Jonathan P Parker - President

Why did you decide to become a Trustee?

My late father Philip Parker was a Trustee of the Bristol Dogs Home and Bristol Branch of the RSPCA; his great uncle Edward T Parker was one of the founders of the Home. When I was growing up we were always surrounded by various pets and I had an albino guinea pig who lived for 16 years. One day my father came back from the Bristol Dogs Home with Simon who was a Great Dane. In 1985 I was invited by the Trustees to attend an auction conducted by Edward T Parker and Company where we bought the Wincome Trading Estate for the Bristol Dogs Home (this covers the new part of the Home). I then joined the Committee to help with the Bristol Dogs Home Centenary Year celebrations. I held the positon of Honorary Chairman from 1988 to 2015 and now I'm the President.

What do you do when you aren’t being a Trustee?

I enjoy walking especially in the countryside accompanied until very recently with Honey my Yorkshire terrier who sadly passed away; she had a great character. I currently work as a Chartered Surveyor for our family business which is involved with industrial property and I am a keen gardener.

Linda Harper

Why did you decide to become a Trustee?

I was approached by the Secretary of the Board, the late John Bonner. I have been a long term dog walker for over 20 years and he thought I would make a strong member of the existing Board. I wanted to make a difference to those in our care and believe that we are running a business in a very competitive charitable sector. Having a small retail business allows me to appreciate this.

Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!

I have a crossbreed Collie/Australian Shepherd whose nickname is Velcro - because he sticks to you! His real name is Fletcher. I adopted him in September 2005 from Bristol A.R.C. He was judged overall winner of the RSPCA rescue dog show in 2006 and went on to the national finals. In 2008 he was again judged as best rescue dog and then best in show.

What do you do when you aren’t being a Trustee?

I love to travel, and have travelled to the Arctic Circle, and walked The Inca Trail in 2018. I look after my 2 grandchildren. I am also a member of a History and a Natural History Group.

Tom Whittaker

Why did you decide to become a Trustee?

Animal rights and welfare are important to me. Bristol A.R.C. does fantastic work helping, healing and homing Bristol's animals in need, and supports those who love and care for animals.

Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!

I don’t have pets (due to allergies, sadly) so wanted to get involved and help.

What do you do when you aren’t being a Trustee?

When I’m not a Trustee I’m a solicitor and spend any free-time exploring the great selection of vegetarian and vegan cafés in the South West.

Sue Lomax

Why did you decide to become a Trustee?

When I retired early I wanted something away from a desk so started helping at Riding for the Disabled. I took up riding myself and my interest in animals began. I was approached by a friend who was already a Trustee and I was keen to help to ensure the welfare of animals and staff. I've been around for a long time, and things have changed in that time, but I am still enjoying the journey.

Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!

I have two lovely cats - Poppy and Daisy, adopted from Bristol A.R.C. They are both very affectionate and I adore them. Knowing they have to go out each morning gets me up!

What do you do when you aren’t being a Trustee?

I am a very busy person with a good social life. I belong to a choir and go to the theatre and I love to read. I have a good life and I am very fortunate.

Helen Paterson

Why did you decide to become a Trustee?

I am a life-long animal lover and had family dogs growing up, but in later years a busy working life made it impossible to have a dog of my own. 10 years ago I reduced to working 4 days p.w. and my involvement with BARC began on my days off as a volunteer Dog Walker and 3 years as Volunteer Animal Care Assistant. It really opened my eyes to the tremendous work the team at BARC do. Recently I realised that my professional skills would help with development plans of BARC and was delighted to be accepted onto the Board in May 2020.

Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!

We adopted our dog, Bonnie from BARC in 2016. I got to know her when she first came in through my volunteer roles and when I showed her picture to my partner, he fell in love with her straight away too. With Bonnie our house became a home again, she is now such a huge part or our lives.

What do you do when you aren’t being a Trustee?

I have worked in Direct Marketing for over 25 years, specialising in supporting charities with their fundraising activities. Outside of work I enjoy long walks with Bonnie, love watching a good game of rugby, gardening and a bit of growing our own veg. Oh and the odd gin & tonic!

Chris Cowley

Why did you decide to become a Trustee?

I’ve had a lifelong love of animals and wildlife and wanted to be involved with an animal charity for a long time. I lived down the road from the ARC when I first moved to Bristol and found that they had volunteer dog walkers, however other commitments kept me away from home for long periods of time. When my circumstances changed it wasn’t long before the opportunity arose to be a trustee I felt it was a perfect fit and applied straight away.

Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!

I do, I have a Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle cross. He’s 7 years old, but looks like a puppy and people are constantly amazed that he’s not. He’s a brilliant character who loves to run around with the wind blowing in his face!

What do you do when you aren’t being a Trustee?

I’m a chartered accountant, which fits in well with my role at the ARC as treasurer. We also like to do plenty of walking and getting around the local woods and nature reserves.