Our Trustees

Nick Powe

Nick Powe - Chair

Nick ran Kents Cavern for over two decades and joined Torquay Museum in 2024. He is chair of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, a director at VisitDevon, and sits on Exeter Cathedral's Enterprises Board. He is the 2025/26 President of the Devonshire Association. Nick trained as a Chartered Accountant with EY and held international finance roles with Nestlé and Dalgety. He is a Deputy Lieutenant for Devon.

Prof Stephen Rippon

Prof Stephen Rippon FSA

Stephen Rippon is Professor of Landscape Archaeology at the University of Exeter. His research and teaching focus on the origins and development of regional variation in landscape character. This has included directing and publishing a major programme of fieldwork on the Iron Age, Roman, and early medieval settlement in Ipplepen, Devon, the archive of which is being deposited at Torquay Museum.

Alison Flora MacMillan LVO JP

Born in Paignton, Alison remembers being a member of the Torquay Museum Club. She has recently retired from over 40 years in FCDO, serving in many overseas postings. In London, Alison served as a Director of Protocol and Assistant Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps. She was appointed as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victoria Order. Alison is a Freeman of the City of London and serves as a Justice of the Peace.

James Hull

James Hull is General Manager of Kents Cavern, where he has worked for over 20 years. Passionate about making heritage engaging and enjoyable, he has helped shape the caves' visitor experience, while also caring for the site as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. James values the historic connection between Kents Cavern and Torquay Museum, first established through William Pengelly's 1865 excavation.

David Norman

Recently retired from a freelance software engineering career within the aerospace and communications industries, Dave is also President of Torquay Museum Society. A lifelong astronomy enthusiast, he served 20 years as chairman of Torbay Astronomical Society (currently vice-chairman) and is writing a series of science-fiction novels (the first of which, "HALIEN Aeon", is already published).

Chantal Ashwell

Chantal has lived in Torquay for 32 years and has been involved in many local societies. Blessed with many natural gifts, this area and its heritage need to be treasured and appreciated for generations to come, and she is delighted to be part of the team driving that into the future. She has been a UNESCO Global Geopark Ambassador Artist and has experience in marketing project management. Her interests include the wide arts, culture, heritage, and entertainment.

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