Our trustees

I live locally to the museum and was involved in the museum from very early on, demonstrating corn dolly making at the first craft weekend. This "expertise" was based on my having had some craft straws as a Christmas present that year. The Museum has had some superbly talented corn dolly makers since then. Work led me to settle in East Anglia but I returned as frequently as I could to take part in craft weekends working with the baking team, eventually taking over the organisation of the bread team when my mum decided to hang up her apron. I was asked to become a trustee a number of years ago now, following in my father’s footsteps. He was involved in the museum at its beginning alongside Hugh and was an early trustee. The museum remains very important to me, having seen it grow and evolve over the years.

I have been involved with the museum since the mid 1970s when I moved to Golcar to teach at Manor Road. My wife became the secretary soon after and I brought classes to the museum during this time. I was delighted to be asked to become a Trustee by Dr Lee in 1992 and have been a trustee ever since, which makes me currently the longest serving. I was encouraged by Harry Wimpenny to be Vice-chairman and then eventually and somewhat reluctantly I became Chairman. Despite many attempts to say I was acting chairman I wasn't allowed to pass on the honour for some time. After many years of membership mainly as a meetings person, I now feel I am able to devote time to being a Duty Manager. I am pleased to have seen the Museum achieve its dreams and feel I had a positive role in acquiring the Chip Shop, allowing the Museum to expand which completed its expansion, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

My family roots are very much in the Colne Valley and I’ve always been fascinated by the rich heritage of the area, having been fortunate to be taught by inspirational teachers who brought our local social history to life. I also remember taking part in an early concert to raise funds for the museum! After stepping down from life as a headteacher, mistakenly thinking I’d have lots of spare time, I was delighted to be asked to be a Trustee in 2017, before becoming Chair of Trustees in 2020. It is a privilege to be work with a team of such talented, committed and energetic volunteers who bring the proud history of the handloom weaving industry to life for a new generation.

Jonathan lives near Huddersfield and has close family connections with the Colne Valley and with Golcar from where his family originate. He currently advises businesses in Yorkshire and is a Trustee of several local charities. 

Previously he has been Chairman of Thornton & Ross, a healthcare manufacturing group based in Linthwaite, and was appointed Chair of Council at the University of Huddersfield in 2019.