Pride in Place Programme

The interview panel for Birchwood Pride in Place has now appointed the full board, including a Chair and two Deputy Chairs, who will act as Co-Deputy’s.

Chair of the Board: Gregory Hughes

Gregory Hughes

"I am proud to be the Independent Chair for the Pride of Place for Birchwood. I am married with children and in the last year became a grandfather! I have lived in Lincoln for the past 37 years and been a teacher on the Birchwood estate for 35 years and headteacher for the past 21 years. During this time I have been involved in community and charity projects supporting all ages.

I am eager to continue to build on my knowledge of the area to support meaningful and sustainable projects. I am excited to be part of this ten-year project and looking forward to working alongside a locally based representative committee which will focus on listening to the residents of Birchwood. I look forward to focussing on delivering improvements, shaped by the priorities identified by residents that will positively affect the lives of all who live in the community."

Co-Deputy of the Board: Gary Smith

Gary Smith

"I was born and raised in the Birchwood community, and attended local schools on the estate before studying at Lincoln College and the University of Lincoln. Having built a successful career in Private Client law, I established Birchwood Legal. Proudly naming my company after the community that shaped me.

Alongside my professional work, I remain actively involved in supporting local charities, vulnerable people, and community initiatives across Birchwood and Lincolnshire."

Co-Deputy of the Board: Martin Hickerton

Martin Hickerton

"As Chief Executive of Lincoln City Foundation and a Canon at Lincoln Cathedral, I have a long-standing passion for community, sport and nature. Through my work with the Foundation across Lincoln, I have helped support initiatives already making a difference in Birchwood, including support for Birchwood Leisure Centre and the delivery of free football and health sessions for local residents.

I grew up in neighbouring North Hykeham and still have close friends in Birchwood. I regularly spend time around the lakes with my family, running and walking, and I'm committed to helping local communities thrive and ensure Birchwood continues to benefit from strong partnerships across the city."

City of Lincoln Council Representative (1 vote – 2 representatives)

Cllr Naomi Tweddle - City of Lincoln Council (Lead Council)

Cllr Naomi Tweddle

Cllr Naomi Tweddle was appointed Leader of City of Lincoln Council in May 2024. As the new leader, she is involved in the strategic leading of the council with a keen focus on climate change ensuring the council leads by example across the city.

Cllr Tweddle is also responsible for promoting equality and diversity, trade union liaison, agreeing organisational culture and core values and overseeing regional and sub-regional governance arrangement.

Angela Andrews – City of Lincoln Council or Leader of the Council (Interchangeable)

Angela Andrews

Angela Andrews is the Chief Executive and Town Clerk of the City of Lincoln Council. Born and raised in Lincoln, Angela has a strong understanding of the city and its communities. As a member of the board, Angela provides a direct link to the Council, helping to strengthen collaboration and maximise the use of Council resources. 

Naomi Tweddle is the Leader of the City of Lincoln Council. Born and raised in Lincoln, Naomi is passionate about improving the city’s estates and neighbourhoods. Naomi welcomes the award of £20 million for Lincoln, recognising the significant opportunities it will bring to local communities. 

MP Office Representative (1 vote – 2 representatives)

Hamish Falconer – Lincoln MP

Hamish Falconer MP

“I am proud to be supporting the Pride of Place programme for Birchwood as the Member of Parliament for Lincoln. 

Since being elected, I have been committed to listening to residents and working with communities to deliver the improvements that matter most to them. I believe local people should be at the heart of decisions about the future of their neighbourhoods. 

I am excited to be part of this ten-year project and look forward to working alongside residents, community groups and local partners to help deliver meaningful and lasting change. By listening to the priorities of the Birchwood community, we can support projects that make a real difference to the lives of those who live here.”

John Mitchell – MP Representative

John Mitchell

“After University I qualified as a Barrister but in 1981 came to Lincoln to join a local firm of solicitors where I stayed for 41 years. I was head of Family Law and also Managing Partner during which time we expanded throughout the County and the Region. I also served a term as a Deputy District Judge. 

I retired in 2022. In 2024 I was Hamish Falconer’s election agent in his successful campaign to enter parliament as MP for Lincoln. This year I took over the role of Hamish’ representative in helping initiate the Pride in Place programme in Birchwood. 

Married for over 40 years I have three children, four grandchildren and all being well another one is on its way in the autumn.”

Cllr Dylan Stothard - City of Lincoln (Labour)

Dylan Stothard

Cllr Brenda Collier

Cllr Brenda Collier

“I have lived in Birchwood for 11 years and love this area of Lincoln with its friendly residents. I am married with three children, two grandchildren and we are surrogate parents to a lovely couple, and their two children from Vietnam. We have also fostered several children over the years. 

I have had a very varied work life, choosing to always put my family first. I trained as a florist, have been a bingo hall cashier, an Avon Manager, supervisor at Asda, volunteer at a charity shop and later at a hospital, helped coach many young mums with life skills, we also worked for two years in another country helping to support those less fortunate than ourselves. My mum lived with us for fourteen years who was a pleasure to look after. 

