The Trustees

Andrew Laing

I was born in Forfar, Angus. I spent ten years working at the Science Museum, South Kensington, followed by 13 years as the Director of the Council of Museums in Wales, assisting local museums. Finally I spent ten years as Administrator of the National Trust Property, Penrhyn Castle, before retiring.
I have lived locally in Tregarth near Bangor since moving to the area in 1986. My interests include history and archaeology, and I have served on a number of Societies, such as Cymdeithas Archaeoleg Lanllechid & Llandegai, the Federation of Gwynedd Historical Societies and Abbeyfield Society Bangor.

 

Ann Benwell

I was a Principal Lecturer in German at Coventry University until taking early retirement in 1994 and coming back to my Anglesey roots. I have since developed an interest in all aspects of Anglesey's history, especially place-names. I enjoy giving lectures and writing articles. My involvement with the MBCHT dates from 2000, and I became a Trustee in 2001. My researches into the history of the Menai Bridge area led to my devising a heritage walk; as I am a Welsh speaker, I enjoyed leading many Welsh and English groups on this route during the decade 2000 – 2010.

 

Bob Daimond

As a Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist and former Director of Highways for Gwynedd, I have been interested in the Menai bridges for many years. My current activities include raising awareness of the importance and sustainability of infrastructure heritage and assisting the education sector to acknowledge the contribution of engineering to modern society. I am Chairman of the Trust.

 

Jean Baker

After an initial career in music and theatre with the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Welsh National Opera, I qualified as a Cardio Thoracic Nurse at Brompton Hospital, London.
I then became Head of School at both Glan Clwyd hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd. I have an Advanced Diploma in Adult Education. I restarted the Menai Bridge Civic Society with a group of friends and was then asked to take on the 'project manager' role for the conservation of buildings and in particular the waterfront in the town.
Following a community consultation, the Menai Bridge waterfront protection group was founded and in 1997 it became the registered limited company, Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust. I am its Company Secretary.

 

Joanna Robertson

I became a Trustee in 2010 after retiring from a satisfying career in nature conservation. I worked in Scotland, England and Wales and latterly, across Europe with national and local governments and the voluntary sector. I also had responsibilities for staff development and running grant schemes. I moved to North West Wales in 1991 and help manage a small organic farm on Anglesey, set up a local farmers' market and promoted local food. I am a qualified tourist guide for Menai Bridge and enjoy showing visitors the spectacular bridges and other heritage features.

 

Nia Rhys Jones

I am currently employed as Programme Area Manager for Travel & Tourism at Coleg Llandrillo. I am a graduate of History and Welsh History from Bangor University. I worked for the Wales Tourist Board in London and Cardiff before returning to North Wales in the early 1990s. I am currently a Board member with the Tourism Partnership North Wales and the Anglesey Tourism Association. I am a qualified Wales Blue Badge Guide and I enjoy working with the cruise ships coming into Holyhead. In my spare time I enjoy visiting Italy where my brother lives and meeting up with friends. I have been a Trustee since 2008.

 

Shaun McLoughlin

I have been involved with MBCHT since about 1996. I graduated from Manchester University in Botany & Zoology and taught for six years at St. Joseph's College, Stoke on Trent, before gaining an MSc in Oceanography at Southampton University. I then taught in Basingstoke and Farnham, as Head of Department and Deputy Head, before becoming Headmaster of Oswestry Boys High School. I retired in 1992 and was Associate Director for Wales on the Engineering Education Scheme until 2000.
Interests are house building, furniture restoration, gardening and sailing. I am Development Officer for the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club and am now Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the Menai Straits Regatta Committee.

 

William Day

My career in Civil Engineering began in 1965 when I left school, working initially on tunnelling and infrastructure projects within London, including the Underground and Blackwall Tunnel. I became a chartered engineer in 1977. I have worked on bridge design and construction in the UK and overseas, including the long span box girder Pont Cleddau. Between 1995 and 1997, I undertook an extensive assessment and investigation of the Britannia Bridge for Network Rail. I moved to Bangor in 1999 and worked on the Menai Suspension Bridge from 1999 until 2007. I currently work for Hyder Consulting. I am a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.