club’s Membership Committee and, from 2020-22, the Board of National Liberal Club Ltd, which manages all the day-to-day operations of the Club, runs its various services and also employs all the staff.
After graduating from London University in Sociology, I joined the NHS management training scheme and went on to run clinical and other services in a number of major hospitals mainly in London. I also worked as a tutor for the healthcare thinktank, The King’s Fund. Board- level experience has included voluntary (non-executive) directorships in
housing, social care and the arts.
For the Liberal Democrats, I was President of the South East England region for six years and my wife, Rosie — a former LibDem mayor of Woking and retired nurse — is also a Club member and a constant support. For relaxation I am a keen gardener and dog walker — both offer space to ponder Club matters too! (Jamie joined the Club in 2002 and was Chair of NLC Ltd from 2020–2022.)
Originally from Sussex, I finished my education at the Lycée Français de Londres and became a secretary working initially in PR, then for the BBC and for CBS. Moving to Worcestershire with my family, I became a councillor and eventually the WRVS County Organiser… running ‘Meals on Wheels’ for the whole of Hereford & Worcester.
I helped initiate a victim support scheme which was adopted nationally. After my husband died, I qualified as a probation officer, and became a councillor for Barnes — helping create a 100 acre Wetlands with advice from Sir Peter Scott. In the NLC, I chaired the General Purposes Committee, launching the first Chinese New Year celebration and then Diwali. I now chair the Wednesday Lunch Circle. (Angela joined the Club in 2000)
Served as the Club’s Librarian and its Archivist, and also sat on the Wine Committee for many years. After joining the Liberal party in 1958, I held various party positions and was elected to Leeds City Council in the first Liberal success in the city for 30 years.
Was elected as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Leeds West from 1983 – 1987, and is an Honorary Alderman of the City of Leeds. Over some 25 years, I have led or been a member of more than 50 electoral assistance missions – providing advice and practical assistance to 35 new and emerging democracies on four continents.
In recent years, my traditional jazz band has provided the music for the Club’s summer party. I write and lecture on Leeds political history – and contribute articles and obituaries for the Club magazine. (Michael joined the Club in 1962 and rejoined in 1983)
I joined the Liberal Party in 1974 and the Club in the 1990s. I was first elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2000 and served as Club Chair and then Chair of National Liberal Club Ltd.
Ordained in 1992, my clerical posts included chaplaincies at Mill Hill School and Emanuel School, and I also served as a Priest-in-Ordinary to HM the Queen, taking services at the Chapels Royal. I was recently coaxed out of retirement to become priest-in-charge of Hastings Old Town. (Paul joined the Club in 1992 and was Chair between 2007 – 2010)
