About the Trust – Trustees & Staff

Read about how and why the Trust was set up on our History page.

The Charity has its own funds endowed by the Norman Family.  It does not undertake any fundraising activities and does not have the need for any volunteer workers. The Charity’s Statutory Accounts are filed with the Charity Commission and can be seen on its web site here (opens in new window/tab).

There has been at least one member of the Norman Family acting as a Trustee since the Trust began.

 

Lower Otter Restoration Project - July 2023

Lower Otter Restoration Project – July 2023

Trustees

Chris Davis

Interim Chair of the Trust

Chris became a trustee in June 2018. He spent 35 years in banking in various countries. Since his retirement to Budleigh Salterton he has also been involved in other local charities and societies as a committee member and trustee.

Cathy Houghton

Trustee

Cathy is a member of the Norman Family and has been a Trustee since 2001.  She is a Chartered Accountant, is originally from Exmouth but now lives in Teignbridge with her family.

Sarah Gillingham

Trustee

Sarah is a member of the Norman Family and joined as a Trustee in 2011. She graduated in Environmental Science and now runs her own business.  She lives in Exmouth with her family.

Fiona Ross

Trustee

Fiona became a trustee in May 2022. She has lived in East Devon for over 30 years. She was a GP in Exmouth and Sidmouth for many years and then worked as a specialist in sexual health until she retired. She lives in Budleigh Salterton with her family and dog.

Brian Eastwood

Chair of the Finance, Investment & Property Sub Committee

Brian became a trustee in May 2024. He spent his career in banking and financial services. Post retirement in 2022 Brian moved to Budleigh Salterton with his wife who emanates from Exmouth. He is also an active member of East Devon Golf Club.

Chris Boorman

Chair of the Grants Sub Committee

Chris became a trustee in February 2025. He returned to Devon 10 years ago and is now enjoying his retirement having spent over 40 years in high technology sales and marketing. He lives in Budleigh Salterton with his wife and works with other charities and as an adviser to small start-up companies.

Harriet Swarbrick

Trustee

Harriet became a trustee in August 2025.

Ben Findel-Hawkins

Trustee

Ben became a trustee in February 2026. Ben is a father of two who has lived locally all his life. He works at Exmouth Community College where he has been employed as a secondary school teacher since graduating from St Luke’s Exeter University in 1995. He is a keen sportsman but now plays sports more fitting of his age.

Staff

Lee Bingham

Trust Manager

Emma Le Poidevin

Grants Administrator