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  • Governor Profiles

Governor Profiles


Governor Profile - Rachael Ashby

Rachael Ashby

Governor Role: 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.


Governor Profile - James Brown

James Brown

Governor Role: 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.


Governor Profile - Michaela Burge

Michaela Burge

Governor Role:

Co-opted governor (appointed April 2019).

Work:

Real Estate Solicitor.

Home: New mama to our first human baby, Sennen. 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.



Governor Profile - Jacqui Cameron

Jacqui Cameron

Governor Role: I’m a newly elected Parent Governor and feel privileged to be part of Brookfield’s governing body.
Work: After 20 years working in an Operational Supply Chain I left in December 2019 for new adventures, home schooling was not what I was expecting. I’m currently working for myself doing ad hoc consultancy for local businesses.
Family Life: I live in Warsash with my husband, 3 children, beautiful black lab and Peki our budgie.
Interests: Travel, outdoors, and rugby. Recently we have driven across Australia and down through France and Andorra to southern Spain. During 2020 I rediscovered sea swimming and learnt to crochet. I am a life long sufferer/supporter of the Scotland rugby team.
Favourite Quote: : “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, There is something you must always remember, You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think, But the most important this is, even if we are apart, I’ll always be with you” Winnie the Pooh.


Governor Profile - Tim Felton

Tim Felton

Governor Role: I have recently been appointed as a co-opted governor at Brookfield School, and am looking forward to learning and understanding more about school governing bodies and also to contributing to the ongoing development of Brookfield and its pupils.
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 have worked for my current employer Grafton UK for 23 years. They sell and distribute building materials across the UK, Ireland and Holland and Belgium. I am recently semi-retired and in my full-time role up to last year managed their Southern Region responsible for the operational and financial control of the twelve depots in the south. People and team management are my key skills.
Interests: I am a very keen golfer, cyclist and runner (age is overtaking running). I will watch most sports, in particular football, and have followed Southampton FC for the past 48 years. We travel a lot and have a huge list of things to do and see in our retirement.


Governor Profile - Kevin Gristock

Kevin Gristock

Governor Role: 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 a five-year-old 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

Governor Role: 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 aged 2 and 5.
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.



Governor Profile - Israr J-Parker

Israr J-Parker

Governor Role:

I had the privilege of serving a full term as a parent Governor on the Resource Committee and recently became a Co-opted Governor.  I am excited to re-join the group and see Brookfield flourish even further.

Home Life:

I tell my students you meet the most wonderful people at University – I married one 24 years ago!  We have two happy sons at Brookfield in year 9 and 11.

Work:

Currently I am in the Higher Education sector.  My specialism is in Marketing with Business.  I also have experience in teaching Branding workshops in China, as an External Examiner for several Universities and running a small business.

Hobbies:

My husband and I have travelled the world and that has given us the curiosity to try any experience that is new to us - at least once.  Keeping fit is also high on the priority list for hobbies.



Governor Profile - David Marsh

David Marsh CBE

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.
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.
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.



Governor Profile - Ann New

Ann New

Governor Role: 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”


Governor Profile - Davina Obstancias

Davina Obstancias

Governor Role:

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.

Family Life:

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.

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.

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.

Hobbies/Passions:

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!



Governor Profile - Mark Redfern

Mark Redfern

Governor Role: 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 


Governor Profile - Alison Rennie

Ali J Rennie

Governor Role: 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 Life: 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 the going to the beach and forest walks all over Hampshire with our beautiful dog Charley, and enjoy Kundalini Yoga and Zumba.


Chris Russell

Governor Role: 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 Locks heath with my wife Alison and two children, one currently in Yr9 at Brookfield and the other in Yr6 at St John’s
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.


Governor Profile - Andrew Stockton

Andrew Stockton

I have spent 28 very happy and enjoyable years in education at several different schools in a variety of contexts and in a number of leadership positions, the past 15 of which have been as Headteacher at Sarisbury CE Junior School.
I have been a co-opted governor at Brookfield school for the past eight years and have thoroughly enjoyed being able to contribute to the wider strategic direction of the school. It has been very rewarding to be part of the governing body and gain a valuable Edulink into the fantastic range of opportunities on offer at Brookfield School, and the high aspirations the school has for its students.



