School Governors
CHETWYNDE GOVERNING BODY
DR ROGER BAXTER, CHAIRMAN, BSc PhD
I was appointed to the governing body of Chetwynde School in 2003, becoming Chairman in 2005. This followed on from a professional career in education beginning as a university lecturer in Applied Mathematics, Maths Master at Winchester College and ending with almost 14 years service as the headmaster of Sedbergh School.
Since my retirement I continue my ‘school involvement’ by assisting oversees parents with boarding school placement; otherwise, I am locally involved as Warden of Cartmel Priory and serve as Chairman of two Trusts. I am married to Dorothy and I have two children.
Governor responsibility: Chairman of Governors, Finance & Education
PAUL CHAMBERLAIN BSc Hons
Having spent all of my professional life in independent schools, I was delighted to be invited to join the governing body in February 2007. At various times, I was a teacher, housemaster and headmaster at St Bees and Cheltenham College, as well as A level Chief Examiner and an inspector with the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
I have taken three expeditions to the Himalayas and Karakoram. My wife, Kate, grew up in Ulverston and we returned to the area when I retired in 2004.
I have two children.
Governor responsibility: Chairman of Education Committee
ROGER CHAPMAN CBE
I was appointed to the governing body in October 2004.
With my family, wife June and two sons Marcus and Sam, we have lived in Broughton in Furness for over 35 years. Both boys were educated at Chetwynde and June was an active “friend”. We are all passionate about the continued success of the school.
I am retired from the Royal Naval Submarine Service where I served as an officer. I formed two companies specialising in subsea engineering. I am semi-retired from the underwater submarine rescue business and we have a charity called the “Rumic Foundation” which aims to help young disadvantaged children in Cumbria.
Governor responsibility: Marketing
KEVIN COCHRANE BSc
I was appointed to the governing body in June 2003. I am married with two children, Stephanie and Claire. As a native resident of Barrow I have a long association and understanding of Chetwynde School through both my daughters being educated at the school from Kindergarten to Sixth Form.
During my career in the oil and gas industry I travelled extensively around the globe with Shell before joining the British Gas Exploration and Production division as a Commissioning Engineer at the newly constructed South Morecambe gas terminal. I remain employed by Centrica as Asset Manager with responsibility for the East Irish Sea Morecambe gas fields and Barrow onshore terminals. As an engineer and manager I have gained considerable experience managing major hazardous installations. In addition to my duties as a school governor, I also hold the following directorships: Director Hydrocarbon Resources Ltd, Director Furness Enterprise Executive Board, Director Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation.
Governor responsibility: Finance Committee
PETER COLE
I was born in Barrow and, other than for a few years when I was in London, have lived in the area for most of my life.
By profession I am an Accountant and prior to my retirement held senior financial and commercial positions in major manufacturing groups, Glaxo and GEC Marine (VSEL), including board level for over 30 years.
I was appointed to the governing body of Chetwynde School in 2004.
In addition, I am involved with voluntary support to several charitable and other activities in the area mainly in the role of treasurer or auditor.
Governor responsibility: Chair of Finance Committee
MALCOLM G W CRAIG Dipl Arch (Oxford) RIBA
I was appointed to the governing body of Chetwynde School in November 2007. I was educated at Sedbergh School and then qualified as an Architect after 7 years training at the Oxford School of Architecture. Being unable to resist the pull of the Lake District, I returned to take on the challenge of practise in Barrow. Now in our 30th year, the current partnership of Craig and Green Architects LLP continues an unbroken succession of practices responsible for many of the Borough’s buildings. Our work currently stretches throughout the North-West and beyond. My own speciality is with listed and historic buildings. I have gained professional recognition as an Architect Accredited in Building Conservation and I am a member of the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association.
I enjoy fell walking, motorsport, photography and family life. I am married to Jennifer and we have two children both educated at Chetwynde. Katherine has now graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree and Richard is about to join the Sixth Form.
CAPTAIN JOHN GREEN BA
I was appointed to the governing body of Chetwynde School in June 1998.
I am married with two children.
After completing my education at Eltham College, I spent 11 years in the merchant navy, qualifying as a foreign going master mariner. I then worked for 34 years in various operating and management posts in the port transport industry, before retiring in 2000 after 12 years as Port Management Harbour Master for the ports of Barrow and Silloth. I obtained my BA degree from the Open University in 1982 when I was Industrial Relations Manager at the port of Southampton. I am currently a Director of Furness Enterprise.
Governor responsibility: Finance and Health & Safety
HELEN HARTLEY
I was appointed as a parent governor in June 2003. I am a former Chetwynde pupil and qualified teacher. I taught PE and Art at Casterton School.
I am married with 3 boys who all attended Chetwynde from Kindergarten to Sixth Form. I live in Ulverston and work in Barrow as a Director of Murrays Pharmacy group.
Governor responsibility: Marketing
MICHELLE HINDMARCH-BISSETT BEd Hons CPE
Having completed my degree I began my career at Chetwynde, the same school I had attended as a girl. I taught various subjects during my 10 years and also had time to complete a law degree before moving south. I now live in Gloucestershire with my husband, Alastair, and my three children, Savannah, Iona and Fraser.
In 2004, I was invited to become a Governor of the school and was delighted to have the opportunity to continue my association with Chetwynde and to contribute once more to the future wellbeing of the school and its pupils.
Governor responsibility: Governor selection
GERALD MURRAY DOBs, DCH, FRCGP
I was appointed to the governing body in September 2003. I am the senior partner of a training GP practice in Ulverston and have been a GP in the area since 1985. I am a GP postgraduate tutor for South Cumbria and an examiner for membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Three of my four children have attended Chetwynde to Sixth Form with the fourth to follow soon.
Governor responsibility: Finance, Human Resources and Child Protection
FELIX STEPHENS (FATHER FELIX) OSB MA (Oxon)
I am a monk of Ampleforth Abbey. During my 25 years at Ampleforth I held various posts one of which was the Housemaster of St Bede’s. I have been a governor of Chetwynde since 2000. After 11 years as parish priest in Warrington I took up a new appointment as Master of St Benet’s Hall at Oxford University. I am an A level examiner.
Together with Sir Leonard Redshaw, I officially re-opened Our Lady’s Convent House as the Chetwynde School building in 1986.
CHRISTINE TAIT MCIPD
I was born and raised in Barrow before leaving to join the WRNS. I left the Service following my marriage and pursued a career in Personnel Management. I returned to Barrow in the late 1980s and I have worked primarily in the manufacturing industry, including some years as Site Human Resources Director with Glaxo Smith Kline in Ulverston. I have also been involved with a number of local charities, including a period as Chair of the Barrow and District Disability Association. I am now HR Manager at Robert McBride Ltd in Barrow.
My involvement with Chetwynde began when my daughter joined Kindergarten in 1992 and I became a governor in 1999.
Governor responsibility: Education and Human Resources
