Chris Cowley, Chair of the Board
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 Bristol A.R.C. 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 and 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. We also like to do plenty of walking and getting around the local woods and nature reserves.
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.
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!
Steve Crossman
Why did you decide to become a Trustee?
I have always been an animal lover and being born and bred in Bristol area I've been aware of the wonderful work that Bristol A.R.C does helping animals in need. The team are fantastic and when the opportunity came up to join the Board it was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I am a Chartered Accountant and hope that in some way my business and finance skills help this inspirational organisation.
Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!
I've had a number of dogs over the years with the most recent one being a lovely, gentle Newfoundland. I've always felt that humans can learn a lot from dogs. "Being yourself" and "living in the moment" are just two things which Zoe, our 'Newfie' taught us!
What do you do when you aren’t being a Trustee?
I am passionate about the benefits that technology can bring to education around the world and I am lucky enough to run an education technology business which provides eLearning platforms for students studying finance professional qualifications around the world.
Carley Betts
Why did you decide to become a Trustee?
Animals are my biggest passion in life and I try to spend my time doing as much good for them as possible. I have a master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare and wanted to use my skills and expertise to work with an organisation that has a big impact on the animals' lives. Being a Bristolian, I have always valued the work that Bristol A.R.C. do so jumped at the opportunity to become a Trustee!
Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!
I have a busy life and job so can't commit to my own pet at the moment. To fill the void, I foster cats that are awaiting adoption (and I regularly feed/befriend my local wildlife!)
What do you do when you aren't being a Trustee?
I work in animal welfare policy. When I am not working, I love wildlife spotting, long hikes, and eating out in Bristol's amazing selection of vegan restaurants. I also love reading and often have two or three non-fiction books on the go at once!
Jane Snow
Why did you decide to become a Trustee?
I have always been an animal lover. I lived near Bristol A.R.C. while growing up hence was aware of the great services they offer animals in need in Bristol. I recently returned to the Bristol area after taking early retirement after 33 years in global IT and project delivery roles. I was delighted to find that my business experience was of use to Bristol A.R.C. and becoming a trustee has allowed me to combine my passion for animal welfare with 'giving back' to a charity that is so important to the area where I grew up.
Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!
We have a black cat called Stan. We adopted him and his brother from the RSPCA six years ago. Generally, he is very laid back and regularly shows his appreciate to his staff (myself & my partner). He has adjusted well to our new home on the Somerset levels. Although he does get a bit territorial when dogs walk along 'his' bridleway, much to the surprise of dogs and the amusement of their owners!
What do you do when you aren't being a Trustee?
Having recently retired, when not supporting Bristol A.R.C., I am splitting my time between getting out on the hills walking, supporting my family, learning bridge and taking up gardening.
Caroline Copsey
Why did you decide to become a Trustee?
I've been involved in animal rescue since I was a teenager, initially volunteering at my local dog rescue and ultimately culminating in working in the commercial arms of charities for a few years. AFter returning to the corporate world I remain passionate about the impact that charity can have on the lives of individual animals as well as the support they can offer to owners. Hence joining the wonderful team at Bristol A.R.C.
Do you have a pet? Tell us about them!
We have two rescue dogs - Buddy is a Patterdale X who is 9 and originally from Many Tears Rescue in Wales, Albie is a street dog who is 2 and from Animal SOS in Sri Lanka who I've volunteered with for over 6 years now. Both are incredible additions to our family and wonderful friends to our daughter Audrey who is 3.
What do you do when you aren't being a Trustee?
I'm lucky to work in an incredible femtech start up where I'm the Head of Marketing for the Europe and UK business. Outside work, I'm most often found at the park either with the dogs or with Audrey.