Vennture People
Vennture People
We’re proud to have a community of dedicated and passionate people supporting our cause and working hard to meet the needs of our rural county.
Find out who we are and how we’re structured.
Robert Thomas
Lead Executive
Robert’s career began in the food industry transforming supply chain relationships. He went on to establish his own business coaching commercial strategy. The profits from his business funded an Education Think Tank developing the role of schools in social and economic regeneration.
Robert chairs Team Herefordshire Gold Group with other agency and business leaders – providing leadership to integrated community management in the City and Market Towns.
Rev. Simon Tarlton
Trustee
After over 20 years in the shipping industry Simon was ordained a Priest in The Church of England in 2016. Following parish ministry he moved to the voluntary sector. He is Chief Executive of the Community Chaplaincy Association and a part time Prison Chaplain. Outside work you are most likely to find him in the garden. He has degrees in horticulture, theology and a MA in Peacebuilding and Reconciliation.
Rev. Lady Jane Lisvane
Trustee Portfolio for Finance, Performance & Risk
For 25 years Jane worked in business consultancy with SME’s across the South West Midlands and was a non-exec director in the NHS for 15 years. Jane has chaired successfully several local charities, including being vice chair of HALO sports taking it through significant investment led growth. Jane was High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 2017/2018.
Andy Butterfill
Trustee for our Work with People Sofa-Surfing or Rough Sleeping
Andy is a retired medical practitioner and is a member of St Peter’s and St James’ Church, Hereford, where he is Treasurer. He has 13 years’ experience as a school governor.
Since retiring, Andy has championed the needs of Hereford’s homeless community leading the night shelter work in Hereford.
Patricia Churchward
Trustee
Patricia's professional career began after obtaining her degree in French from St. Mary’s College, Cheltenham. She taught in Shropshire and The Black Country while residing in Stourbridge, West Midlands. In 1981, after marrying her husband Martin, they transformed a small sports retail business into a significant enterprise (M&M Direct) which was sold in 2006.
Patricia then focused on managing the 780-acre Brinsop Court farm and estate, where she developed a popular wedding venue. In addition to these responsibilities, Patricia invested in Hobsons Brewery and maintained a diverse property portfolio.
Her sense of social duty led her to participate in various community roles, including Church Meetings work, Parish Council committees, School governors boards, and hosting village events. This led Patricia to be asked to serve as High Sheriff in 2024/25. During her tenure, she focused on promoting hope within communities, visiting numerous groups and organisations dedicated to supporting the homeless, the elderly, the disadvantaged, and others in need.
Simon Bennett
Trustee
Simon grew up on his family’s dairy farm and following university embarked on a career in accountancy, specialising in agriculture. In 2001 he moved to Herefordshire to build a practice that continues to provide accounting, taxation and business development advice to farmers and related businesses. Simon’s Christian faith is central to his life and he loves to use his accounting skills to support charitable works. This has given Simon opportunities to take up trustee roles with a number of national UK charities. He is a member of Challenge Community Church in Hereford as well as being their treasurer.
