The Governors

Mr WHG Geen – Chairman:
Local farmer. Former pupil. Former WBS parent. Chairman of Finance Committee.

The Countess of Arran – Vice Chairman:
Land owner, farmer. Great great granddaughter of the founder. Active in voluntary sector especially those bringing monies to charities in North Devon. Former WBS parent. Chairman of Nominations Committee. Trustee of the West Buckland Foundation.

Mr S D Fox BA – Vice Chairman:
North Devon Businessman. Former WBS parent. Trustee of the West Buckland Foundation.

Mr C Fletcher-Wood OBE BA:
Served in the Regular Army (Royal Artillery) for 26 years, including three tours in Whitehall, then six years in the Territorial Army. Final rank Colonel. Qualified as a solicitor with Burges Salmon LLP in Bristol, later becoming a solicitor-advocate. He was a partner from 1999 - 2009, specialising in railway safety, other railway issues, general health and safety and contractual disputes. He is an Associate Lecturer of Glasgow Caledonian University as a Tutor for the Institution of Railway Operators, a Member of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, a Board Member of the Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (and Chairman of the Bristol Committee), a Trustee of the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund and Honorary Colonel of the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery.

The Venerable DA Gunn-Johnson MA STH:
Archdeacon of Barnstaple with care of the Anglican churches and clergy in North Devon. Diocesan Warden of Readers (Lay Ministers) and leader of the Diocesan Child Protection Team. Previously team Rector for Exeter Diocese, Rural Dean of Honiton, Senior Curate for Diocese of St Albans. Chairman of Education and Pastoral Committee and Prep Committee.

Mr GG Harrison BSc FRICS:
Managing Director for Webbers Property Services Ltd. BSc in estate management and a Chartered Surveyor. Former pupil. Former WBS parent.

Mr A Jackson.
In 1978 joined a leading international agricultural company as a graduate. Embarked on a career in animal science and ruminant nutrition. Board positions: Global Range, United Farmers, Meat South West and North Devon Institute of Directors. Since 1999 CEO Mole Valley Farmers. Also runs small mixed beef and sheep enterprise in partnership with his wife. WBS parent. Joined Governing body January 2009.

Mr JGL Nichols MA FRSA FCollP:
Started teaching career at Rugby School and later at Eton College for over 20 years (House Master from 1980 to 1989). From 1989 until 2003 he was Headmaster of Stowe School in Buckingham. Currently serving on several governing bodies and committees.

Mr CD Phillips BSc FRICS.
Following graduation from Reading University, qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. Has specialised in retail property and shopping centres for over 35 years. Partner of Cushman and Wakefield in London until 2006. Former pupil.

Mr MR Popplewell BSc:
University Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. BSc (Hons) Management Science. Chairman Filleigh Cricket Club. Long standing member South Molton Rugby Club. Norbord Europe – Commercial Management Group. Former pupil. WBS parent.

Mr JK Singh JP:
Runs nursing home. Current member of the North Devon Magistrates’ Bench and active for over 18 years. Previously served as a school governor at Yeo Valley School (Barnstaple) for 15 years. Took part as a Director in the formation of North Devon Homes and its transition to become a registered social landlord.

Mrs R M Thomas CBE DL DSc(hc):
Former lecturer in Geography at North Devon College. Extensive experience of serving on a variety of public bodies and charities nationally and regionally. Has written many papers on rural affairs. Received the CBE in 1997, an honorary doctorate in 1998 and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon in 2003.

Mr D Walker Registered Insurance Broker, Cert C11 PFS:
Former pupil of WBS (75-82). Director of John Walker Insurance. Company is a founder member of the Institute of Insurance Brokers. WBS parent.

Mrs K Watson
Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter. Secondary PGCE Programme Director 2002 -2009. Subject leader for Secondary PGCE ICT and E-learning course. Vice-Chairman of the Association for IT in Teacher Education. Joined Governing body August 2009.

Mrs CM Williams BA :
Attended the London School of Economics. Currently involved in a garden design practice. Served as director of the European Children’s Trust (formerly the Romanian Orphanage Trust). Chairman of Governance Committee. Recently appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon.

President of the School:

Mr PD Orchard-Lisle CBE TD DL LLD(hc) DSc(hc) MA FRICS
Ex-Chairman of Governors and current Chairman of the Foundation. Father and uncle attended West Buckland School. Ex-Senior partner of Healey & Baker. Ex-Chairman and Chief Executive of Healey & Baker Investment. Various other positions including President RICS, President Council of Reading University, Chairman of the Council of Marlborough College, Governor at Harrow and Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner.

Vice Presidents

Mr B W Aldiss OBE FRSL
Distinguished science fiction author. Former pupil.

Mr HJ Pedder
Ex-Chairman of Governors. Ex-Chairman N Devon D C. Local Businessman. Former pupil.

Lady Gass
Former WBS Governor. Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Active in countryside issues.