CHAIR – RUTH ANDERSON MBE

Ruth worked for many years in local government, originally as a librarian and latterly as Communities Director at the local council. Upon retirement she was awarded an MBE for service to communities and local government. Ruth is pleased to continue supporting communities through her role as chair of Kirkoswald Community Shop Ltd, since its inception. She has lived in rural north Cumbria for over 30 years, clocking up 15 so far in Kirkoswald. Having lived and worked in Spain for some years in the 1980s, she continues to travel, now taking many trips with hubby Nick in their motorhome.

VICE CHAIR – JOHN POTTS

John worked in the oil industry for many years until early retirement beckoned. After moving to the Isle of Jura he became one of the directors of the Jura Development Trust becoming Treasurer and Chair over time. The Trust was a community group that managed a number of projects for the benefit of the community including the renovation of the islands existing shop and creation of a community benefit business to run it. During this and other community projects

John was directly involved in project management, budgeting, contracting as well as submitting funding applications. John moved to a local village in 2014 and is keen to share his community focussed experiences here at Kirkoswald.

TREASURER – CHARLIE POTTS

Charlie was born into a well-established Penrith solicitor family. After private education and training as a civil engineer, Charlie worked on various UK and Irish projects including the Penrith-Carlisle M6 and the Victoria underground line before securing contracts in Norway and China where he lived for a number of years project managing large scale engineering projects. Charlie is now chair of Penrith Town Council and the Lake District Area of Ramblers as well as an active Rotarian.

SECRETARY – CIARA STRATFORD

Ciara is a corporate lawyer who grew up helping out with local community projects in Yorkshire. Since moving to KO in 2022 with her partner Glen and tabby cat Slinky, she is keen to help with the community benefit society which runs the shop. She is assisting us with contracts and payroll matters as well as contributing to committee decision-making on a range of other society matters.

JANE TEA

Jane has lived in the village and the surrounding area for over 25 years, and has also has spent a lot of time at the family home near Bassenthwaite. Until her retirement, Jane had spent her working life in all aspects of retail, including buying for the John Lewis Partnership and DIY Multiples, as well as manufacturing and production at WCF in Brampton. She is a long-serving Parish Councillor. Jane also volunteers in the shop regularly.

JONATHAN CLEMENTSON

Jonathan was born in Armathwaite but moved to Kirkoswald shortly after. Living in the village involved forming many fond memories of the shop throughout the years, from getting his weekly Beano comics at seven years old, to volunteering in the shop in his teenage years. 

After leaving the village to study, Jonny now works for Harrods in London as a Motion Graphics Designer. Despite living in London, he still makes regular visits to his family back in the village and is proud to be able to support the village and its community.

CAROLYN DAVIDSON

Carolyn brings over 35 years’ of experience in governance, riskand compliance within the financial services sector. She currently wears multiple hats as Company Secretary, Head of Compliance, and Chief Risk Officer at an insurance company. Until recently, Carolyn also volunteered as the chair of her charity status village hall committee, helping her local community run smoothly. Having moved to the area earlier this year with her husband Martyn, her mum Evelyn, and their cat Willow, she is enthusiastic about becoming involved in local causes, driven by her passion for community spirit.

She sees the KO shop as a worthy cause and is keen to jump in and help.

BILL KING

Bill moved to Kirkoswald with his family in 1988 to work at Newton Rigg College as was. Their twin boys attended the village primary school while the older two went to QEGS.

His wife, a trained primary teacher provided supply cover in the area before securing a full time post.

Bill also served for two years as chair of the school support group and later as the school’s representative on the Church Institute Committee.

Latterly he has been an enthusiastic member of our local book club.

In support of the shop he assists with stock taking and occasional stock collection, and also serves as first reserve weekly sandwich collector.

CLAIRE NIXON (CO-OPTEE 2025/26)

Claire grew up in Cumbria and moved to KO in 2021 with her husband and their two young sons. With a young family, she has a strong interest in seeing local community projects and facilities remain available and well supported.

Claire is a chartered accountant and has spent much of her career working with charities and other not-for-profit organisations. She currently works as a finance manager at a local secondary school.