Governor Profile - Adam Tait

Adam Tait

Governor Role: This is my first time as a Parent Governor. I am happy to have the opportunity to support the school and make a worthwhile contribution towards shaping it for the future. Although my experience in education is limited I believe I could bring a. different viewpoint and make a good contribution to the future direction of Brookfield.
Family Life: My wife Adel and I live in Warsash. We have two children. The eldest is our son who attends Brookfield. Our youngest is our daughter and we expect her to attend Brookfield in the future.
Work: I am a Chartered Engineer with a degree in Engineering. I started my career designing and manufacturing helicopters at Westlands in Yeovil. The last 19 years I have been working in the home appliance industry for the Italian DeLonghi Group (they own DeLonghi, Kenwood, Braun and Nutribullet brands). My family and I have recently returned from just over 3 years living and working in Hong Kong and mainland China where I was DeLonghi Group Technical Director for the Asia region; and, now I am taking a break whilst I evaluate my options for the future.
Skills: Other than working for a short time in Coventry University early in my career I have no experience in education, but I have worked closely on projects and assignments with a number of Universities and academic bodies during my time in industry. My primary skills are in the management, training, development and empowerment of people, strategic planning, product development, operations management, and quality.


Governor Profile - Melanie Tanner

Melanie Tanner

Governor Role: This is my first experience of being a Parent Governor. I am passionate that as parents we should take active opportunities to form partnerships with the school to ensure our children's education is of the highest quality possible. This should include the correct infrastructure and mechanisms to enable the teaching team and Head to support our children to reach their own individual potential.
Work: I have been a Registered Nurse for over twenty years with a passion for looking after people with complex health conditions in their own homes as a Community Matron. Currently I am working as a Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Portsmouth. Within this role I am the year two lead for the Nursing undergraduate programme helping to train nurses for the future! This is a particularly rewarding post where I have qualified as a Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Institute Academy.
Family Life: I have been married to my husband, Duncan for 20 years following a fantastic wedding on elephant back in Sri Lanka! I am a busy mother of three children. I have two children currently studying at Brookfield - My youngest daughter Jasmine, (year 8) and my middle son Owen (year 11). My oldest son Ryan also studied at Brookfield where he discovered a passion for music and is currently applying to leading music conservatoires to pursue a career in jazz guitar.
Skills: As a nurse my skills are linked to my interpersonal communication and active listening skills. As a busy mum of three I have also learnt the art of prioritisation and delegation with a heavy pinch of humour!
Hobbies/Passions: In my spare time I love travelling and looking after my various animals including guinea pigs, cats, hamster and our latest addition Nelson the Dalmatian! I love reading and joining in with pilates, aqua and yoga classes. I am passionate about undertaking voluntary work for our local community and have only just stood down from my position of Beaver Scout Leader for 1st Warsash Sea Scouts after ten years to ensure I have the time available to undertake this new exciting role.


Governor Profile - Martin Wright

Martin Wright

Governor Role: 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.
This Section
  • Governor Welcome
  • Details
  • Interests
  • Meetings
    • Governor Meeting Dates
    • Governor Meeting Minutes
  • Attendance
  • Profiles
  • Vacancies



Governor Profile - Rachael Ashby

Rachael Ashby

Governor Role: 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.


Governor Profile - James Brown

James Brown

Governor Role: 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.


Governor Profile - Michaela Burge

Michaela Burge

Governor Role:

Co-opted governor (appointed April 2019).

Work:

Real Estate Solicitor.

Home: New mama to our first human baby, Sennen. 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.



Governor Profile - Jacqui Cameron

Jacqui Cameron

Governor Role: I’m a newly elected Parent Governor and feel privileged to be part of Brookfield’s governing body.
Work: After 20 years working in an Operational Supply Chain I left in December 2019 for new adventures, home schooling was not what I was expecting. I’m currently working for myself doing ad hoc consultancy for local businesses.
Family Life: I live in Warsash with my husband, 3 children, beautiful black lab and Peki our budgie.
Interests: Travel, outdoors, and rugby. Recently we have driven across Australia and down through France and Andorra to southern Spain. During 2020 I rediscovered sea swimming and learnt to crochet. I am a life long sufferer/supporter of the Scotland rugby team.
Favourite Quote: : “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, There is something you must always remember, You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think, But the most important this is, even if we are apart, I’ll always be with you” Winnie the Pooh.




Governor Profile - Tim Felton

Tim Felton

Governor Role: I have recently been appointed as a co-opted governor at Brookfield School, and am looking forward to learning and understanding more about school governing bodies and also to contributing to the ongoing development of Brookfield and its pupils.
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 have worked for my current employer Grafton UK for 23 years. They sell and distribute building materials across the UK, Ireland and Holland and Belgium. I am recently semi-retired and in my full-time role up to last year managed their Southern Region responsible for the operational and financial control of the twelve depots in the south. People and team management are my key skills.
Interests: I am a very keen golfer, cyclist and runner (age is overtaking running). I will watch most sports, in particular football, and have followed Southampton FC for the past 48 years. We travel a lot and have a huge list of things to do and see in our retirement.


Governor Profile - Kevin Gristock

Kevin Gristock

Governor Role: 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 a five-year-old 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

Governor Role: 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 aged 2 and 5.
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.



Governor Profile - Israr J-Parker

Israr J-Parker

Governor Role:

I had the privilege of serving a full term as a parent Governor on the Resource Committee and recently became a Co-opted Governor.  I am excited to re-join the group and see Brookfield flourish even further.

