Here are the people currently involved in setting up and running Ashburton Arts.
Oliver Bosence is a surveyor specialising in the repair and adaptation of historic buildings for new uses (especially in and around Dartmoor) and an enthusiastic member of the Ashburton Singers, a choir which has been rehearsing upstairs in the Arts Centre since it was the Methodist Church.
Sarah Cobley is a Freelance Arts Manager, since 2011 she has supported a number of arts organisations with fundraising, marketing, project management and business development. Before embarking on a freelance career Sarah was the Regional Strategic Director at Dance South West and previously spent five years with Attik Dance as their Business Manager.
Pip Harris is a development worker in the Westcountry, with a background in environmental education and volunteer management. She believes that strong local communities are essential as we face uncertain times. Creating opportunities for all to share skills & enthusiasm for music and art & crafts is very important to her.
Nils White is an historic buildings consultant, and has been a planner for Dartmoor National Park Authority and South Hams. He also plays keyboards with the local band Makiwa.
Andy Williamson is a saxophonist and choral director. In 2011 he started putting on concerts as ‘Ashburton Live’, mostly in St Lawrence Chapel. In 2017 he successfully applied to Teignbridge District Council to register the old Methodist Church as a community asset. This led to forming Ashburton Arts Limited, raising the funds to buy it at auction in 2017 and it becoming the thriving arts centre and community hub that it is today.