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Each branch of the HA has a committee which is made up of volunteers who help to run the Branch. Term of membership is three years (additional terms are possible), elections are held for our committee at the AGM which takes place each September. If anybody is interested in joining the committee please contact Robert Sutton via our Contacts page for more details.
Committee Members 2021/22
Andrea Robertson, Chair
I joined the Branch Committee six years ago in order to take on the new role of Publicity Officer with the aim of publicising our talks to a wider audience. I took over as Chair of the Branch in September 2019. Having spent my working life in higher education I am very keen to increase the links between the HA and local schools and colleges.
Favourite HA talk – The History of the Christmas Card, Steph Mastoris, December 2019
Robert Sutton, Secretary
I have been a member of the HA since 1977, joining in the Sixth Form before studying History at the University of York. I have been a member of the Branch Committee since 1987 and previously was Branch Secretary 1987-90 and have been Branch Secretary since 1998. I can genuinely say that I have enjoyed nearly all of the HA talks which I have attended over the years and it is difficult to single out particular highlights!
Elaine Mitchell, Joint Treasurer
I did a mature student degree in Medieval History & Archaeology – and then life took me away from it all. The more history I read up, the more I realise there is to know. Very interested in all aspects of the subject but not dressing up!
Best 2019/20 talk: 1) African American Abolitionism in the British Isles, 2) History of the Xmas card.
Jon Mitchell, Joint Treasurer
Having a science background with a Marine Biology degree I enjoy marine archaeology, Lidar mapping, local history and national social history that does not get taught at school.
Best 2019/20 talk: !0 Black soldiers WW1 (‘Recognize’), 2) William Morris & Bauhaus.
Janet Graham, Publicity Officer
Melanie Ilic, University of Gloucestershire representative
Jenna Pateman, Student representative
Iain Robertson, Committee Member
I first joined the Committee when working for UoG, I am now Reader in History at the University of the Highlands in Scotland. I was born in rural Gloucestershire and retain a strong interest in the county, particularly the Forest of Dean but my academic research focuses on the Highlands of Scotland from late nineteenth century through to the present day.
Favourite HA talk – The Campden Wonder of 1660-2, The murder and miraculous deliverance of William Harrison by Professor Jackie Eales, President of the Historical Association, December 2013
David Grace, Committee Member
Former Head of History, Beaufort School, Gloucester; former Lecturer, Hartpury College; contributed on Agricultural Engineering to two volumes of The Cambridge Agrarian History of England and Wales.
Main interests:19th Century Social and Economic History; The Temperance Movement in
Cirencester.
Favourite Lecture: Peter Hennesey on 20th Century Political Figures
Mike Stoker, Committee Member, Schools representative
Head of HIstory and Politics, Balcarras School, Cheltenham
Simon Butler, Committee Member
Lecturer in Secondary Education, University of Gloucestershire