Patrons
Susan Lousada, DL
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Born and educated in Bedfordshire, Susan has lived all but four years of her life in the county. She has over 20 years’ experience of running a family business and continues to be a director of a property and investment company. Susan has devoted much of her life to voluntary service with a particular focus on helping children and young people. Susan was appointed Lord-Lieutenant for Bedfordshire in 2022 to be the King's personal representative in the county. This is a voluntary position and the retirement age is 75. Married to Simon for over 40 years, they have two children and two grandchildren. Susan enjoys local history, gardening, skiing, and walking.
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Elisabeth Slack
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Elisabeth graduated with first class honours in Agricultural Science from Nottingham University in 1971. She then joined a research team at Bristol University, gaining a doctorate in Microclimatology. A teacher of science and maths, her teaching career culminated in a deputy headship at secondary level. Elisabeth served as Chairman of The Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama from 2002 - 2010 and as fundraiser from 2002 - 2012 and is now the Festival’s President. She is also a county committee member of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Lieutenancy representative on the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Board (The Higgins Bedford), a volunteer for Youthscape in Luton, and has been a governor of both the Grange Academy in Kempston and Walmsley House School in Bedford. Elisabeth’s appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant was made in 2017.
Lionel Stewart, MBE
Lionel is a retired Police Officer with over 34 years’ experience both in London and Bedfordshire. Since retiring from the police, he has held numerous security roles in major companies. For 10 years, he ran Bedfordshire Crimebeat where he met and worked alongside the late Ann Hadfield. In his spare time, he has a welfare role for retired police officers and enjoys time with his family. He has two sons and two daughters, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. ​
Trustees
Helen Orssich and Esme Watkinson are the twin daughters of Ann Hadfield MBE and grew up in Bedfordshire. They formed the charity inspired by their mother's vision following her mother's death in 2018 and belief in the importance of getting children outside and learning in a natural environment. Esme is a retired General Practitioner, keen gardener, mother of two and grandmother to Little Hellie's daughter Juno. Helen is the Executive Producer for a film & advertising company and mother of Little Es, a member of the Fundraising Committee. ​
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Helen Watkinson (Little Hellie) is Ann Hadfield's granddaughter. She is a Lead Practitioner and English teacher at a secondary school in London. Helen has just begun a PhD in Education Research.
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Margaret Campbell is a qualified accountant. She is company secretary for the charity and handles the financial record keeping and preparation of accounts. ​
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Claire Innes is a Partner in the Interim HR Practice at Eton Bridge Partners, an Executive Search firm in London. Passionate about education and the opportunities it provides to transform lives, Claire supports Country Days with the recruitment of excellent teaching staff to inspire young people. With two boys of her own, and having grown up in the countryside on a farm in Ireland, she appreciates the value of time spent outdoors and the positive effect it has on mental health and wellbeing.
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​Frank McMahon was headteacher of Robert Bruce School and greatly appreciated the Fun 4 Young People summer school initiative which enriched the school holiday experiences of so many pupils. He believes Country Days, its ambitious successor, builds on those achievements and significantly develops the range of activities provided. On retirement, he became involved with Emmaus movement, locally and nationally. It provides formerly homeless people with safe and secure accommodation, and supports them through provision of opportunities to regain their self-confidence and esteem.
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Caroline Waterfall is a a grandmother of eight and knows how much her grandchildren enjoy being in the countryside and learning about nature. She would like as many children as possible to have the opportunity to be able to do the same as she believes being outside in the countryside broadens their lives as well as learning.
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Course Planning & Administration
Rita Di Carlo is the Charity Secretary and leads the admin team.She retired as office manager from Kempston Academy in 2023 after dedicating a quarter of a century to the schools of Kempston in Bedfordshire.
"I am very passionate about children enjoying the outdoors and very privileged to be part of Country Days team and see the charity grow and make a difference to the children of Bedfordshire. The enjoyment we see when the children taking part in the activities is truly inspiring."
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Victoria Hayward is the Head of Curriculum. Victoria is the Education Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Lead, School Improvement Team, Bedford Borough Council. She has over 15 years of experience working in education as a former Deputy Headteacher with the focus of driving forward practice and improving outcomes for children.
"Working for Country Days in the reserve setting is truly a unique and rewarding experience. The natural environment fosters creativity and curiosity, providing endless opportunities for children to explore and learn in a hands-on manner. Being surrounded by nature not only enhances students' understanding of the world around them but also promotes a sense of well-being and mindfulness. As an educator, witnessing the joy and confidence that children gain from engaging with the natural world is incredibly fulfilling. Our approach at Country Days encourages problem-solving and resilience, skills that are crucial for their personal development. Overall, the dynamic and ever-changing outdoor classroom is a remarkable place for both teaching and learning."
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Site maintenance
Roy Horner is farm estate manager in Bromham and has managed the Leys nature reserve since 1994.
Teaching Staff
Laura Davies has been a primary school teacher for 18 years. She enjoys all subjects but have a particular passion for Technology and science.
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Lynni Gingell is the health & safety officer and fire marshall. Lynni is the Safeguarding officer at
Kempston Academy.
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Katrina Hyden previously worked as a community engagement specialist, local authority manager and as part of the funding team at The Harpur Trust. She now works as a freelance researcher and project manager as well as running businesses focused on lifelong learning, creative skills, sustainability and early years development.
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Tim Sergeant worked at Redborne Upper School for 6 years, he now teaches as a Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire and is Head of Education at Stevenage Football Club.
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Emma Wilson has been a teacher and school leader for 35 years. Her pastimes include walking, cycling, wildlife watching and gardening.
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