Our Trustees

Our Trustees play a vital role in supporting and guiding the work of the Magpie Centre. Bringing together a range of professional experience, practical skills and a shared passion for our mission, the Board helps ensure the centre continues to provide high-quality services and make a positive impact in the community.
Each trustee volunteers their time and expertise to support the centre’s vision, governance and long-term development. United by a commitment to helping others and a love for the countryside and horses that are at the heart of the Magpie Centre, they work together to help the charity thrive for the benefit of all who visit and take part in our programmes.
Cath
Cath
Chair

Having relocated from London nearly 30 years ago, Cath has made Norfolk her home, where she balances a fulfilling professional life with her personal passions. As a dedicated Personal Assistant to an author and editor, she expertly handles book sales, foreign rights contracts, and movie sales, ensuring that literary projects thrive in a competitive market.

Cath’s commitment to her community is evident through her involvement with Southery’s Wish, a group of like-minded individuals working to organise events and raise funds for local initiatives. She also serves as the Chair of the Committee for Southery Playgroup, fostering a nurturing environment for young learners. Her leadership experience includes over a decade as Chair of Governors for Southery Academy, significantly contributing to the educational development in her village.

Cath has two daughters, and shares her home with four gorgeous Old English Sheepdogs.

Scilla
Scilla
Vice Chair
Scilla Ash has lived in Norfolk since 1982 and has a long-standing connection with the local community. For 35 years she worked as a Practice Manager at two local GP surgeries, where she enjoyed the responsibility of supporting both patients and staff and making a positive difference in their daily lives.
Horses and agriculture have always been central to Scilla’s life. She developed a passion for riding at a young age, joined the Pony Club, and enjoyed hunting. She also took part in point-to-point racing and has had her own pony or horse since the age of two.
Scilla enjoys being outdoors and keeping busy, finding satisfaction in practical tasks and adapting to whatever comes her way. Since retiring, she has dedicated time to volunteering, particularly with the Magpie Centre, where she values the opportunity to help others and support the community. Practical, pragmatic and highly organised, Scilla is always happy to lend a hand wherever it is needed and has been a Trustee of the Magpie Centre for over five years.
Jackie
Jackie
Trustee

Jackie has a proven background in Human Resources, she has a people‑first approach and commitment to building supportive workplaces and ensuring strong colleague engagement across organisations.  She is passionate about creating workplaces where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

These beliefs transfer to the RDA where she believes everyone should have the opportunity to grow and develop, combined with a passion for horses and the positive impact they have on everyone.

Outside the RDA Jackie loves to walk and enjoy the Norfolk countryside with her two dogs, gardening and growing her own vegetables being her challenge for 2026.

Holly
Holly
Trustee
Holly has lived in Norfolk all her life and has always had a strong connection to the countryside. Growing up surrounded by animals, she developed a love for the outdoors from an early age and even had her own pony during her teenage years, which deepened her appreciation for horses and rural life.
With over 20 years of experience working in marketing, Holly brings valuable professional skills and insight to the Magpie Centre. She is proud to support the centre as a trustee and is passionate about contributing to its work and helping it continue to make a positive difference in the community.
Nigel
Nigel
Trustee
I have been a trustee since July 2019 as the H&S trustee.  I have enjoyed the experience and challenges with the transition from just riding and carriage driving to what we provide today.
Hobbies. I enjoy walking as part of the King’s Lynn ramblers on the longer walks of 10 plus miles.  I am a leader and lead walks for the group. My best achievement is climbing Ben Nevis 2 years ago.
I also enjoy growing fruit and veg on my allotment and am about 80% self surfitant.
I also traveling around the country with my wife in our touring caravan.
Rebecca
Rebecca
Treasurer
Rebecca moved to Norfolk 6 years ago, having lived a number of years in London.  She loves living back in the countryside, where she grew up surrounded by animals and playing in the fields.
Rebecca has now retired but, after qualifying as a chartered accountant, spent her working career in the commercial sector and for many years as a company director.  She has recently become the Honorary Treasurer for the Magpie Centre, supporting it with her financial knowledge.