Home Life:

I tell my students you meet the most wonderful people at University – I married one 24 years ago!  We have two happy sons at Brookfield in year 9 and 11.

Work:

Currently I am in the Higher Education sector.  My specialism is in Marketing with Business.  I also have experience in teaching Branding workshops in China, as an External Examiner for several Universities and running a small business.

Hobbies:

My husband and I have travelled the world and that has given us the curiosity to try any experience that is new to us - at least once.  Keeping fit is also high on the priority list for hobbies.



Governor Profile - David Marsh

David Marsh CBE

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.
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.
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.



Governor Profile - Ann New

Ann New

Governor Role: 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”


Governor Profile - Davina Obstancias

Davina Obstancias

Governor Role:

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.

Family Life:

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.

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.

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.

Hobbies/Passions:

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!



Governor Profile - Mark Redfern

Mark Redfern

Governor Role: 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 


Governor Profile - Alison Rennie

Ali J Rennie

Governor Role: 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 Life: 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 the going to the beach and forest walks all over Hampshire with our beautiful dog Charley, and enjoy Kundalini Yoga and Zumba.


Chris Russell

Governor Role: 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 Locks heath with my wife Alison and two children, one currently in Yr9 at Brookfield and the other in Yr6 at St John’s
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.


Governor Profile - Andrew Stockton

Andrew Stockton

I have spent 28 very happy and enjoyable years in education at several different schools in a variety of contexts and in a number of leadership positions, the past 15 of which have been as Headteacher at Sarisbury CE Junior School.
I have been a co-opted governor at Brookfield school for the past eight years and have thoroughly enjoyed being able to contribute to the wider strategic direction of the school. It has been very rewarding to be part of the governing body and gain a valuable Edulink into the fantastic range of opportunities on offer at Brookfield School, and the high aspirations the school has for its students.



Governor Profile - Adam Tait

Adam Tait

Governor Role: This is my first time as a Parent Governor. I am happy to have the opportunity to support the school and make a worthwhile contribution towards shaping it for the future. Although my experience in education is limited I believe I could bring a. different viewpoint and make a good contribution to the future direction of Brookfield.
Family Life: My wife Adel and I live in Warsash. We have two children. The eldest is our son who attends Brookfield. Our youngest is our daughter and we expect her to attend Brookfield in the future.
Work: I am a Chartered Engineer with a degree in Engineering. I started my career designing and manufacturing helicopters at Westlands in Yeovil. The last 19 years I have been working in the home appliance industry for the Italian DeLonghi Group (they own DeLonghi, Kenwood, Braun and Nutribullet brands). My family and I have recently returned from just over 3 years living and working in Hong Kong and mainland China where I was DeLonghi Group Technical Director for the Asia region; and, now I am taking a break whilst I evaluate my options for the future.
Skills: Other than working for a short time in Coventry University early in my career I have no experience in education, but I have worked closely on projects and assignments with a number of Universities and academic bodies during my time in industry. My primary skills are in the management, training, development and empowerment of people, strategic planning, product development, operations management, and quality.


Governor Profile - Melanie Tanner

Melanie Tanner

Governor Role: This is my first experience of being a Parent Governor. I am passionate that as parents we should take active opportunities to form partnerships with the school to ensure our children's education is of the highest quality possible. This should include the correct infrastructure and mechanisms to enable the teaching team and Head to support our children to reach their own individual potential.
Work: I have been a Registered Nurse for over twenty years with a passion for looking after people with complex health conditions in their own homes as a Community Matron. Currently I am working as a Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Portsmouth. Within this role I am the year two lead for the Nursing undergraduate programme helping to train nurses for the future! This is a particularly rewarding post where I have qualified as a Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Institute Academy.
Family Life: I have been married to my husband, Duncan for 20 years following a fantastic wedding on elephant back in Sri Lanka! I am a busy mother of three children. I have two children currently studying at Brookfield - My youngest daughter Jasmine, (year 8) and my middle son Owen (year 11). My oldest son Ryan also studied at Brookfield where he discovered a passion for music and is currently applying to leading music conservatoires to pursue a career in jazz guitar.
Skills: As a nurse my skills are linked to my interpersonal communication and active listening skills. As a busy mum of three I have also learnt the art of prioritisation and delegation with a heavy pinch of humour!
Hobbies/Passions: In my spare time I love travelling and looking after my various animals including guinea pigs, cats, hamster and our latest addition Nelson the Dalmatian! I love reading and joining in with pilates, aqua and yoga classes. I am passionate about undertaking voluntary work for our local community and have only just stood down from my position of Beaver Scout Leader for 1st Warsash Sea Scouts after ten years to ensure I have the time available to undertake this new exciting role.


Governor Profile - Martin Wright

Martin Wright

Governor Role: 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.