» Contacts

Douglas Chalmers Douglas is Director CLA North. He is from an Aberdeenshire farming family, graduated from the University of Aberdeen and trained as an animal nutritionist. Douglas held technical and management positions in the agricultural supply industry for 20 years. He joined the CLA in 2001 as North West Regional Director, becoming Director CLA North in 2003. He is Chairman of Cumbria Fells & Dales RDPE Local Action Group, Vice Chairman of the North West Rural Affairs Forum, a Governor of Myerscough College and a member of Cumbria Local Access Forum. He and his wife own a small farm near Appleby-in-Westmorland keeping Herdwick sheep and free-range poultry, and where he has helped his wife to form Learning Fields, a Community Interest Company offering educational and environmental activities there. He is also a member of Eden Time Bank.

Phone: 01539 567597
FAX: 01539 567956
Email douglas.chalmers@cla.org.uk

Carole joined the CLA after 23 years with the LDNPA where she was Senior Planning Administrator, gaining the essential skills which are proving of tremendous benefit to Members. A passionate countrywoman, Carole's horses are stabled at her parents' farm near Kendal. Well-known in the local equestrian scene, she regularly competes in show jumping, hunter trials and dressage.

Carole is also an Advisory Member of Kent Estuary YFC, as well as being the current Proctor Memorial Assessor for South Cumbria YFCs, where she helps Young Farmers run their clubs efficiently and effectively. Carole sees Young Farmers as crucial to the future of the Countryside.

Phone: 01539 567597
FAX: 01539 567956
Email carole.hodgson@cla.org.uk

A chartered surveyor, covers Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham/Cleveland, Lancashire, Northumberland.

Phone: 01539 567597
FAX: 01539 567956
Email helen.lancaster@cla.org.uk

Mike has extensive experience in PR and marketing having worked for a number of agencies throughout the North West over more years than he cares to remember. He joined the CLA from a similar position with the Lake District National Park. Mike was born in Lancashire, raised in Cheshire and lives in Cumbria so claims to know the region and its needs reasonably well.

He is responsible for media relations, press releases, attendance at shows, the regional magazine, developing a regional web site, and generally ensuring the effectiveness of external and internal communication. Mike firmly believes that the CLA is about people, and that its strength comes from its members.

Phone: 01539 567597
FAX: 01539 567956
Email mike.ashton@cla.org.uk

Sarah is another passionate horsewoman and brings a wealth of experience gained all over the world to the regional team.

Sarah is also the first point of contact for membership enquires, and provides a support and information service for the field officers.

Anyone considering joining the CLA or would just like to find out more, can give Sarah a call

Phone: 01539 567597
FAX: 01539 567956
Email sarah.clegg@cla.org.uk

Gill is responsible for devising and organising the region’s enviable events programme. Married to a farmer (and therefore farming!), Gill manages to co-ordinate her many events into a faultless programme ranging from hot pot suppers for a few to full day cruises for hundreds. A great many members take the opportunity to meet others at Gill’s events every year.

Phone: 01539 567597
FAX: 01539 567956
Email gillian.stephenson@cla.org.uk

Joy's unrivalled expertise in administration is proving invaluable in helping deal with the ever-increasing number of planning and policy queries received by our Regional Surveyor.

Having previously worked for the National Trust and living in a largely agricultural community, Joy's is very much in tune with Members' needs.

Phone: 01539 567597
FAX: 01539 567956
Email joy.brown@cla.org.uk