Board of Trustees
Meet our Board of Trustees
A passionate group of individuals committed to the power of music and its role in education, community, and cultural life.
With a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives and united by a belief in music’s ability to inspire and transform, they support our mission to bring high-quality orchestral experiences and educational opportunities to people of all ages, and help shape the vision and direction of our work.
Charlie Wyld
Chair of Trustees
Charlie Wyld joined the Board of Bristol Ensemble in 2022 and has acted as Chair since then. He is a keen amateur oboist, singer and pianist and is committed to sharing the gift of music within our communities. For many years he worked as a lawyer, acquiring knowledge of charity law and governance. In 2019 he served as High Sheriff of the City of Bristol, with an emphasis on broadening access to arts and culture.
PENNY RAWLINGS
Trustee
Penny launched Preludes Music in 2009, a pioneering initiative that brought progressive, whole-school music education to schools in deprived areas of Bristol. Preludes Music now delivers musical opportunities to over 5,000 children in Bristol each year, with weekly class and instrumental lessons, after-school and holiday clubs, and opportunities to perform in Bristol’s leading concert venues. Now retired from full-time teaching, Penny serves as a Trustee of the Bristol Ensemble, focusing on education projects, mentoring tutors, and developing new initiatives to expand access to music education.
SIMON COOK MBE
Trustee
Simon Cook MBE was Deputy Leader and Leader of Bristol City Council between 2005 and 2012, and Assistant Mayor from 2012-2016. He has led on major projects such as The Beacon foyer and M Shed and took a leading role in the general renewal of Bristol’s cultural infrastructure during that time. Simon was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Bristol in 2017.
DANIELLA RADICE
Trustee
Daniella is an experienced board member, having served seven years with Bristol Energy Co-op and three with the SOFA Project. Currently the Local Elections Manager for the Green Party of England & Wales, she is a former councillor and Assistant Mayor (2013–2016). With a professional background in the waste and rail industries, she’s also a dedicated community activist who helped grow the national street play movement. Daniella also sings with Cabot Choir and plays the violin.
ANDREW WOOD
Treasurer & Trustee
Andrew has significant experience of the charitable sector through voluntary roles at organisations working in social justice, debt advice and dementia care. He owns three home care companies, enabling older people to continue living at home. He has a heartfelt interest in how music can be used as a medium for positive outcomes. As a qualified accountant Andrew brings valuable insight into financial stewardship.
JENNY HEMMING
Trustee
Jenny is a solicitor with over 20 years experience in private practice in London and in Bristol. For an intervening period of 7 years she ran a small business, focussed on the legal and governance requirements of the not-for-profit sector. Jenny has substantial board experience for organisations across a variety of sectors including international development, education and the arts and was Vice Chair of St George’s Bristol. Her commitment to life in Bristol is strong, spanning from supporting the performing and visual arts of the city, serving as a Magistrate and bringing up a family within Bristol’s vibrant cultural backdrop.
JAN SWANN
Trustee
Jan Swann has had a varied career in education, organisational development and fundraising with over thirty years experience working in the charity sector. Since retiring she has focused on writing and performing her poetry around Bristol and Wales. Jan began fundraising for the Preludes Project from its inception in 2010 and is delighted to be able continue to support this important work and that of the Ensemble as a member of the board.
WE’RE ON A MISSION
Preludes Music, the education arm of the Bristol Ensemble, works in areas of Bristol that are experiencing high levels of economic disadvantage and aims to put music at the heart of every child’s education. By doing so we improve confidence, co-ordination, speech and language and benefit all other areas of their learning.