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Northumberland Coast and Lowlands Local Action Group Members Profiles Independent Members Born and bred in north Northumberland, Ross lives in Morpeth with his small but growing family. He has a long-standing interest in the natural environment and rural issues having spent his early years living on a smallholding. After gaining a degree and masters in Zoology and Environmental Law, Ross spent a year as a Business Consultant for PwC Consulting before joining the Environment Agency in 2004. He is experienced in environmental regulation and external funding, including EU funding, and works to develop a partnership approach to projects. More recently he is working as a Climate Change Advisor on renewables, hydropower in particular. This includes improving regulation and developing renewables schemes too. Ross joined the LAG to ensure that environmental sustainability is considered at the outset in project development and is always keen to see the inclusion of renewables and efficiency measures in projects. Climate change is one of the greatest threats we face but it can also be a huge opportunity and Northumberland Coast & Lowlands area can be well placed to take advantage of this.
Originally from a Nursing background, I have been involved in voluntary work for a number of years now, both locally and county wide, running a playscheme, tenants association, credit union; and being a Parish Councillor, a tenant representative at Castle Morpeth Borough Council, a member of the editorial panel for a free local newsletter, a Board member of Castle Morpeth Housing, Enrgi, craft clubs, and several other groups; and was instrumental in finding funding for many of them. Born and lived in Northumberland all my life, the last 30 years in Cramlington. With a background in Financial Services and a career lasting 31 years with Barclays plc, ending in December 2000. Last position was Project Team Manager which had followed on from a spell in the Small Business sector. Subsequently secured a position as Centre Manager of the Business Link for Northumberland office in Alnwick, prior to moving to manage the Blyth office in April 2007, main responsibilities to encourage and assist business start-ups. Other involvements include Alnwick Community Development Trust (Executive Trustee and Company Secretary), Blyth Valley Business Forum (Vice Chair) and The Princes Youth Business Trust (Mentor) Self-employed business consultant since September 2008, predominantly working with start-ups and some existing businesses. Personal interests include football refereeing, gardening, grandchildren, walking and holidays!
Ross lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed. He manages a not for profit renewable energy business (Community Renewable Energy). His background is in forestry, the environment and community planning. He is a Chartered Forester (MICFor), a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA).
Employed in the coal industry since 1974 and currently Project Manager for UK Coal operating out of the Stobswood site. Chartered Engineer with extensive managerial experience in contract management. A Board Member with the Institute of Quarrying, ENRgI and NRgI. Voluntary works with Parish Councils, Community Forums, New Leader, Druridge Bay Partnership and North East Climate Change Project. Believes that change is inevitable and that change can bring opportunities. Working with the Widdrington Regeneration Partnership and UK Coal to promote the Blue Sky Forest initiative – a project that could change the face of the area and provide many job opportunities. Volunteered to join the New Leader team to encourage both Communities and individuals to grasp the initiative to improve the prospects for the area.
Councillor Milburn Douglas (Northumberland County Council Representative) Milburn is an elected member of the new Northumberland County Council and he serves on four Community Trusts within Lynemouth Ellington Ward. Milburn was also Mayor of the former Castle Morpeth Borough Council in 2005/6 and 2007/8. He has served the Lynemouth Ward for 20 years, firstly as a Castle Morpeth Borough Councillor and now as a County Councillor. Milburn feels that the challenges for LEADER include developing communities so that there is a social centre for all age groups, better employment opportunities for young people and a much better public transport system throughout Northumberland with access to the Metro Stations within our neighbouring authorities., along with more affordable housing. Milburn became involved with the Northumberland Coast & Lowlands LEADER Programme as a Local Action Group Member to ensure a commitment to equal opportunities and a balance in favour of local communities, voluntary and private sectors and to achieve fairness and equality for all applicants.
________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Julia has worked within the community sector for 21 years, having previously been a youth worker with a stint at the National Youth Agency. Her roles have included regional posts with YWCA and Age Concern, and funding and project developer with various local community based projects. She established Fourth Action in 1998 as a partnership focussing on gender equality. In 2001 Julia was seconded to become the Advisor to the NE Equality and Diversity Forum, and was instrumental in the early development of the North East VCS Equalities Coalition. She has used her experience of developing user-led networks and community empowerment to help develop the Northumberland Community Development Network and the North Northumberland Women’s Network, and to carry out a number of appraisals in rural areas. Julia is on the steering group of the NEWomen’s Network, and also sits on the NE Rural Affairs Forum.
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