Meet the Committee
WI for the Modern Woman
Jane Miles
Jane’s our President & a founding member. She’s been previously been Vice Chair of Comms & Marketing Committee & Digital Storyteller for the Essex Federation of the WI. Jane has 2 ASD children & is active in the local community, including organising a Tudor Festival, and being the Chair of Trustees for REACH, an equine therapy charity. A fantastic artist, Jane has regularly shown her work during the Brentwood Art Trail, and is an L&D graphics consultant, as well as helping create our online content. Her interests include films, geeky science, Asperger’s & being creative.
President
Viv Shooter
Having recently retired as Headteacher of a primary school she now has more time for social activities and enjoys being on the Belles committee. Retirement has also given her more time for her favourite activities, tennis and golf, as well as leading the Belles walking group. She is married with no children and if you don’t see her at one of our meetings she is probably on one of her many well-earned holidays.
Treasury Team
SecretaryJan Donovan
Jan joined the Belles after moving to Brentwood. She is a town planner by day, and an amateur potter, clumsy crafter and knotty knitter by night. A proud mum of three boys, Jan enjoys the female friendship of the Belles.
Membership SecretaryGemma Carroll
Gemma moved to Brentwood without knowing anyone in the area and joined the WI to make some new friends. She is mum to two future Belles and works part time as a freelance subeditor/copywriter. She helps keep everyone informed as to when and where our many subgroups take place.
Minutes SecretaryLiz Southgate
Proud to be an ‘Essex Girl’, and a huge Musical Theatre fan, Liz is President of Brentwood Operatic Society, having hung up her dancing shoes many years ago. Liz loves cats and all things crafty and volunteers behind the scenes at Brentwood Theatre.
Events PhotographerKirsty Halsey
Kirsty has been a Belle for several years and decided to join the committee to share her photography skills. Kirsty runs her own successful company, Little Black Cat Jewellery, and felt that her experience could also be of use to the Belles and their social media presence.
Social Media SecretaryNicola Hatch-Lighterness
Nicola has been a Belle for several years and is a proud member of the committee. A Social Media guru, Nicola has run classes for the NFWI learning platforms as well as volunteering her skills within the local community.
Treasury TeamVirginia Panzetta
Virginia is a local nanny and proud mum of three fantastic sausage dogs: India, Elphaba, and Ophelia. She loves reading and taking woodland walks with her husband and dogs.
Treasury Team
Christina Cox
Christina moved to Brentwood 10 years ago to be closer to her children. She joined the Belle’s to make new friends, and spends most weekends with her family, and particularly enjoys watching her grandkids play football. She is part of several subgroups which has been great for learning to do new crafts, going to brunch with the ladies. She loves reading and going for long walks.
WebmistressRosa Gevaux
Rosa is a writer, editor, and educator, and joined the WI to participate in the community dedicated to making Brentwood vibrant and Inspiring Women. She runs Creative Writing Workshops at the Chicken and Frog Bookshop in Brentwood, is a member of the South Weald Parish Hall Committee, and is very active in the Belles. Currently she organizes the Neurodivergent Support Subgroup, and manages the Brentwood Belles website.
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