Meet the Team

Former paintress and Gladstone demonstrator, Lynn Bentley has become our Chair at the end of 2025. Lynn lives in Alton and was among those who, seeing that Longton Town Hall was under threat in the 1980's, joined the Longton Action Group which led to her becoming an early member of PHS. She is an active member of the Friends of Bethesda and produces her own pottery designs.
 

Sharon Brammeld was elected as the Society's Secretary in 2024. Sharon has worked within the local property business since the age of 17, starting in general Estate Agency and later specialising in residential lettings and management.

Andy Perkin is the Society’s Treasurer and organises our membership and publicity. He has worked in regeneration and training for over 35 years and is a Heritage, Community and Enterprise Consultant. He is involved with a wide range of consultancy projects including community enterprise support, neighbourhood planning, urban design, organisational governance, visual business planning and training programmes. Andy lives in Penkhull with his partner Nicola.

Nicola Farrin was elected as our Natural Heritage Officer in 2024. She is a Principal Ecology Officer for Birmingham City Council, Treasurer for Richmond Street Allotments Association and lives in Penkhull.

Busy accredited Conservation Architect, Simon Smith, became our Planning Officer in 2024 following four and a half years as Chair. Simon has a keen interest in the use of technology in the conservation of historic buildings and responding to local cultural heritage within architecture.

Live-aboard boater and independent IT consultant, Steve Wood, designed and helps Andy maintain the Society's website. Steve has built and maintains websites for a number of local, national and international waterway-related groups, as well as other organisations, ranging from a steam engine new build to a couple of Landscape Partnerships.