The Plough has a Council of Management (CoM) comprising 6 trustees. Their participation is entirely voluntary. Roles on the Council such as Chairman or Treasurer cannot be held continuously for more than six years. The CoM meet monthly and oversee all aspects of The Plough’s activities.
To find out more about becoming a Plough Trustee, click here.
If you'd like to contact the trustees, here are their details:
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Jilly Collins (Co-Chair)Jilly became the Co-chair of trustees in June 2026. Having worked as a Director and Choreographer in the Theatre for twenty five years, Jilly re-trained as a Milliner at the London College of Fashion. She had two hat shops in Bristol and Barnstaple for many years and now has an online business. Jilly was a Magistrate, sitting in both the Family and Criminal jurisdictions for 28 years and was the National Course Director for the Juridical College with responsibility for training new Bench Chairmen across the country. She is a Trustee on a number of Boards and organises the large and successful Exeter Craft Festival each year. When not designing and making hats and coats, Jilly researches and constructs period costumes which are then used in historical dance. |
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Dawn Stabb (Co-Chair)Dawn became the Co-chair of trustees in June 2026. She began her professional journey in the theatre, touring with various artists and running her own dance school. Later Dawn qualified as a maths and ICT teacher and her career advanced into school leadership during which time she achieved an MEd in supporting professional development. In 2016 Dawn was appointed as the Head of Education for Devon County Council, responsible for more than 90,000 children across Devon schools. Her experience covers the education spectrum, from early years to post-16. Originally from North Devon, Dawn is married and has three children and grandchildren. Having witnessed firsthand the positive impact the arts can have on confidence, well-being, and community, she is deeply passionate about ensuring that local arts remain accessible to everyone. |
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Debbie KentWith over 25 years' experience in arts, education and community leadership, Debbie is passionate about using music to bring people together, create positive change and transform lives. In 2012, she founded Teachers Rock®, an award-winning, nationally recognised vocal learning platform that inspires young people and educators through inclusive singing experiences. She currently serves as Deputy Hub Lead for Devon Music Education Hub. Debbie believes the arts should be accessible to everyone and that creativity has the power to strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and inspire future generations. Having been born, raised and educated in Great Torrington, The Plough Arts Centre has always held a special place in Debbie’s heart. She says it is a privilege to serve as a Trustee, and is committed to supporting the organisation's long-term sustainability, ensuring it continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural hub for Torridge, North Devon and beyond. |
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Melanie RichardsonMel grew up on a farm in Bedfordshire, after school and catering college she was involved in the pub and catering trade. After getting married (to a chef) they both moved to Yorkshire to run a cruising restaurant boat on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Three sons followed and as catering hours are not family friendly, they started a craft based business which evolved into manufacturing role play costumes and toys for the education market and heritage sector. After 34 years in Yorkshire and downsizing the business Mel moved to Devon. For some years she worked as a market researcher which took her all over this beautiful county. She is also involved with her local Parish Hall and when not volunteering or doing grandchildren, she enjoys sewing, various crafts and gardening. Mel started as a volunteer at The Plough in 2020, then covid hit, and she eventually became a trustee in 2023. She says it has been wonderful seeing The Plough gradually blossoming after covid. She loves the music events, comedy nights, workshops and that The Plough is rooted in the community. |
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Dave SheppardDave grew up in Surrey. After studying in Cambridge for an MA in Arts Administration, he spent some time working at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, and then the Young Vic Theatre in London. He then moved into Sports Administration, working in the Academy & Performance Department at Surrey County Cricket Club 15 years prior to his move to north Devon in 2019. Dave became a Trustee of the Plough Arts Centre in 2020. david.sheppard@theploughartscentre.org.uk |
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Claire StevensClaire worked in Primary education for 40 years, as a teacher, headteacher, executive headteacher and then as a Director of Education for a successful Multi Academy Trust. Passionate about the Arts in education, Claire was proud to ensure that all of her schools were part of the Arts Mark programme. Providing best quality arts experiences to children. Happily retired to North Devon. Alongside voluntary work at The Plough Claire is kept busy looking after a large garden, walking her dog and making full use of North Devon’s wonderful beaches. Recently the proud owner of a campervan she is keen to continue to explore the South West and all it has to offer. She is also about to take on her third Camino adventure, walking solo through Portugal to Santiago de Compostela. |
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Trudy WestonTrudy was born and educated in Dorset and at the age of 18 left this beautiful countryside to join the WRN. Later she lived in Plymouth working at a department store moving to Exeter a few years later. It was there that her first two children were born and started school. She moved to North Devon and had a third child. Trudy became involved with many groups, organisations, elected as a parish councillor and started her own cleaning business before working at Barnstaple museum. In August 2025 she retired and became a Plough trustee in November 2025. She is enjoying the "freedom of freedom", and likes to walk, cycle and camp, explore and create adventures. Life is fast and fun, it's for living. |