Meet the Governors
Bob Mellor (Chair of Governors)
I have worked in the technology industry for 35 years, and I have been a school Governor at various schools in Trafford, Salford, and now Chorley, for over 17 years. I moved to Great Knowley (about ten minutes’ drive from Abbey Village) in 2021, and have been a Governor at Abbey Village primary since November 2022 after applying for an open vacancy.
My vocation brings with it an enthusiasm and interest in all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), and I am also a STEM Ambassador in the Lancashire area, helping provide a vital link between industry and education. I have always been a supporter of quality education, which I believe is the solution to many of the problems the world faces: If we educate our children about the issues, the solutions WILL be forthcoming.
Abbey Village is a terrific school and one I am proud to be associated with, and I look forward to continuing to assist the school in their endeavours as new Chair to the Governing Board from January 2024.
Wendy Curtis (Vice-Chair of Governors)
I moved into Abbey Village in November 2016 having lived for the last 35 years in Bolton. My husband and I decided to retire to the village and have never regretted our move. We love the rural surroundings and how easy it is to visit family and friends in the surrounding area.
I have worked in personnel management, Learning and Development, management coaching and community learning where I taught adults English and Employability Skills. During my teacher training, I visited primary schools in Manchester and held sessions to help parents understand how English is taught in reception class.
My experience prompted me to ask if I could volunteer at Abbey Village School to listen to the children in reception and year 1 classes read. I’ve been doing this for three years and enjoy every minute of my time in school. The warmth and friendliness of the children and the staff has made my visits a very positive and heart-warming experience.
I applied to be a governor when a vacancy arose and have been on the board of governors for three years. I became Chair of Governors in September 2021 and have become Vice-Chair from January 2024 due to having a new grandchild! I’m very keen to encourage members of our Abbey Village community to join our board. Please contact school for further information.
Alison Hazlewood ( Parent Governor)
I have worked in Education for 16 years within Further education and Apprenticeships. I have a range of experience within Quality, Teaching, Audit and SEND (Autism and Dyslexia). I have an MA in Education and also hold a PGCE.
I became a governor to enable me to give back to the community and support a local school. I joined the Inspiring Governance website and was invited to a chat at Abbey village, I instantly fell in love with the school and have never looked back.
I have been a governor since December 2021. I am Chair of the Standards and Effectiveness Committee and am the Link governor for Curriculum, including, English and Maths.
For 35 years I worked in secondary education. My experience has been varied working and managing both pastoral and curriculum areas. The majority of my teaching experience has been in the local area. I am now semi - retired and wanted to give some time to volunteering. The school asked me to become a governor in 2022. I am the Health and Safety Governor.
For the past eighteen months I have had the pleasure of listening to the children in reception and year 1 read. The staff and pupils are always very welcoming and I look forward to my Tuesday morning visits.
I have lived in the area for over 30 years and love walking the hills and local woods with my family and friends.
Luke Twigger ( Parent Governor)
I have worked in the IT industry for the past 25 years, working primarily in and around the NHS. My area of expertise is data-centre solutions and I now work with local NHS organisations for a large IT manufacturer.I joined the governing board when my daughter, who is now in Roddlesworth Class started in reception as a way to give back to our small, but perfectly formed, community school. I am the Safeguarding Governor, and participate on the Finance Committee as well.I live in the local area, and enjoy reading, playing the guitar (badly) and video games when time permits.
Danny Gaskin (Co-Opted Governor)
Born and raised in Accrington, I'm a Biomedical Scientist working in the NHS. I have a successful track record of leading blood transfusion and pathology services, with experience in both the NHS and the independent sector. I've served on several organisation councils and governance committees within the healthcare sector. I am passionate about education, particularly in science, and am excited to use my experience to help support and improve this fantastic school.
My career in the NHS began in 2008 in primary care administration and clinical governance. In 2012, I pursued a BSc in Adult Nursing; however, soon after, I retrained as a Biomedical Scientist. I specialised in the field of Blood Transfusion and later pursued postgraduate studies in governance, quality and risk management, managing learning and development, and clinical mentorship.
I also sit on the governing body of the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) and am a member of the Professional Education Committee of the society. I'm actively involved in several scientific specialist interest and working groups and support the National, Regional, and Hospital Blood Transfusion Committees in England, in addition to sitting on UK-wide groups. Additionally, I work as a university Lecturer in Biomedical Science and provide mentorship to biomedical scientists and students through mentorship schemes at several UK universities.
My interest in primary education governance sparked when my nephew, Joseph, started school in 2023. I'm passionate about ensuring our young people are looked after holistically at school, ensuring that children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and occupational needs are met, creating environments where young people feel safe, happy, and can prosper.