Candidate Statements: Annual General Meeting 2022
Candidate for Chair: David Fisher
Nominated by Mary McKean
Background and relevant experience
I am retired after 40 years as an editor, publisher, researcher, designer and journalist in the field of international media business and technology. I have lived in Brighton for 44 years and over that time have become more involved in its history and built environment. I maintain a website about local history (brightonhistory.org.uk) and an older one about film and cinema (brightonfilm.com). I was recently a participant in the Brighton and Hove Citizens' Climate Assembly, which considered travel and transport issues. I was one of the instigators of the campaign to save the Brighton Hippodrome and am now a director of Brighton Hippodrome CIC, coordinating the preparation of the business case for its restoration as a much-needed large-scale theatre.
How the society would benefit from my appointment
I have been a trustee of the society since 2014 and am currently a vice-chair. For six months in 2020/21 I was an acting co-chair. I have been involved in contributing to the lecture programme as both an organiser and speaker. I have been active in other capacities for events and projects, including the James Gray Collection and the society's publications.
The society is emerging from a difficult and disruptive period because of Covid. As chair I would seek to work with my fellow trustees to steer the society back towards its potential for the benefit of all our members through lectures and other events, communications and, when appropriate, campaigns. Member participation will be invited and opportunities to innovate will not be overlooked.
Candidate for Honorary Secretary: Roger Hinton
nominated by David Fisher
Background and relevant experience
Two degrees in philosophy got me a temporary lectureship in Londonderry. Back in the relative calm of England, I joined a small company promoting the use of computers in traffic management. I organised conferences and was company secretary.
Then an admin job at Brighton Polytechnic, where I also studied to become a chartered secretary. After a year “off” to gain a teaching qualification, I became a lecturer at Hammersmith College.
My final and longest job was with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance, at their training centre in London, training future public sector accountants and managing the computer system.
In retirement I have found myself in various voluntary jobs with the word “secretary” in the title, including the Regency Society.
How the society would benefit from my appointment
I have served as a trustee of the Regency Society for quite a few years, including stints as Secretary and as Chair. I was once advised by a colleague that I am not ambitious. I am an administrator by nature and profession. I listen to the to and fro of discussion and turn it into a “minute” which, hopefully, records what was intended. Once the decisions are made I try keep members informed of what is happening and the trustees informed of what is not happening.
Candidate for Trustee: Dr Helen Walker
nominated by David Fisher
Background and relevant experience
Dr Helen Walker previously worked in planning, conservation, economic development and environmental policy for several local authorities, including London boroughs and Brighton. She held several posts in central government, including National Advisor on Sustainable Communities, before becoming an independent policy consultant.
Formerly a university Chair of Department, she currently teaches on the MSc Town Planning programme at the University of Brighton.
As a member of the Design Council’s Expert Network, Helen regularly participates in Design Review Panels and facilitates masterplanning workshops. She is a Building for Life Assessor and until recently was a member of the Civic Trust Awards National Panel with responsibility for awards for community involvement in the design process.
How the society would benefit from my appointment
I have taken an active role as a Trustee of the Regency Society since election in 2008. As a Vice Chair I have represented the Society in meetings with the city council and other agencies. I regularly participate in the society’s tours and visits.
If re-elected, I will continue to promote the Society’s objectives, including its active engagement in Brighton and Hove’s development, planning and conservation issues. In addition I will work with others to encourage a widening of the Society’s membership to reflect the City’s diverse population and growth.
Helen is a Trustee of several other local organisations including Fabrica, the West Pier Trust and Brighton Hippodrome.