Valley Conservation Society – Meet the Committee
Chairman & Treasurer – Jane Holman
Jane is the society’s chairman, a role she took up in 2025. Along with husband Colin, Jane was an early member of the society.
Jane is passionate about conservation in the Loose Valley and surrounding area. She works with our neighbouring conservation group in Hayle Park and is an active member of the local carbon action group.
A keen gardener, Jane hosts the society’s annual summer barbecue. As the society’s resident cake baker, Jane makes lovely sweet treats for our Spring and Autumn walkers and the Tuesday work party.
Vice Chairman and Secretary – Alan Smith
Alan is another founder member of the society. He is vice chairman and secretary.
In addition to keeping the society’s paperwork in order, Alan uses his journalist skills to write and produce our bi-monthly newsletter.
Alan is active in our local community. He is a Parish Councillor and works on the carbon action group.
The Committee
Jonathan Leeson
Jon has been a member of VCS for several years. He recently joined the committee and has taken on the role of membership secretary.
Jon is keen on outdoor sports and open air activities. He’s often busy cycling, running or sailing. He is also keen to promote sustainable transport and other activities to reduce our carbon impact.
Dennis Usmar
Dennis is a regular member of the work party. An engineer by trade, Dennis has made and mended many of the metal fences and handrails we have. As our fund raising secretary, Dennis is very good at persuading local people and businesses to donate money or give grants to support conservation in the valley.
Jill Lee
As the minutes secretary, Jill records the discussions and decisions at our monthly committee meetings. Given the length of some of the meetings, this is easier said than done!
Brian Shingleton
Brian has worked with the society for many years. He is a volunteer on the Tuesday work party and has recently been elected back onto the committee. Brian also helps to look after our neighbouring reserve at Hayle Park.
Bryan Stovell
Bryan does a lot of work with the Tuesday work party. As an experienced building site manager, Bryan is great at organising some of the bigger tasks we do and is in his element when we need to bring some building plant into the meadow.
John Robertson
John initially joined VCS on the Tuesday work party. He now helps keep our Facebook page up to date and maintains our website.
Eileen Lewis
Eileen is a keen campaigner on local issues. These include opposing housing development on land near local heritage buildings and work to reduce the carbon footprint of the local community.
Dave Hill
Dave has been a member of the Tuesday work party for many years. He has also served on the committee previously. Dave is keen on outdoor life and conservation. As one of our trained power tool users, Dave is often seen cutting back weeds and trimming limbs on trees in the meadow.
Claire Faulkner
Claire is one of our newest committee members. Along with husband Nathan, Claire enjoys the outdoor life and has brought new enthusiasm and ideas to the society. Claire also works with Eileen on the local carbon action team.
Nathan Faulkner
Nathan joined the VCS committee with wife Claire in 2025. Keen on sports and enthusiastic about conservation and environmental issues, Nathan has brought a fresh perspective and ideas to the committee.