Simon has lived in Knaresborough with his wife and two children for the past 15 years. He co-owns a Leeds-based management consultancy and has worked in the field of environment and sustainability since the early 1990s. Simon also helped establish the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission and is on the board of the Leeds City Region LEP.

Outside of work, he enjoys music, walking and being surrounded by the beautiful nature we have on our doorstep.

Helen has lived locally since 2004, where she has undertaken a major renovation of her 1930 property. Helen’s background is in HR, general office and medical practice management, where she had many years of experience in the motor industry, property development and primary care and, in semi-retirement, was KCLT’s Administrator for three years, before joining the Board.

Most of Helen’s hobbies involve classic and vintage transport and she’s been an officeholder in the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (a registered charity) since the 1980s and is currently wearing the hats of Secretary and Chair of York District Region of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club.

Matt was born, raised, schooled and lived most of his life in Knaresborough. He’s a passionate and experienced Health Manager with twenty years’ experience working as a senior manager in the NHS, including a large GP practice and running Harrogate Hospital’s A&E department. Matt also project managed the investment, development and building of the multi-million pound Mowbray Square Medical Centre in Harrogate.

He can often be seen leading the way on a tandem with Open Country, a charity which seeks to enable anyone with any disability to access the countryside. He has been a volunteer with this charity, including as a Trustee, for more than a decade.

Matt loves being out in nature and green spaces and planting trees, which he has done as a friend of Jacob Smith Park.

Peter has lived in Knaresborough for over 30 years and runs a national consultancy in healthcare, specialising in whole system change and population health modelling. He is married with four grown-up children, two of whom still live locally. Until early 2020, he was Chair of a national charity/think tank specialising in relational thinking, since when he has diverted more of his time to local initiatives.

Peter has produced the town’s nativity play for the last 3 or 4 years and was the coordinator behind the 2018 St Robert town celebrations. Most recently, he was part of the team which responded to the COVID pandemic and has since grown into Knaresborough Connectors.

Christine has lived in Knaresborough for over 40 years having attended King James school.

Christine retired recently having worked in IT at the school for nearly 30 years. She now works part-time at The Forest School where she is a governor.

Christine has been a District Councillor for 12 years. She also serves as a Town Councillor, chairing or acting as a member of a number of effective working groups to improve the town including the NDP.

As the driving force behind Knaresborough in Bloom, Christine and her husband, Cllr Andrew Willoughby, have helped Knaresborough win awards for the town.