Who We Are

Biographies

Chief Executive
Anna Baker Cresswell
Northumbrian born and bred, Anna qualified as a Horticultural Therapist at Coventry University. A keen and enthusiastic gardener and cook, Anna loves the outdoor life and was inspired to undertake this project by her late mother Valerie, a Nightingale Nurse and avid gardener.

Hon Treasurer:
David Quayle CA

Previously senior partner in the oldest Chartered Accountants practice in Ayr, retired in 2010, and now devotes time as Honorary Treasurer to several charities notably Gardening Leave and the Ayr Flower Show as well as assisting a number of commercial organisations at management level.

Trustees

Chairman

John Dalrymple Hamilton OBE
Commanded the Queen’s Own Yeomanry 1989-1992; Honorary Colonel 2003-2008. Vice Lord Lieutenant for Ayshire and Arran. John farms beef and sheep in Ayrshire.

Colonel Clive Fairweather CBE
Clive is a former Commander SAS, Commanding Officer of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers, H.M Chief Inspector of Prisons. He is now Chief Fundraiser for Combat Stress (Scotland).

Tolla Sutcliffe
Born Victoria Earle, Tolla is the eldest daughter of the late Colonel David Earle RHA and granddaughter of the late Brigadier Eric Earle, DSO. She runs a Company supplying specialist Police and Military teams based in Cumbria and is also passionate about gardening.

Iain Whiteley
Former King’s Own Scottish Borderer. Now involved in investment management, living in Hertfordshire and Northumberland. Iain has extensive City contacts and is a tireless raiser of funds and awareness.

Brigadier Alistair Macmillan MB MPH FFPH
Retired Defence Consultant Adviser in Public Health. Service included Commander Medical at Land Command and Commanding Officer 4 Armoured Field Ambulance. Currently a Colonel Commandant Royal Army Medical Corps.

Linda Kitson BA (Hons), MA RCA (Distinction)

Linda was the Official War Artist during the Falklands Campaign.
She has had numerous one-man shows and has been a regular exhibitor at The Royal Academy Summer Show and the New English Art Club.
Linda has illustrated books, magazines and newspapers and brings a deep understanding of art and its power as a form of self-expression to Gardening Leave.

David Chaundler OBE

Former Commander Airborne Brigade. Master of the Worshipful Company of Broderers 2007/2008. Freeman of the City of London. Hon Steward of Westminster Abbey. David brings extensive management, fund raising, HR knowledge and experience to Gardening Leave.

Annie Lyell

Annie is a historian who lives in Edinburgh and Angus. She has helped to set up a school for educationally fragile children in Perthshire and also for the Queen Mother’s Memorial Fund which created a Garden in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

Gardening Leave Auchincruive