Team

Having known of Greentop Circus and its work for many years, and knowing the transformational power that engaging in the arts and creative practice can have on individuals of all ages and abilities, I was really excited by the potential to be more involved with this organisation. I felt having worked in the arts and cultural sector for twenty years in arts and cultural policy and management, I have a strong skills and knowledge base which could benefit the organisation. I have always been passionate about ensuring access to the arts is something that everyone should feel is their right and not a privilege, and the ethos of Greentop and the range of work the organisation undertakes in diverse communities is certainly testament to that. It is a real honour to be Chair of Greentop and to support the organisation through its next phase of development.

I volunteered as a Trustee at a time when Greentop was undergoing a period of rapid and vigorous change.  Having been involved with the organisation in one capacity or another since 1997, I felt it was time to ‘give something back’, by helping to sustain and grow our amazing resource.  As organisation and communication are my key skills, I put myself forward for the role of Company Secretary.  I had plenty of enthusiasm and determination, but precious little experience of governance, and it was a steep curve, learning to minute meetings accurately and file the Annual Returns!  Thankfully the other Board members were there to support me.  I have found the time commitment manageable, and there are all sorts of ways to get involved, from networking and fundraising, to safeguarding and recruitment.  As a Trustee, I’m proud to be an ambassador for Greentop, and feel privileged to work alongside a stellar staff team for the benefit of our unique and fantastic circus community.

Jenny moved to Yorkshire from London 10 years ago to study the visual arts, after completing her degree she went on to work for Leeds City Council where she worked in communications and marketing, economic development and was a member of the team working on the city’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023.

I have a professional background in community arts, theatre research and teaching.
I was a Trustee for Leeds Children's Circus between 2000-2003, and joined the Greentop Board in 2016 as a parent trustee. Greentop is a fantastic circus and community centre, and has strongly supported my daughter over the past 11 years. Its co-operative and caring ethos is inspirational, and I want to help it grow from strength to strength so it can nurture future generations of young circus people.

I have been involved with Greentop as a student, a manipulation / acrobalance / aerial tutor, a performer, a sound / lighting / stage technician, a builder, an electrician and a Trustee; sometimes simultaneously.
Greentop has given me opportunity, camaraderie, income, pride, applause, frustration, despair, challenge, refuge, hope, sleepless nights and a wide variety of bruises, burns, abrasions, strains and other assorted circus injuries!

I did one of Greentop’s fantastic weekend trapeze workshops and never looked back. It changed my perception about what my body could do – I want other people to experience that too. I knew I wanted to be part of supporting Greentop to grow, so I applied to be a trustee.

I have a varied background with experience in fine arts administration, sales and events as well as years of experience working with young people in informal education settings including outdoor activities, forest schools and arts festivals. I was introduced to aerial arts just over two years ago and have experienced first hand the transformational impact it can have on a person. I believe passionately that everyone should have access to the arts and be able to experience that transformational impact. The Greentop ethos reflects just that. I feel honoured to be a trustee of such a unique and inspiring organisation and I am excited to support the growth of such a significant centre for circus arts.