Clare Hands (Chair)

I have been actively involved with the school since 2008 when my elder daughter started in Reception and have supported the school and the parents who dedicate their time to being Friends of Sacred Heart, in their many and varied activities, as well as spending time in school and attending various events. I have two children who attend the school and who thoroughly enjoy their time here.

I was initially elected as a Parent Governor in 2010 and attended all Governor meetings at the school and numerous Governor training courses to improve my effectiveness in the role. In September 2012 I became Chair of Governors and have thoroughly enjoyed this challenging and rewarding role so far. I am an active member of the Governing Body and a regular visitor to the school.

I work closely with Mr Robertshaw, Father Chris, the other governors and the staff at school to ensure that the strategic direction of the school enables all children to be the best they can during their time here. I have seen the school develop and improve a great deal since 2008 and last year achieve a well deserved rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted. The school continues to go from strength to strength, with many outstanding achievements showcasing the first rate level of learning and attainment within the school.

I look forward to the continued success of the school and will work together with the children, staff and governors of Sacred Heart and the wider community in striving to maintain and improve our excellent school.

Julie Dimbleby

I became a parent governor in November 2013. I am a midwife and I have four children. My two youngest are here at Sacred Heart Primary School.

My aim is to support the good work done by the Headteacher and his team in whatever way I can, helping the school to provide an outstanding education for all.

Paul Brown

I am a past pupil of Sacred Heart and Fisher More and have always lived in Colne. I'm married with two children, including Daniel who is in Year 1 at Sacred Heart.

I became a foundation governor in the summer of 2013, and look forward to helping the school develop and improve in any way I can.

I work as a web and graphic designer and have many strong links with he local community besides the school, including the Good Shepherd Parish, Trawden Athletic Club, and the St Bartholomew's church bellringers.

I enjoy running, reading, astronomy, juggling, travelling, cooking and most of all spending quality time with family.

Gerry McCabe (Vice Chair)

Gerard (Gerry) McCabe has been a governor at Sacred Heart school since 2006 and he is currently the vice chair. He is also the chair of governors at another Colne primary school. Born in County Durham, Gerry and his family have lived in Colne since 1983 and he has been bringing his grandchildren to school every morning since he retired seven years ago.

He was a teacher for 39 years and a head teacher of a special school for 23 of those years. His specialism was in the field of profound and multi-disabled children and he is currently our SEN governor as well as being the chair of the resources committee.

Gerry's interests are running (he founded of Trawden Athletic Club), football, gardening and local politics. Gerry and his wife Ann take their role as grandparents very seriously and support them all in their school life and their numerous outside interests. Ann and Gerry regularly attend Sunday mass at Sacred Heart Church and often act as "welcomers".

He is the only LEA (Local Authority) Governor and was nominated by the local Labour party of which he is a member.

Joe Sweeney

I have been professionally involved in education for over 40 years and was a Primary Headteacher for 30 years.

I am a firm believer in Catholic education and have striven to ensure both as head and Governor for excellence in our schools.

I have been a member of Sacred Heart Governors for eight years and am currently Chair of the Curriculum Committee.

Father Chris

My name is Fr Chris. I have the wonderful job of telling people about Jesus reminding them that God loves them!

I enjoy music and play the tuba, piano and guitar. I enjoy sport including swimming, running, mountain climbing, cycling and, most of all, golf.

I like to go on adventures when I get the chance and enjoy coming in to school to be with all of you!