Hello everyone,

Back in autumn last year we asked alongside the invitation to the Annual General Meeting, as Trebah Members if anyone was interesting becoming a Trustee of Trebah Garden Trust. Through this and subsequent recommendations we received interest from a number of people. I’m pleased to say that as a result of a selection process we are planning to welcome four new Trustees over the next two years, three during 2025 and one during 2026. Today I’m writing to share who those people are and some of the knowledge and skills they will bring to the board of our charity. Their collective experience will, I know, be of huge benefit to Trebah for many years to come. 

Claire Vickers, an experienced marketing professional with extensive knowledge of tourism and gardens, Claire currently works for the Duchy Nursery and Holiday Cottages. 

Jonathan Cunliffe, a successful local businessman with his own estate agency. Jonathan brings a wealth of property expertise.

Amanda Stratford, an experienced CEO and Non-Executive Director. Amanda’s skills include strategy, governance, fundraising and managing change.

David Wood, a champion for children and young people, David has extensive experience in across several senior roles in the education sector including Head of Schools and Achievement for Cornwall.  

As I mentioned last month, Saturday 10 May sees the launch of our history exhibition, Story of Trebah, in the visitor centre. The team have researched and created the displays in-house to give the most accurate picture of the families who’ve made Trebah their home and how the garden has developed over time.  I hope you’re able to take some time to read it when you visit. I think it’s fair to say we’ve all learnt something new in looking through deeds and archive material, but we all also know that there will still be many stories we’ve never heard and photos we’ve not yet seen. If you have got a special connection with Trebah’s past and have images or memories, you’d like to share feel free to contact the team when you visit or via email. 

Finally, I just wanted to say that this years Military Day will be on Saturday 31 May. This is very much in my mind as I write as the plans for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day are in the news. If you’re new to Trebah membership or have never been to Military Day, it’s a very poignant event. You can find more details here.

Thanks to you all, as ever, for your ongoing support as our members.

Best wishes, Jon

CEO, Trebah Garden