Patrons
Susan Lousada, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
Susan Lousada is His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, a role she has held since September 2022, and is The King's personal representative in the county.
Children and young people are a central focus of Susan's Lieutenancy. She is passionate about ensuring that every young person has access to opportunities that broaden their horizons, build confidence and help them fulfil their potential. She particularly values experiences that take learning beyond the classroom and enable young people to discover new interests, skills and ambitions.
Susan's commitment to improving opportunities for young people includes helping to address digital poverty during her year as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 2020, when a project provided more than 1,800 devices to children and young people so they could learn effectively from home. She brings more than 20 years' experience helping to run a family business and continues to serve as a company director. Having lived in Bedfordshire for almost all her life, Susan is deeply committed to the county and its communities.
Elisabeth Slack, DL
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. Elisabeth has a long-standing record of volunteering with Youthscape in Luton and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), a nature conservation charity. She has also served as a governor at both the Grange Academy in Kempston and Walmsley House School in Bedford. Elisabeth serves as the Lieutenancy representative on the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Board at The Higgins Bedford and has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire since 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
Helen and Esme 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 the co-founder and a retired General Practitioner, keen gardener, mother of two and grandmother to Hellie's daughter Juno. Helen is the co-founder and producing partner of an advertising and film company. She is also a member of the Country Days Fundraising Committee, bringing her creative and professional experience to support the charity's work. Helen is mother to Essie
Helen Watkinson
Helen (Hellie) is Ann Hadfield's granddaughter .Helen is an English teacher and Head of Key Stage at a comprehensive inner city London secondary school
Claire Innes
Claire 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.
Frank McMahon
Frank 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.
Anna Lewes
Anna runs her own property accounting business from home and has two children. Having grown up in the rural village of Pavenham and as a current resident of Felmersham, she fully understands the joy of the great outdoors and the impact it has on children's health and wellbeing. Anna is thrilled to be part of this wonderful charity in honour of the late Ann Hadfield who was a dear friend and inspiration to so many.
Tim Sergeant
Tim is a lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire and leads education with the young professionals at Wycombe Wanderers FC. Having previously worked for Redborne Upper School, he joined the Country Days teaching team in 2021 but when he went into professional football and work commitments stopped this being possible he transitioned to a Trustee stating: "Once you realise how special Country Days and the people involved are, you just don't ever want to leave! As a Trustee, I hope to continue inputting to the charity's excellent work and giving something back for the great experiences I have had so far. I feel I get what Country Days is all about: while teaching I may have been classed as the PE specialist but I actually ended up dressed as a pirate, a wizard, and a Greek God throughout the years of themed courses!"
Sue Rose
Sue is an artist, designer and CEO of Susan Rose China Ltd., a bespoke British bone china manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent. Having trained at Chelsea School of Art and the Central School of Art and Design, she has built a career that brings together her love of creativity, design and business. Sue is especially passionate about encouraging young people, sharing skills and creating opportunities through apprenticeships and mentoring. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and has served as Vice Chair of the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute. Art, history, nature and exploration have always been important to Sue, and she strongly believes in helping people discover their talents, build confidence and use their skills to make a positive difference.
Tom Stambach
Tom grew up in a Bedfordshire village and went to school in Bedford. He studied medicine in London and now works as a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care in Watford and St Albans.
Teaching Staff
Victoria Hayward
Victoria 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."
Laura Davies
Laura has been a primary school teacher for 18 years and loves helping children learn, explore and discover new things. She enjoys teaching across the curriculum but has a particular passion for technology and science. Having worked with Country Days for several years, Laura really values the opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom and give children the chance to enjoy new experiences in the outdoors.
She especially loves seeing children grow in confidence, work together, try something different and simply enjoy being outside, learning and having fun.
Katrina Hyden
Katrina 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.
Emma Wilson
Emma is a retired teacher and Forest School Leader who now loves working with Country Days and also provides special educational needs tutoring. She enjoys outdoor pursuits, gardening and organising village events in her home in Northamptonshire.
Cameron Long
Cameron is a teacher who brings his enthusiasm for sport and games to Country Days, helping children to get active, have fun and build confidence through outdoor activities. Outside of teaching, Cameron enjoys playing sport, reading, spending time with friends and family, and travelling abroad to discover new places and meet new people. Cameron is passionate about the aims of Country Days and believes that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy nature, learn how to care for and protect the environment, and develop their confidence and social skills through spending time together outdoors.
Nicola Bowyer
Nicola is a Group Leader at Country Days and plays an important role in helping children feel safe, welcome and supported. She enjoys helping them build confidence, make new friends and discover new outdoor experiences. Nicola finds it especially rewarding to see children having fun, trying new activities and thriving in Country Days' happy and welcoming environment.
Chris Tansell
Chris is Head of Computer Science and STEM HPL Lead at Bedford Girls’ School, where he enjoys inspiring young people to develop their problem-solving, creativity and practical skills. At Country Days, Chris brings his enthusiasm for bushcraft and outdoor learning, helping children develop confidence, independence and a greater connection with the natural world. He enjoys giving young people the opportunity to learn new skills, work together and discover what they are capable of in a fun and supportive environment. Chris is passionate about combining education with hands-on experiences and believes that learning outdoors can encourage curiosity, resilience and a lasting appreciation of nature.
Course Planning & Administration
Rita Di Carlo
Rita is the Administrator for Country Days. She retired as Office Manager at Kempston Academy in 2023, following more than 25 years working within schools in Kempston, Bedfordshire.
Rita brings a wealth of experience in school administration and a strong understanding of the needs of children and families. She is passionate about giving young people opportunities to enjoy, explore and learn in the outdoors and is proud to play a part in the continued growth of Country Days.
“I feel very privileged to be part of the Country Days team and to see the charity grow and make such a positive difference to children across Bedfordshire. Seeing the enjoyment, confidence and enthusiasm of the children as they take part in our outdoor activities is truly inspiring.”
Lynni Gingell
Lynni is a Group Leader, Health & Safety Officer and Fire Marshal at Country Days, helping to make sure everyone can enjoy their time in a safe, happy and welcoming environment. Before retiring in 2025, Lynni spent more than 25 years working in schools across Kempston, where she loved supporting children and being part of school life.
Lynni has a real love of the outdoors and brings plenty of energy, enthusiasm and warmth to Country Days. She especially enjoys seeing children having fun, trying new things, exploring nature and growing in confidence along the way.
Adriano Di Carlo
Adriano works as a Library Services Assistant at the University of Bedfordshire for 15 years, where he enjoys helping people, supporting students and keeping things organised.
He also enjoys using his IT skills to update websites, create digital content and support social media. As a volunteer with Country Days, Adriano values the opportunity to give something back and stay connected with the local community. Outside of work, Adriano enjoys watching football and playing badminton and tennis. He is also a big fan of films, music, theatre and tribute shows.
Site maintenance
Roy Horner
Roy is a Farm Estate Manager in Bromham and has been looking after The Leys Nature Reserve since 1994. With many years of experience caring for the land, he plays an important role in maintaining and managing the reserve for Country Days.Roy has a real connection with the countryside and takes great pride in helping to keep The Leys a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for children and visitors to explore. His knowledge of the land and long-standing involvement with the nature reserve are a huge part of what makes The Leys such a special outdoor space for Country Days.
