Lisa Edwards (Chair)
I was born in Buxton and I have lived in Burbage for almost all of my life. I have a long Burbage family history of over 150 years, and most of my family’s significant life events and social activities over the years have involved Burbage Church and Burbage Institute.
The Institute holds many memories for me; I went to ‘playschool’ there, then later my two sons attended pre-school there too; I’ve helped out at Sunday school, attended numerous jumble sales, coffee mornings, the annual barn dances and harvest suppers. I also learned to ballroom dance and attended girl guides at the Institute.
Professionally, I am a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a seasoned business leader. I specialise in leading services in Finance, HR, Administration and Customer Service for large global companies – as well as leading global change and transformation projects.
I have carried out several voluntary roles over the years, including being a governor at Burbage Primary School for almost 10 years, and Chair of Governors for the final 3 years (up to July 2020).
I count myself lucky and I’m very grateful that Burbage is our home.
Philippa Peach (Treasurer)
I have lived in Burbage since my Husband and I moved here in 2003.
Since being in Burbage we have had two children, and this in turn has made us more involved in the local community. Both children attended pre-school at Burbage Institute followed by Burbage Primary School. In addition to pre-school, both children have attended classes held at the Institute, whilst also holding and attending numerous birthday parties there.
Previously I have worked in Accounting and Systems & Process Management roles, and currently do a variety of back-office support roles for some small businesses. I am a CIMA qualified accountant and acted as Treasurer for Burbage Primary School PTFA for around 4 years.
I believe that we are very fortunate to have a resource such as Burbage Institute so close. It helps Burbage retain a village feel and provides a central point, not to mention the convenience it provides by enabling all the activities, mentioned above, to happen. For these reasons, I feel that it is very important to ‘look after’ the Institute and all that it provides, both for the current and future communities.
Pippa Bradbury
I have lived in Burbage for most of my life, brought up my family here and now work at the local primary school as a teaching and learning assistant. I have attended a huge variety of functions and events at Burbage Institute over the years and I believe it is a great asset to our community. I chose to volunteer as a trustee in order to help preserve the Institute for the future.
Maggie Davies
I was a Company Director in my family business – Marine sales/repairs and chandlers, before the business was sold in 1976.
We came to Buxton in 1983, and my son went to Burbage Primary, and in due course my daughter went to the Burbage Nursery then joined her brother at Burbage Primary. My four grandchildren have all been to the Burbage nursery in the Institute, and are now at Burbage Primary.
I worked at Dowlow Quarry part time in the accounts office for 14 years, followed by 3 years at the Health & Safety Executive. I retired from work some years ago now, and have since devoted my time to family.
For many years I was treasurer of the Buxton NSPCC, I became treasurer of Christ Church Burbage several years ago – and are now in my fifth year as a Churchwarden of Christ Church, Burbage.
Anne Wood
We moved to Buxton from near Reading on retirement a number of years ago. I was a nurse by profession and was a sister in Day Surgery when I retired.
I am churchwarden at Christ Church again, having done three years previously when all the roof repairs were taking place. This was a huge learning curve but good experience liaising with all the builders, architects, and applying successfully for grants.
I also volunteer at the Serpentine Community Garden, which is very rewarding, I grow most of the salads there and again have learned a lot.
The Institute was originally built in 1911 for the people of Burbage so it is important to me that it is maintained and promoted for the community. I attend Garden Club and Women’s Institute meetings there in normal times. The church has Coffee Mornings, Harvest Suppers and other events there too; it is a varied and valuable asset for me and for many other people.
Jane Brzozowski
My parents settled in Burbage in the early 60s and my husband and I returned to the village with our family in the early 80s. Both of our children were educated at the local primary and secondary schools.
Having been lucky to work in educational establishments most of my working life I retired as business manager at Harpur Hill Primary School 4 years ago.
I am a trustee of the League of Friends of Buxton Hospital, sing Alto (not very well) for a local community choir, volunteer at a local cat sanctuary and have recently become a member of Buxton Civic Association and are now very proud to be a new trustee of Burbage Institute, an establishment that has played a major part in our family life, having attended numerous events at the Institute over the years and I am keen to see it continue and progress as the centre of Burbage village life for many generations to come.
Carol Collis
I came to Burbage in March 1970 when I married my husband who was the P.E. Teacher at Buxton College as it was then.After teaching in Chapel Secondary School I secured a post at Burbage Primary School.I took a break of 6 years to bring up my own family then returned to work at Burbage again eventually becoming assistant head.I ran Burbage Brownies for several years and was on a local charity committee for Save the Children. I am also now an active member of Christ Church Burbage and have helped in many functions held at the Institute including coffee mornings, afternoon teas and sales.I also attend a fitness class once a week in the Institute.
I know many people who live in the community having taught two generations and through my involvement in Christ church.So I am definitely a member of the Burbage community!
Emma Moore (Secretary)