Sue Burston
I am a Northumbrian and a graduate of Durham and Newcastle Universities.

As a Psychiatric Social Worker by profession I worked for Durham County Council and the University of Newcastle, in the Royal Victoria Infirmary as a social worker. Leading from this I have a long history of volunteering, for the WRVS, as a church fundraiser, as a Community Medical Fund Trustee, as an organiser and speaker for Christian Aid and as a Youth Drop In Trustee.

A significant area of my volunteering has been as a Governor of Glendale Middle School Wooler for about 30 years. I was Chair of Governors for many years and I have frequently campaigned for the retention of rural schools in Northumberland.

In retirement I have the delight of being involved with the children of Harbottle School as a volunteer listening to their reading. I have a personal investment in Harbottle School spanning two generations as my children started their school career there and now my two grandchildren are attending.
Marion Farndale
I have been a governor of Harbottle School for a number of years, my two younger daughters having attended the school 25 years ago. I have enjoyed seeing the school flourish under its present excellent leadership which has resulted in outstanding inspection reports. I am delighted that it has now become part of 3RLT and very much look forward to exciting developments in the future.

I have wide educational experience, both in the maintained and independent sectors. I have taught in grammar schools and comprehensives and have twenty four years of experience as head of a successful independent school in Newcastle. Before my retirement from this post I also served as an ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspector (regulated by Ofsted). I was chairman of the NE branch of GSA (Girls’ Schools’ Association) and represented the region on the National Council of GSA. I also represented the UK and European heads on the international board of Round Square.
Lynda Hunter
My entire working life was spent in the NHS. On achieving Nursing State Registration I choose the specialism Cardiology to further my experience moving to the Freeman Hospital on completion of the new Cardio Thoracic Department.

Following ten fulfilling years nursing there, I decided to expand my horizons, taking the opportunity to fill a new post specifically to provide continuous learning/development for the benefit of all staff not in training posts. This allowed me to create and expand comprehensive programmes of learning opportunities open to staff of all disciplines, in response to their Personal Development Plans.

During the time I undertook this role, many situations arose whereby I was enabled to develop my own knowledge and skills, both in Management and Leadership (on leaving I had an established department of 16) and in the various topics scheduled in my Training and Development Plan for all staff.

On leaving work, I retired to my roots in Coquetdale, settling into a totally different lifestyle, gradually becoming more involved in the village community. My involvement within Harbottle School came about quite quickly and I started to volunteer on a weekly basis, soon after which I became a Governor. A huge learning curve ensued, as I had no previous experience of children. However, I settled into helping the teachers where I could and began to enjoy observing and learning about life in a First School.

I have learnt so much and continue to develop my knowledge and skills in a variety of ways. For several years now I have undertaken the role of Safeguarding Governor, which again is creating new opportunities, not only to support the school, but to enhance my own development.
Susan Rogerson - Clerk
I was born in the Coquet Valley and have remained here all my life. I attended Netherton First School, Dr Thomlinsons Middle School & KEVI High School leaving there in 1982.

My first employment was for a company called Sancella UK in Morpeth where I was PA to the Manufacturing Director covering all aspects of duties for him and the Management Team.

In 1997 I joined the staff of Harbottle C of E First School and I am now the Office Manager of a very busy little office! I have skills in all aspects of finance and business leadership in a school setting.

I became a Foundation Governor in 2009 and have been involved in making many successful strategic decisions as part of this governing body. When we converted to an Academy I was involved in the development of collaboration between schools and highly value this opportunity to extend my role as an School Governing Bodylor.

I am also the Clerk of the Rothbury Education Trust and the Upper Coquet Resource Group and I am involved in lots of local community activities.

I look forward to being able to support the School Governing Body and the Three Rivers Learning Trust in achieving its vision.
Paul Carvin - Chair
I've worked in and around schools for many years in such varied roles as geography teacher, school inspector and head of education for a local authority. I have been a trustee for over 8 years and was chair of the board for 6 of them. Both my children went through the Morpeth school system and it won't be long until my grandchildren start.

It is partly for their and everyone else's future that I have taken on the role of climate champion for the Learning Trust. This role challenges me to make sure that climate change remains at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Lots has already been achieved but there's still a long way to go.

Beyond this role with the Learning Trust, I have a passion for the outdoors; be it working on our allotment, walking our dog through the fields and woods around Morpeth or exploring further afield. I also love upcycling things - it's amazing what you can make from a discarded pallet!
Canon John Sinclair
John was born on the banks of the River Tyne close to Newcastle Cathedral. He is married to Gill, they have four children and seven grandchildren with number eight due soon. John met Gill while they were both at School in Newcastle. John has served on four governing bodies in Newcastle and North Tyneside. He served the governing body of Newburn Primary School as Chair and has a good understanding of the challenge and responsibility trustees face. John’s working life in the church has focussed in Newcastle Diocese, working with parishes in every deanery. John lives in one of the most beautiful parts of the country where he works as Rector of Upper Coquetdale which stretches from Rothbury to the Scottish Border. John loves life and is happiest engaging with people from all backgrounds. John is a member of The General Synod of The Church of England as well as serving the wider church as a member of the Clergy Discipline Commission and as a selector on Bishops Advisory Panels. John puts his sense of humour to good use in his evangelistic ministry and as an after-dinner speaker. John enjoys his garden, trainset, walking the hills and short breaks in his motorhome when time allows.