Google Search
Governors' Profiles
Foundation Governors
Reverend Kevin Ashby - Ex Officio I've been a vicar (retired now! Yay!) since college days, with parishes in various parts of the country... most recently, Melton Mowbray. My interests include reading, being "attacked" by my seven grand-child and watching "Speedway" (four bikes round a track!)... wonder if that's why my nick-name has always been "Kev the Rev"!? |  |
 | Gordon Cannon - Chair I became a Parent Governor in September 2010 when my eldest child started year 1 at Marston. After many years, I became a foundation governor, progressing to Vice Chairman and then Chairman of Marston school where I led the initiative to federate with St Sebastian’s working with the Local Authority education department and the Diocese. Once the two schools were in the federation, I stepped back to Vice-Chairman to support the schools in finance, strategy and HR. My three children all attended Marston school, although it has been five years since my youngest left for secondary school. I have remained as a Governor as I still want to contribute the success of both Marston and St. Sebastian's schools in their federation to ensure that they continue to thrive. Since becoming a parent governor all those years ago I have been involved in five Ofsted inspections, four at Marston and one at St Sebastian's as well as three SIAMS inspections by the Diocese. When I’m not being a Governor, I work full time for Openreach Ltd as the product principle for broadband in the UK. Outside of work I enjoy walking my miniature schnauzer dog, Harry. |
| Lucy Jones - Vice Chair I became a Parent Governor in January 2020 when the two schools became federated and then a Foundation Governor in 2022 when a vacancy became available. My son left Marston in July 2024 for secondary school but I have remained a Governor as I still want to contribute to the future development and success of the Federation. Since becoming a Governor, I have been involved in 2 Ofsted inspections at both schools, a SIAMs inspection and various aspects of monitoring within the schools. When I’m not being a Governor, I teach piano lessons in four local primary and secondary schools as well as teaching adults and children at home. I am also a trustee of Hougham and Marston Village Hall where I am the Treasurer responsible for the day to day spending at the village hall. |  |
 | Sandra Jackson My name is Sandra and I live in Hougham. I have a horse called Maggie who lives with five Pygmy goats. My hobbies are horse riding, playing the piano and listening to music. I trained as a Registered Nurse and worked in the NHS for many years until I retired in 2017. I have worked as a Healthcare Manager in Prisons and served as a Nurse Expert Witness to the courts. I became a Foundation Governor in 2024 to serve the children of Marston and Great Gonerby and my responsibilities are to uphold the Vision and Values of the schools and have recently been appointed as the SEND Link Governor. It is a privilege to work with the teachers and staff and my fellow Governors to help the children reach their true potential. |
| Lotti Thomas I was born and raised in Switzerland. I became a primary school teacher and practiced for a few years in Switzerland until I met my special English man, many years ago. We have four children and now also seven grandchildren, between the ages of 2 to 17. I am happiest, when we are all together! Before we moved to Great Gonerby, almost two years ago, we lived mostly on the outskirts of London. I very much enjoy the countryside and love being outdoors, whenever possible. I am looking forward to getting to know you all. |  |
Parent Governors | |
 | Emma Jameson My name is Emma Jameson and I am currently a Parent Governor as well as the Safeguarding Governor for the federation. I have been a Governor since 2022 and have 2 children both currently in the school. Previously I was the Safeguarding Governor for a different school. I try and help the PTFA where I can and look after the pre-loved uniform for the school as well. Back in the day, I worked in primary schools and different childcare environments as a Nursery Nurse, but for the past 23 years I’ve worked for Specsavers as a Dispensing Optician and In-Store trainer, which I love. Apart from also being a taxi driver, chef, nurse and professional juggler, my favourite pastime is just chilling with the family and making memories. |
| Joris Vreeswijk Hello, my name is Joris Vreeswijk and I’m delighted to be part of the governing board as a parent governor. I am originally from the Netherlands and moved to the Marston area two years ago with my wife, Megan, and our nine-year-old son. Before settling here, we lived in the French Alps and in Nottingham. I work in an architect’s office specialising in Conservation Architecture, which is a real passion of mine. I hope to bring my skills in design, planning, and thoughtful decision-making to support the school and its community. Outside of work, I enjoy running, walking in the countryside, and spending time with friends and family. We have recently started an extension at home, which is keeping us very busy, but we are enjoying the challenge. I am passionate about education and ensuring that every child feels happy, included, and encouraged to reach their potential. I enjoy working with the team and look forward to getting to know more families in the community. |  |
Local Authority Governor | |
 | Kate Hamblett My name is Kate and I am the Local Authority Governor. I'm originally from Nottingham, but I have lived in Lincoln and Bournemouth, and now I live in Grantham with my husband and six-year-old son. I have worked at The King's School for 10 years as a science teacher with a specialism in Biology and as well as teaching, I am also part of the head of year pastoral team. In my spare time I like to go hiking; last year I completed a 100km walk around the Isle of Wight for charity; it was 32 hours of continuous walking with no sleep! Now I complete more modest distances around the local area, particularly in the Vale of Belvoir. I also enjoy baking (cookies are my speciality) and reading. |
Staff Governors | |
| Kelly Matthews Hello! I'm proud to be both the Staff Governor and the EYFS teacher at St Sebastian’s school - a role I truly love. I’m passionate about supporting our children’s early learning and helping shape the school community. At home, I have two wonderful children and a cheeky cockapoo called Rosie who keeps us all on our toes! In my spare time, I enjoy curling up with a good book, going for long walks with Rosie, and spending time by the seaside – my favourite place to relax and recharge. |  |
 | Elaine Bedford - Ex Officio I have had the pleasure of being Executive Headteacher of Marston Thorold’s and St Sebastian's Primary Schools since September 2023. I have been a teacher since 2004 following my graduation from Warwick University. I have taught in three different local authorities have been a class teacher in five different primary schools. I first became a headteacher in 2016 of a small rural primary school in Lincolnshire before moving to the Federation of St Sebastian's and Marston Thorold's. I have two (mostly) grown up daughters, one of whom is also a primary teacher. I live in a village in Lincolnshire with my husband and daughters and spend my time outside school in the gym, walking, wildlife watching, gardening, cooking, reading and listening to a very wide range of music! I am passionate about the education of young children and believe in developing the 'whole' child. I have a passion too, for developing staff to their full potential and believe that happy staff make happy children and a happy school. I love working with parents and believe that education is a partnership between school and home. I truly believe I have the best job in the world! |