Chairman
Roger Abbott
Roger Abbott – Freelance Editor and PR Advisor
01394 279487
abbott.roger@googlemail.com
Roger Abbott – Freelance journalist and public relations, with some 30 years experience internationally — variously as reporter, news editor, sub editor and editor, as well as PR adviser and website editor in the UK, Europe, Zimbabwe, the USA and South Africa.
Roger, who settled in Felixstowe and joined the Chamber three years ago, specialises in renewable energy, agriculture, environment, food and politics.
Vice Chairman
Tim Marchant
Colneis.net
07810 810444
tim@scribepress.uk
I grew up in East Suffolk around Woodbridge. My family has an association with Felixstowe going back over 30 years and I moved here with my partner and our two children in 2008. Since then, we have added two more children, both born right here in the town.
I have over 20 years’ diverse experience in Internet development. I have been a Microsoft Certified Professional since 1999, I have managed web sites and built web applications for household name organisations and now specialise in WordPress development for small businesses and writers.
My passion is helping small businesses succeed on the web.
Treasurer
Sharon Sheldrake
Committee Members
Andrew Chenery
The Utility Warehouse
Amanda Erskine
Barker Gotelee
01473 617303
amanda.erskine@barkergotelee.co.uk
Amanda Erskine trained with Barker Gotelee, who are based in Martlesham Heath, and qualified as a solicitor in the Family Department in 2012. She specialises in all manner of family matters including divorce and relationship breakdown, the ending of civil partnerships, financial settlements, arrangements for children and nuptial or cohabitation agreements. Amanda’s approach to all situations is to provide a sympathetic ear and a practical solution. Her aim is to always try, where possible, to keep matters out of the costly court system, and encourage couples to resolve their issues as amicably as possible. Her focus and attention to detail are key in achieving the best result for her clients. Amanda has been living in Trimley St Mary with her husband since 2014 and enjoys the town and surrounding area. Outside of work Amanda is heavily involved with the 5th Ipswich Girls Brigade, a Christian based organisation who meet on Wednesday evenings at Alan Road Methodist Church. She runs the sessions for the older girls aged between 11-18 years and helps them develop life skills and their own relationships with God.
Dr Janet Massey – Medical Adviser
Janet was a founder member of the Felixstowe Chamber, recognizing that General Practices were small businesses. Since being a Felixstowe GP and a Medical Member on Social Security Tribunals, she is now doing research and publicity about lymphoedema (and will talk about it whenever asked!).
David Button
David Button Independent Funeral Directors
01394 200793
enquiry@davidbuttonfuneraldirectors.co.uk
I run and own David Button Independent Funeral Directors, a small, family run business with a friendly, relaxed and calming atmosphere. This I believe makes the funeral home very unique. We are situated in Walton on the outskirts of Felixstowe.
I started working in the funeral industry for a large corporate company. Having started at the bottom as a casual part time bearer I had the opportunity to progress as a funeral arranger and then onto the role of Funeral Director. I strongly believe starting at the bottom has put me in good stead as the years have passed by. Starting up my own funeral home was once only a dream and to have made that big step is the result of hard work and many hours learning my trade.
Rachel Cronin
Gotelee Solicitors
01394 283241
Rachel.Cronin@gotelee.co.uk
I obtained a history degree in 1988, subsequently undertaking the conversion course in law and qualifying as a solicitor in 1994. I specialise in dispute resolution and litigation with a particular interest in property litigation and contentious probate. I enjoy the variety of work and the ability to build relationships with clients.
I have been a Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce committee member since 2010 and have acted as Vice-Chair and Chair for many years, standing down as Chair in 2017. I continue to advise the committee – and in turn our members – on major planning applications.
I am divorced and enjoy spending time with my two children, (before they disown me), both of whom are now at high school. Aside from socialising with friends, I otherwise seem to spend my time decorating and keeping the garden at bay!
Helen Greengrass
Helen has lived in Felixstowe for five years and was appointed as the Felixstowe Forward Change Director for the town in April 2015. Helen is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of enabling the town to make it a better place to live, work and visit. In the past Helen has run her own business, and worked in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Her new role combines the many years of experience in relationship management and networking. Outside work Helen loves walking, reading, socializing with friends and family, writing and researching her family history.
Helen can be contacted by email at helen.greengrass@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
