Meet the Team

Bradford on Avon Museum is entirely volunteer run. It is managed by a board of trustees, each with different responsibilities, and an honorary curator. Volunteer stewards welcome visitors to the Museum.

We currently have vacancies for some roles – see our Vacancies page for more information.

Trustees

Kate Turnbull is Chair of the board of trustees and has been a trustee since 2012. She is also responsible for membership and business projects. Kate was responsible for leading the Sustainability project (2014), Accreditation (2016 and 2025), and the Audience and Income Development project (2024). She ran the monthly Discussion Group for 10 years, and has been involved in mounting various exhibitions for the Museum. Kate has a background in heritage project management, is a Wiltshire enthusiast and history lover.

Chris Dale has been a trustee and the Treasurer since 2007. With his background as a public finance accountant, Chris’ particular responsibility is to help ensure the Museum meets the financial standards for charities and makes the best use of its resources. He has lived in Bradford since 1991 and hopes that his lifelong interest in industrial and transport history adds to the breadth of subjects represented amongst the trustees. In retirement, Chris and Judith are enjoying occasional trips to other parts of England by canal boat.

Val Holden has been a trustee since 2017 and the Secretary since 2016. Val is also responsible for publicity and stewards and is a regular volunteer steward herself. Val has a longstanding interest in English local history, particularly the built environment, and was for several years a steward at the West Highland Museum in Fort William.

Roger Jones has been a trustee since 2023, and is responsible for publications. Roger is well-known in the town, having owned the bookshop and publishing business, Ex Libris, for many years. Roger has been on the Museum Publications team since its beginning, and is a regular volunteer steward in the Museum.

Julian Orbach has been a trustee since 2023. He is responsible for walks and talks and has set up a regular talks programme, as well as organising the annual lecture. Julian is an architectural historian who has authored a number of books, and has recently revised Pevsner’s Buildings of England volume on Wiltshire. He helped to set up the Cardigan Building Preservation Trust, is a trustee of the Bakelite Museum, and was previously president of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, as well as being an active member of various other heritage organisations.

Other Roles

Roger Clark has been honorary Curator since the Museum’s opening.

Mervyn Harris is Founder and Vice President, and was Chair of trustees from 1986 to 2023.

Elizabeth Cartwright-Hignett is President, and Doreen Ellis and John Banks are Vice Presidents.