Meet the Trustees

Anthony Kinder - Chair

Anthony became a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer in October 2020 and knows the area well after holidaying with his family and dogs at Watergate Bay for the last 12 years. He currently has three dogs - Jasmine, Arthur and Indie and is really looking forward to helping St Francis as they embark on the next exciting stage of their development.

Anthony is a Chartered Accountant and worked for an investment bank for many years before becoming a self employed financial consultant. He was appointed as Chair in July 2022 and is looking forward to working with the other Trustees to deliver on the charity’s objective to care for lost, abandoned and other dogs in need and to see St Francis become a key part of the local community again.

Anthony is married with two children who are now at University all of whom have fond memories of surfing and walking the dogs on the beach at Watergate Bay and this role will continue his link with the area.

Lucy Thomas

Lucy is excited to join the board of trustees as treasurer in October 2022 and is looking forward to supporting the charity as it embarks an exciting new chapter.

Lucy, originally from Gloucestershire, relocated to Cornwall in 2011 and has lived on the outskirts of Newquay for the past 3 years. Lucy is a qualified chartered accountant and together with her business partner runs her own small accountancy practice. Lucy has the skills and knowledge to assist St Francis now and in the future.

Lucy is a huge dog lover and when out and about, often finds herself talking to dogs more than their owners! When she’s not working, Lucy loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and three young children. They are often found exploring a beach or wood with their cocker spaniel Harvey.

Kirsty Balcombe

Kirsty joined the Board of Trustees in May 2019. Kirsty moved to Cornwall 14 years ago to study Zoological and Wildlife Conservation and enjoyed the county so much a permanent move followed.

Having always been passionate about animal welfare, she previously worked for the RSPCA, working with dogs, cats, small animals and wildlife. Kirsty currently works for Cats Protection, where she is heavily involved in working with the volunteers and fundraising, as well as animal welfare.

Kirsty has considerable expertise and experience in animal welfare. Kirsty supports Michelle with the Charity’s commitment to ensure St Francis animal welfare standards follow best practice. Kirsty leads on developing the new St Francis Volunteer program and Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Miles Ashworth

Miles is excited to be joining the Board of Trustees having moved to Devon in early 2021 with his wife, daughter and 3 rescue dogs. He is looking forward to being involved in the next chapter of the Charity’s development.

Miles is a Cost Management Consultant and has extensive experience of working with the Charity sector. The knowledge he has gained in both these areas will benefit St Francis in the future.

He is married to Vicki and their daughter Elise is now studying for her MA in London. As well as the dogs the family also have 15 rescue chickens.

Miles is passionate about both people and animal welfare and before moving to Devon volunteered for a local Food Bank as well as a Charity supporting families needing child access visits. Miles was also a Samaritan and Samaritan Mentor for new volunteers.

Beverly Dobson

Beverly moved to Cornwall in 2017 from Oxfordshire where she owned a Canine Hydrotherapy, Rehabilitation and Doggy Day Care Centre which she and her partner designed and built from scratch in the days when hydrotherapy for dogs was in its infancy. Her centre, which had an excellent reputation amongst local veterinary practices and dog owners alike, offered additional facilities such as physiotherapy, training, behavioural and nutrition facilities, as well as an education centre.

Beverly qualified as a dog trainer and behaviourist many years ago and has been working with dogs for over 30 years. She is a volunteer rehoming assessor for the South West and resident behaviourist on the post adoption team for a national dog rehoming charity.

Since moving to Cornwall, Beverly has continued her passion for dogs by establishing a Newquay based business that offers behavioural advice primarily for reactive and rescue dogs, and a house sitting service to enable dogs to remain in the familiarity of their own home while their owners are away.

Beverly has 2 rescue dogs of her own, has fostered many others, all of which have gone on to find loving, forever homes.

Beverly brings her enthusiasm, passion and many years of relevant experience to St Francis and will take the lead on re-opening the site so it can used to support dogs in need and become a one stop dog centre.

Michelle Barley - Foster Coordinator

Michelle was on the Board from 2019 - 2022 and has now become the Foster Coordinator. She has lived in Cornwall for most of her life. Michelle is a qualified Veterinary Nurse with twenty five years experience and has worked with large animal, small animal, equine and exotics

Michelle has held the position of Head Veterinary Nurse for many years and more recently gained the title of Practice Manager.

Michelle has a particular passion for dogs and horses and a has keen interest in dog behaviour. Her menagerie of pets include five dogs, two of which were adopted from St Francis. Michelle has worked alongside St Francis in the past and has been a keen supporter of the Charity for many years.

Michelle’s key roles are leading the fostering model, recruiting fosterers and responsibility for the Charity’s animal welfare, which includes all policies and ensuring that St Francis follows best practice. Michelle also supports the Trustees liaising with outside bodies and her expertise has proved invaluable for developing the rebuild plans.

In her spare time Michelle loves nothing more than spending it with her daughter, scenic walks with the dogs, horse riding, kayaking and her daily gym sessions.