I am a Christian and attend a local church. I have a very keen sense of fairness and justice with the right for everyone to have the same opportunities in life. I really enjoy working with people which I do as the County Councillor for Birchwood. I sit on several boards and committees and am the chair of the children and culture scrutiny committee, which I thoroughly enjoy.”

Michelle Dart – Lincolnshire Cooperative/Resident

Michelle Dart

“I live in Birchwood and care about its future, with a genuine commitment to helping it continue to thrive. Through my work at Lincolnshire Co-op, I work closely with businesses, brands and community partners, giving me a unique perspective on the important role that collaboration plays in supporting local people, strengthening communities, and driving economic growth.

I'm proud to call Birchwood home and believe the best outcomes come from people working together with a shared vision. I'm delighted to join the Pride in Place Board and look forward to contributing my experience, local knowledge, and enthusiasm to help shape a thriving future for Birchwood and everyone who lives, works, visits and invests here.”

Dianne Slapp – Lincolnshire CVS/Resident

Dianne Slapp

"It's a pleasure to be supporting the local community on the Birchwood Pride in Place Board. I have lived in the local area for the last 35 years and I have also worked in Birchwood supporting projects and organisations through my current role with CVS Lincolnshire (formerly Voluntary Centre Services), and also during my earlier career within Lincolnshire Libraries.

Birchwood is a great place to live and work and spend time and I am keen that local residents' voices are heard, as part of the Board's work. They are key in shaping the future for the area and helping Birchwood to thrive."

Pete Duke – Arise Church/Resident

Pete Duke

“I have lived in the Birchwood community for the past 12 years, my wife and I have raised our three children here and we are proud to call Birchwood our home. As the Lead Pastor at Arise Church, I have the privilege of serving both the church and the wider community in the area. Day to day I work alongside many fantastic organisations, volunteers, and local residents, as we serve our community together in many different ways.

Being part of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board is a great privilege and I believe this programme represents a fantastic opportunity to make Birchwood an even better place to live. I'm looking forward to joining in with the whole community to shape the future of the place we call home.”

Matti Colley – Resident

Matti Colley

“I am a PR and communications specialist with experience working in social media marketing. I have worked with a number of charities, voluntary organisations, groups and movements across Lincoln, including Think2Speak, The Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership and Mint Lane Wellbeing Hub.

I am currently helping to support the development of LocalMotion Lincoln's social media channels and am a member of the local group. I have lived in Birchwood West for over 30 years and am proud of my community. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be member of the Board.”

Stephen Owen – Resident

"I came to Birchwood in 1992 and care deeply about the area and its residents. Much of my voluntary work involves supporting local people, sharing information, recognising positive contributions and helping residents feel connected and heard. 

I run the Birchwood Lincoln Community UK Facebook group, now with around 15,000 members, as well as other local groups including Birchwood Lincoln Over 50s and Neighbourhood Watch. I am also a school governor, a former Tenants’ and Residents’ Association Chair, and have been involved with a Community Land Trust for around ten years. 

My background includes service in the RAF, business, teaching, SEND experience, community volunteering and work with residents, schools, charities, churches, businesses and local organisations. I hope to help Pride in Place remain practical, inclusive and genuinely connected to the everyday lives, concerns and ideas of Birchwood residents.”

Lincolnshire Police Representative (1 vote, 2 representatives)

Jo Fortune

Philip Baker – Lincolnshire Police

Phillip Baker

“I am currently the Head of Local Policing for West Lincolnshire and Specialist Operations. Prior to this role, I served as the Superintendent responsible for Response and Neighbourhood Policing across the west of the county and, before that, as Chief Inspector for Lincoln.

For the last seven years, I have maintained oversight of policing in Birchwood in one capacity or another. During that time, I have worked in close partnership with local agencies and stakeholders to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, recognising that lasting change starts with place.

Improving the physical environment and strengthening community resilience are fundamental to creating safer neighbourhoods and delivering sustainable reductions in crime and disorder.”

GP/NHS Representative (1 Vote, 2 Representatives)

Amanda Humphreys – Birchwood Medical Practice

Amanda Humphreys

“I am a GP at Birchwood Medical Practice. I have worked at the practice since 2022. I live at home with my husband and two children.”

Nicholas Smith – Birchwood Medical Practice 

Nicholas Smith

"Married with three children who have now flown the nest, I’m a keen sportsman outside work, but my link to Pride in Place is that I have worked as a general practitioner In Birchwood for over 30 years. I have seen the challenges some of our residents face, but also there have been positive changes over the years.

This is a real opportunity to improve the wellbeing of the residents of Birchwood for the medium to long-term."

Non-voting members: 

• Michelle Mackenzie – City of Lincoln Council (Accountable body) 
• Frances Plant - City of Lincoln Council (Accountable body) 
• Kirsty Miller – City of Lincoln Council (Secretariat)