our trustees

Jane Gibson
Chair
Trained Archaeologist and manager in the regional heritage sector. A keen personal interest in arts and cultural engagement and their positive effects on health and wellbeing.

Julie Straw
Hearth Cafe Coordinator / Lead on New Community Hub which we will be built with the help of Lottery Funding and other donations.
Degree in Environmental Science and worked as a Landscape Architect with an interest in Community and Environmental projects.

Chris Siddle
Treasurer
A chartered accountant and tax adviser with many years’ experience in practical finance, accounting and tax training.

Natalie Henderson
A retired teacher and lecturer and has lived in Northumberland for 30 years. She teaches Craft workshops at The Hearth and helps to organise our Spring and Winter Art Fairs.

Jen Millard
Marketing & Communications
A trustee since Autumn 2020 and uses her years of experience in public sector marketing and communications to support The Hearth.

Avril Robinson
Chief Executive of Stepney Bank Stables Youth Charity in Ouseburn, Newcastle. Key areas of experience in charity governance, strategic planning, income generation, marketing and communications.

Dale Robertson
Volunteer support.
Retired academic/ lecturer of Fine Art. Specialist in site-specific art.

Deborah Robertson
Creative practitioner with a background in Fine Art, Digital Media and the training of Designer / Makers in the use and integration of CAD/CAM within their studio practice.
Experienced in the education, arts, cultural and heritage sector.

Steven Duckworth
Steven is a former clinician who now works as a NHS commissioner. He’s the Chair and trustee of a number of charities, as well as serving as a school governor and a parish councillor. His main interests are in developing community focused politics and policy.

George Stoker
Experienced in education, theatre, music, arts and crafts. Graduated with an MA in Participatory Arts and Media in 2019 and a Royal Society of Arts Fellow since 2017. A Trustee at the Hearth, Newbiggin Arts Centre and WildAid. With over 50 community arts projects under his belt George is a valuable asset to the Hearth’s community.
our staff
our volunteers

Avril Robinson

Dale Robertson
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Deborah Robertson
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Steven Duckworth
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George Stoker
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Ali Wilkes
Administrator
Employed part-time 15 hours a week.