After successful careers in both retail and the education sector including owning three of her own shops. Sally decided to move into the charity sector in 2017. In her first role she designed, setup and ran a boutique shop for First Days Children’s Charity. Following on from this she moved to Trinity Homeless Projects as their grants manager helping to raise funds for their partner organisation Slough Homeless Our Concern.  She has three children, two that are grown up and now working and one currently at University.

In May 2018 she set up The Cowshed with her husband after identifying a need in the local area and it was registered with the Charity Commission in January 2019. In March 2020 she stepped down from her role with Trinity and took over the running of The Cowshed full time. Sally is passionate about supporting those in most need in our society in a practical and loving way.

TBC

After studying Film studies at the University of Kent, I found myself graduating in the middle of the pandemic where I was very lost and unsure about what to do next. Then one day my mum suggested I go with her to help out sorting through donations for the Cowshed where I fell in love with the charity and never left. In my spare time I enjoy making films, painting and spending time with my two adorable cats. 

Ruth has worked in several industries throughout her career including marketing, the travel industry and as a primary school teacher. She has also enjoyed having many different voluntary roles within the community.

 Being part of an inspiring team is what drives her and that is exactly what she has loved about working at the Cowshed, where she has volunteered since January 2020.

 Ruth enjoys travel, hiking, reading, gardening and is passionate about music. She loves nothing better than sharing good food and laughter with family and friends.

Rebecca practiced as a Family Law Solicitor for 14 years before taking time out to raise her two young daughters. For the last few years Rebecca has volunteered for a local Domestic Abuse Charity and last summer she joined The Cowshed as a volunteer.

Working with charities has sparked a desire to change direction and in September Rebecca began a part time college course in Counselling Skills. Alongside her studies, Rebecca now co-ordinates fundraising on behalf of The Cowshed.

“The last few years have really instilled in me a desire to work within the community and supporting those in need. I am just so happy to be a part of the Cowshed Team”.

Originating from South Wales, Rebecca travels back home as often as she can to see her family and she is also a member of a strong and supportive fitness community which she has been a part of for nearly four years and which she credits for her feeling stronger and healthier than ever!

After feeling like a change of direction in life, but not knowing quite what to do, Liz started volunteering for The Cowshed, and she hasn’t looked back!

Coming from a Customer Services background, she loves nothing more than meeting new people and bringing order from chaos.

“I am pleased to bring my experience to help a charity that I have come to feel very passionate about.”

In her spare time, Liz enjoys playing the Ukulele, doing Jigsaw Puzzles and going on Country Walks ideally finished with a Country Pub Meal!

Kester left school at 18 and began a career as an officer in the Army serving in a number of overseas roles, Northern Ireland and Iraq. After 8 years he left the Army to study a Psychology degree at York before spending 15 years in the Defence Electronics Industry.

In 2012 he made a major career change moving in to the education sector. He is currently the Director of the Enterprises Company for Bradfield College and has also become a Director for their International Company and is assisting with the efforts to establish International Schools for the College in a number of countries including China.

He helped his wife Sally to set up the Cowshed in 2018 and continues to support the charity operationally and strategically in his spare time.

Suzanne has over 10 years experience in global marketing roles in both software and hardware companies. In her current position, International Marketing Manager, Suzanne is able to effectively utilise her content, event and partner management skills within the EMEA and APAC countries.

Suzanne is married and has a young son.

Prior to joining The Cowshed, Suzanne helped arrange and staff youth events. She is excited to be part of The Cowshed team and looks forward to seeing the charity support her local community.

Before Sharon joined The Cowshed, her early career was spent in High Street Fashion, both in retail management and marketing before spending a significant number of years with a boutique recruitment firm. Becoming a first-time parent in 2006 marked a change of direction and a move into the charity sector, finding fulfilment in the support of parents through the National Childbirth Trust and more recently at First Days Children’s Charity.

Now mum to three fabulous children, she is passionate about social inclusion and equality in our local communities, and feels strongly about the environmental impact we have as we go about our daily lives.

“I am looking forward to making a positive contribution through the vital work that The Cowshed will be doing in both these areas.”

Abbie grew up in the local area before studying International Relations and Global Issues at the University of Nottingham, with a brief stint at the University of Western Australia. After moving back to Reading after graduation, Abbie now works for KPMG specialising in transaction services and is currently studying to become a chartered accountant.

Having volunteered at The Cowshed for 2 months over the summer of 2019, Abbie brings an in-depth knowledge of the day-to-day running of the charity and is excited to support and encourage the charity as a trustee.
In her spare time you can normally find Abbie either on a netball court, socialising with friends or booking flights for her next adventure!

Susie is a Pioneer curate with Emmanuel Church in Woodley, training to be a vicar in the Church of England. She has a particular interest in connecting with folk who don’t go to church, and developing their spirituality outside of the structures of established church and is currently studying an Ma in Theology and Mission. Before training for ministry, she worked in pastoral care with the Royal Navy, in media production, and making wedding cakes as well as volunteering for a marine conservation charity in Indonesia. You can usually find her having 10 extravagantly creative ideas before breakfast, dreaming of the ocean and trying to spend more time listening well to others and the world around us.