People at LESS
Joy Grayson - LESS Administrator and Local Food Projects Worker
Joy studied Ecology at Lancaster University and went on to do a PhD in Ecology and a Masters degree in Landscape Design. She has over 20 years' experience of delivering community environmental projects including as Landscape Designer with Groundwork and several local authorities in Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Lancashire. Joy has an allotment in Lancaster where she grows organic fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. She is also planting fruit trees, bushes and herbs at home to create an 'Edible Garden'. She is involved with the Lancaster Transition City's Food Group. Joy also works part time as a carer and gardener. She has one son, Adam, who lives and works in Norway.
Kathy New - Home Energy Service Project Coordinator
Kathy studied ecology, pollution and conservation at Plymouth University, whilst dabbling in marine ecology on the lovely Devon coast line. She moved up to Lancaster in 1994 to run the Lancaster and District Night Shelter, providing short term emergency accommodation for homeless people, completing an MA in Values and the Environment at Lancaster University, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management and Protection. After working as an assistant entomologist/education officer at the Butterfly House, she then began teaching Animal Management at Lancaster and Morecambe College. From 2005, she worked for Lancashire Adult Learning teaching a variety of subjects, and was responsible for embedding sustainability into teaching and learning across the service. She has also worked with Diversity FM delivering a weekly live radio show on local environmental issues. She has 2 children, a delicious allotment and can be seen striding around local hills most Sundays.
Tom Fyson - Project Coordinator 'Off the Ground'
Tom Studied Environmental Science at Bradford University. Since graduating he has spent over 10 years working for a number of environmental organisations including BTCV and Groundwork. As well as managing the delivery of projects Tom has extensive practical experience and is a registered volunteer leader for BTCV international conservation working holidays. He also currently works as a Facilitator for the Community Spaces grant scheme supporting local groups to make successful applications to the fund. Tom lives in Lancaster with his wife and young daughter who all enjoy growing food on their allotment.
Robin Eyre – Project Worker 'Off the Ground'
Robin originally trained as a teacher in English and Drama but has always had an interest in Horticulture. Robin has worked in advice and guidance for a number of years through the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and as an Appropriate Adult. Her interest in gardening became professional through her role as Assistant Head Gardener at Williamson Park and led to her undertake the RHS certificate in Horticulture seven years ago. She enjoys all aspects of plant life, from discussion to digging, especially when her daughter joins in.
Claire Drury - Project Worker 'Off the Ground'
Claire has 14 years experience delivering community, environmental and health initiatives across Lancashire and Yorkshire in the community, public and academic sectors. She has a BA in Philosophy, postgraduate qualification in Public Health and Social Change and NVQ in Organic Vegetable Production. Claire has recently delivered the Fork to Fork project, working with people with disabilities to grow organic food for the Cornerstones Community Cafe. She is passionate about sustainable food and enjoys growing her own, foraging for wild food, baking and making preserves.
DIRECTORS
Simon Gershon – LESS Director
Simon sits on the Lancaster District Food Forum and is a trustee of Fairfield community orchard. Simon is also a voluntary Tree Warden and a panel member of the Sustainable Development Commission. Simon comes from a business background, with 20 years experience in the manufacturing and retail sectors. He is currently working towards a Masters degree in Environmental Philosophy at UCLAN. Simon and his partner grow some of their own food and have been eco-renovating their home, which includes fitting a wood-burning stove, lots of insulation, and padded curtains.
Chris Coates – LESS Director
Chris is a time-served carpenter who now works as project manager on community based construction projects. The last major project he worked on was an extension for the offices of the Ecology Building society. Prior to that he was part of the project management team during the construction of Lantern House in Ulverston for Welfare State International. Chris has been representing people as both a city and a county councillor in Lancaster district since 2003, and is well aware of public feelings towards the challenges and opportunities we face in achieving a sustainable society.
Anne Chapman – LESS Director
Anne has a background in environmental consultancy, including contaminated land reclamation and environmental assessment. Anne completed a PhD in environmental philosophy in 2004, which has now been published as a book, Democratizing Technology: Risk, Responsibility and the Regulation of Chemicals. She was a member of the national board of Friends of the Earth from 2000 to 2003. Anne has been a Green Party City Councillor in Lancaster since 2003.
Brian Jones – LESS Director
Brian lives in Carnforth and is a retired chartered physicist with a long interest in green issues. He is a member of the NW Climate Change Group for the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) and is a contributor to regional and Lancashire Energy and Climate Change policy consultations. Brian serves on the Executive of the Carnforth and Area Regeneration Project. Brian is an active volunteer with the Ramblers’ Association, CPRE, Friends of the Lake District, Arnside/Silverdale and Forest of Bowland AONBs.
Steve Jenkins - LESS Director
ADVISORS
LESS is grateful to the following people who provide us with advice on an occasional basis.