Meet Our Trustees
If you would like to contact any of our Trustees, please go via the main office on 01629 592970 or email info@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk
Amy Wheelton
Trustee and Joint Vice Chair
Amy joined RAD as a trustee in 2020.
Amy is a working farmer, born and raised in rural South Derbyshire. In May of 2019 Amy became a Councillor with South Derbyshire District Council.
As both a farmer and District Councillor she provides a voice for the local farming community and actively champions both environmental protection schemes and continuing investment in new and sustainable technologies such as ground source heat pumps and photo voltaic panels.
She is passionate about protecting the rural way of life and am never happier than when she’s working on the land or walking with her dogs among trees, crops and open countryside.
Angela Montacute
Trustee
Angela joined RAD as a Trustee in 2020 and served as Chair from April 2023 to October 2024.
Until the end of January 2020 she worked as a Chief Operating Officer in Paris, France for one of Europe’s biggest vehicle leasing and fleet management companies.
Married, with two daughters both at University, she has a rescue dog, Skye, and they both enjoy long country walks.
Dr. Paige Bromley
Trustee
Paige is a university researcher specialising in domestic abuse in rural communities, with a particular focus on how issues like poverty, housing, isolation and access to services intersect to shape people’s experiences. Her expertise aligns closely with Rural Action Derbyshire’s mission, and she is passionate about improving the systems and support networks that help individuals and families stay safe and rebuild their lives.
Alongside her academic work, Paige brings extensive experience from the charity sector, having worked both as a researcher and a frontline support worker. This blend of practical insight and evidence-based knowledge strengthens her contributions as a Trustee, where she values being part of an organisation making tangible, positive change.
Although she does not currently live in Derbyshire, Paige grew up in rural Staffordshire and has strong local ties — her mum runs two small businesses in Ashbourne and Melbourne. This background gives her a deep understanding of rural life, its challenges and its resilience.
Outside of work, Paige is an avid sports enthusiast. She currently trains in Muay Thai, the Thai discipline of kickboxing, and is preparing for a marathon next year. She brings the same energy, focus and determination to her role at RAD, helping to champion work that supports rural communities across the county.
Dr. Peter Dewhurst
Trustee and Joint Vice Chair
Throughout his career, Peter has recognised the importance of the civic agenda and this has seen him joining many Derbyshire based boards including those of Vision Buxton (2009-16) and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (2009-2015). He has served as a non-Executive Director on the board of East Midlands Chamber (2020-23) and currently sits on the board overseeing Derbyshire County Council’s Green Entrepreneurs Programme, whilst also chairing both Business Peak District and the Peak District Partnership.
In these various roles, Peter has developed a clear understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities, whilst he has become increasingly aware and supportive of the work of Rural Action Derbyshire and its mission “to improve the quality of life of Derbyshire residents”.
In his free time, Peter enjoys walking in the beautiful Peak District countryside, he has an eclectic taste in music, attempts wood carving and is a keen litter-picker.
Kerrie Fletcher
Trustee
Kerrie first worked for Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD) from 2008–2011 and has continued to collaborate with RAD colleagues in various roles over the years. With more than 30 years of experience in the voluntary sector, she has always been drawn to organisations like RAD that combine direct community support with wider collaboration and sector development. Until recently, Kerrie served as Vice Chair of NAVCA, completing two full terms before seeking new opportunities to contribute, and RAD’s trustee recruitment came at just the right time. She lives near Willington with her partner and two rescue dogs, enjoys life on a narrowboat, and volunteers locally through the Willington Community Conservation Group.
Paul Miles
Trustee
Paul joined RAD as a trustee in 2024, and is an experienced professional software solution designer with a wide ranging technology and business skill set.
He first became involved with RAD in 2015 as a member of our Oil Buying Scheme. Being a bit of an IT expert he developed a smart sensor for oil tanks to help people monitor how much oil they were using. This became eSmartMetrics Ltd and along with the sensor he also developed a website from which we run our oil buying scheme.
We are delighted Paul has joined us as a Trustee. His expertise will certainly come in useful.
Robin Grant
Trustee & Treasurer
Robin Grant is a Trustee and Treasurer at Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD), bringing extensive financial expertise to the organisation. A Chartered Accountant, Robin has worked in financial services for many years, including international experience in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
Passionate about supporting rural communities, Robin was drawn to RAD’s mission to tackle rural inequalities. His commitment to community service is evident through his roles as Governor of Ashover Primary School, a member of the Advisory Board at Long Eaton School, and a Trustee of Ashover Community Medical Centre.
Originally from Wingerworth, Robin attended school in Tupton and has strong ties to the area. Outside of his professional and voluntary commitments, he enjoys family life with his wife Anna, their three young children, and their Cavapooschon.
Roger Bennett
Trustee
Roger joined RAD as a Trustee in March 2022.
He has lived in Matlock since 2003 with his partner and has a busy career in children’s social work. He retired in 2020.
He volunteered for FareShare Midlands in 2020, working as a driver’s assistant delivering surplus food to schools, community centres and food banks. This experience has shown him the depth of food insecurity and poverty in significant parts of Derbyshire.
Towards the end of 2020 he became a trustee for FareShare Midlands. lead trustee for safeguarding and chair the safeguarding sub committee of that organisation. Most of the work relates to vulnerable adults who volunteer within the organisation.
William Tudor Jones
William Tudor Jones – Trustee and Chair
William joined RAD as a trustee in March 2022 and was elected Vice Chair in April 2023. He lives in Grindlow near Great Hucklow in the Derbyshire Dales.
He worked in the NHS in Derbyshire for over 35 years in a variety of roles. For the last 20 years he has been working at director level ending his career as Chief Operating Officer and deputy chief executive of the Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.
He was formerly a trustee of Helen’s Trust, a role he undertook for 5 years. He is also a director of Hucklow.net, a community interest company which provides internet services in the local area of Great Hucklow and Abney.
Living in a rural part of the Derbyshire Dales and Peak Park he interested in preserving and supporting the rural economy, beauty and developing local infrastructure. He is a member of the dry stone walling association and spends his spare time maintaining their very small holding looking after sheep and ponies.
He has wide experience of business planning, financial management, strategy development, estate and capital planning, partnership working and operational management.
