President and Vice Presidents

Fiona became Master of Emmanuel College Cambridge in 2012 following her appointment as Director-General of the National Trust since 2001. Before this she was Director of the Women’s Unit in the Cabinet Office and was previously Director of CPRE and Secretary to the Council for National Parks. Fiona was appointed CBE for services to the environment and conservation in 1998 and was appointed DBE in 2008.

 

“Living in Cambridge, I yearn for the Peak District’s multi-layered horizons, secret valleys, ever-changing views and stunning edges. It means a lot to be your President and to have an additional reason to remind myself of the Peak District’s beauty. As our first National Park, the Peak District holds a treasured place in the nation’s conservation story. As does this CPRE branch, launched by Ethel Gallimore (later Haythornthwaite) who’s vision and bravery – even audacity - as a pioneer of the countryside protection movement is humbling.”

 

Born in Edale, Bella has a great sense of belonging, and pride, from being from the Peak District

 

“The hills, the views, and the people; the whole feeling travels with me wherever I find myself, influencing my music. I'm honoured to be a vice president for the Friends, to be able to share this love of the Peaks, and support their good work".

 

 

Estelle is a former teacher, Member of Parliament and Secretary of State for Education. She continues to work in politics and education and has a home in the Peak District. As such she is a keen supporter of the work of Friends of the Peak District.

 

Julia's love of the countryside is clear from her work presenting the BBC's Countryfile, Railway Walks and Wainwright's Walks series. Julia went to school in Sheffield and says her outdoor career began in the Peak District, when her father brought her out for walks from the age of six.

 

As well as being our tireless and brilliant transport campaigner, Anne has been vice-president since 2007. She is also a board member of the Campaign for National Parks. Anne was chair of Friends of the Peak District from 2002 - 2007.

Jack was our chair between 1999 and 2002. He has also been chair of the Sheffield Campaign for Access to the Moorlands, Area Footpath Secretary of the Ramblers Association in South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire, and a member of the Open Spaces Society's executive committee.

John has strong links with the Peak District as he was vice-chair of the Peak District National Park Authority in the eighties, and also lectured at the University of Sheffield. John was chair in architecture, and pro-vice chancellor of Liverpool University and has received many academic honours plus an OBE for his services to architecture.