Our Team.
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.
Peter Hill
Chairman
Peter has been Chairman of LEAP since its establishment in February 2014 and has led the Wivenhoe Housing Trust for over 30 years, managing 13 properties. Active in the Wivenhoe community since 1975, he served on the local council for 25 years, including three terms as Town Mayor. Before retiring in 2012, he had a successful career in finance and IT, designing risk and compliance systems for banks worldwide. He now dedicates his time to various community organisations.
Ian Dudley
Vice Chairman Founder Trustee
After 36 years in branch banking, Ian took early retirement. During his career, he spent two years as Appeal Manager for the Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, helping raise £3 million for its gothic tower restoration. He has since worked as a fundraiser for various charities, including The Prince's Trust. In 2004, he became Clerk to the Trustees at the John Henry Keene Memorial Homes, a modern almshouse charity with 42 properties in central Chelmsford.
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Chris Andrews
Founder Trustee
A solicitor and partner in Colchester-based law firm, John Fowlers LLP, focussing on work relating to trusts and private clients. He specialises in Court of Protection cases dealing with incapacitated adults and their property and financial affairs, and also their health and welfare issues. He is a member of the Panel of Deputies for the Office of the Public Guardian. He is a trustee of the Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity.
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Diana Hoy
Founder Trustee
After 22 years in private legal practice, she became Chair of Governors for a Nursery and two Primary Schools. She chaired Uttlesford Citizens Advice for 11 years and served 15 years as Trustee Director at King Edward VI Almshouse Charity, overseeing a major restoration of 47 properties. Additionally, she was on the Executive Board for The Almshouse Association and is a Trustee/Chair of two local grant-making trusts.
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Robert Neve
Trustee
Appointed on May 17, 2017, Rob brings valuable building knowledge to the LEAP board. He retired in 2015 from Burr & Neve LLP, a quantity surveying firm he co-founded, but continues as a consultant. Rob is also a trustee of his local almshouse charity in Wivenhoe, contributing to community support initiatives. His expertise in the construction industry and commitment to local charities make him a key asset to the board.​​
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Manda O'Connell
Trustee
Appointed trustee on November 17, 2021, she is committed to sustainable housing and has campaigned against inappropriate development east of Colchester since 2011. Currently, she chairs the Community Liaison Group for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community. With a postgraduate diploma in Economics, Law, and Management, she has been a computing trainer and programme leader at Colchester Institute since 2008 and is now semi-retired.
Adam Edwards RIBA
Trustee
Appointed as a trustee on August 12, 2022, Adam brings architectural experience and knowledge of almshouses from his previous design work for charities. He offers insights into sustainable design and community-focused housing while preserving the historical significance of almshouses to enhance residents' quality of life.
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Kevin Dale
Trustee
Appointed 4th November 2022. Kevin has long been a motivated campaigner highlighting the affordability crisis in the housing market. He felt compelled to do more than just lobby for change. Kevin wanted to get hands-on to improve living conditions for the more vulnerable in society and to build stronger communities. Stepping up to help LEAP was an obvious choice for him. In his professional life, Kevin is a leader in the field of environmental science.
Mark Westall
Trustee
Appointed 16th February 2024. Mark Westall retired from local government in 2023 where, lately he was Head of Customer and Commercial Services. A main part of his remit was the Careline service (an emergency response service for elderly and vulnerable people) and it is through this service that Mark was introduced to Almshouses. Mark is also a Trustee of Easthorpe Church Buildings Trust and a volunteer at Hospital Radio Colchester.
Please contact us to discuss this further.