Nicola Briers

Background

Favourite Yellow Submarine memory

Choosing a favourite memory is a tough one as there have definitely been a lot of them! I think it might be watching one of the trainees building up the courage to speak to a customer and tell them about what yellow submarine does, when 6 months beforehand they didn’t have the confidence to leave the kitchen.

Will Gale

Background

Will is an accountant whose early career was spent as a management accountant in the engineering industry before he transitioned into the education sector. He served as Director of Resources at Henley Management College (now part of the University of Reading), where he oversaw Finance, Estates, and HR. His final role before retiring was Finance Director at the Saïd Business School, part of the University of Oxford.

In retirement, Will dedicated ten years to FarmAbility as its Treasurer, supporting another remarkable charity working with people with learning disabilities.

Favourite Yellow Submarine memory

Speaking with trainees at the bakery’s opening and witnessing their enthusiasm, not to mention sampling some of their excellent produce!

Toby Staveley

Background

Toby is a serial entrepreneur and most importantly in this context was the founder of Yellow Submarine, setting it up in 2009 to improve the lives of people such as his late uncle who had down syndrome. He was director of the charity for its first 7 years and stepped away in 2016 so the organisation could move forward under new leadership. In 2021 Toby was delighted to be asked to rejoin the charity as Chair of Trustees. Toby lives in West Oxfordshire.

Favourite Yellow Submarine memory

Seeing over 100 of our members and their families singing and dancing in the cinema during a gala performance of Mamma Mia that we staged in Oxford.

Barnaby Lenon

Background

Barnaby is a British schoolmaster who is the former Head Master of Harrow School in Harrow, North-West London. He is the Chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC). In 2012 he helped start Free School in the East End of London, the London Academy of Excellence, and was the Chairman of Governors for eight years. He is now governor of the King Edward’s Foundation in Birmingham. Barnaby lives in Oxford.

Favourite Yellow Submarine memory

Being beaten hollow at the dog racing.

Kathy Liddell

Background

Kathy works for a small local charity, Oxfordshire Family Support Network (OxFSN), supporting family carers to navigate the system of finding the right support for their relative with a learning disability and or autism.  As a mother of a 27 year old daughter with complex needs, she knows how daunting and difficult this can be, having experienced it first hand when she moved back to the UK 12 years ago, but believes every person, whatever their disability, can and should be able to lead a fulfilling life with the right support.   She is also a trustee for Witney Town Charities, Alexandra House of Joy and Witney Wolves Tag Rugby.

She has 4 children, 2 grandchildren and a dog called Obie, and loves listening to books, walking and travelling.

Favourite Yellow Submarine memory

I have lots of lovely memories of Yellow Submarine but one of my favourites will always be walking in to the cafe for the first time and being greeted by the incredibly happy staff. No where else have I ever been met with such positive enthusiasm. No wonder the cafe is always busy!

Oni Chowdhury

Background

Oni is a doctor and works as a Consultant Haematologist in Oxford. She has a wealth of experience in healthcare and is part of national patient advocacy groups, aimed at understanding what patients and their families want.  She is also a medical researcher with a strong track record in successful grant applications and champions scientific communication. Oni has worked with young people for many years. She is passionate about providing fun and opportunities for them. She loves travelling, eating and laughing with her husband and 2 boys.

Favourite Yellow Submarine memory

Watching the Beauty and the Beast pantomime with so many beaming Yellow Submarine faces.