maureen boylan

Maureen Boylan was a senior University manager for most of her career, retiring as Secretary to the federal University of London in 2018. Through a long career she came to specialise in whole-institutional governance, major change programmes  and strategic direction – and in “mergers, acquisitions and closures” – a very rare specialism within Higher Education. She was awarded an MBE for services to Higher Education in 2015, and in 2018 was nominated as one of the 150 “Leading Women” of  the University of London’s 150-year history. In 2019, she was awarded the University’s highest honour of a Fellowship.

In Wells, she is a Trustee of the Bishop’s Palace, a Cathedral Guide, member of the Council of the Cathedral Friends and Vice-Chair of the Cathedral’s Grand Organ Appeal. She is also an enthusiastic (if misguided) soprano with the Oratorio choir, a keen local historian and walker, and besotted owner of the worlds’ s friendliest cockapoo. 

Richard Cromwell

Richard, along with his brother Alistair, were Wells Cathedral Choristers back in the 1970s. Richard’s son Edward continued the tradition in the 00s. 

Richard is a board director of Nisbets, a Bristol based international restaurant supplies business.

As well as Richard’s continued interest in choral music, he plays the lute and has an interest in classic cars.

Richard is delighted to be a Trustee supporting the work of the Chorister Trust and would encourage any past Choristers to get in touch via the website with their details and join the Trust mailing list.

SAM FORSEY

Sam’s love of choral singing was fostered by his Welsh mother and throughout his time at school, university and post-university life where he still sings in a chamber choir in Bristol, Exultate Singers. He is therefore delighted to be Trustee of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust.

A local boy, Sam has a strong connection with Wells and the Cathedral through his schooling (despite being at local ‘rivals’ Millfield), his work for The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, and through his wife Lydia, who attended Wells Cathedral School as a pupil. 

In a previous life Sam worked as an auditor for KPMG, obtaining his Chartered Accountancy qualification in 2015. These days, Sam is a local Funeral Director, the fourth generation of his family’s independent firm based in Glastonbury. Sam lives in Somerset with his wife and young son, who is very excited to be attending Little Wellies preschool later in 2023! 

CECILE GILLARD

Cecile is passionate about the English choral tradition and keen to enable everyone to experience the glory of God, reflected in cathedral worship. She wants to help make the life-enhancing opportunities being a chorister offers to be open to any young musicians.

Professionally, Cecile specialises in charity legal and governance work, supporting a wide variety of organisations making a difference for good. Her wide range of interests and volunteering help her share with others the joys of churches, sacred and classical music, pipe organs, wildlife, gardens, football, history, heritage and steam locomotives. 

robert powell

Robert has been a Trustee since 2004. Robert is a Wells man through and through. A former pupil of Wells Cathedral School, his two daughters also both attended the school. Robert is also a Cathedral School Governor.

Robert is the Managing Director of Basil Powell Shoes Ltd and is also Chairman of the Wells Chamber of Commerce.

Fiona Wills

Fiona has previously supported both educational and music charities in Somerset and was delighted to join the Chorister Trust as a trustee to further her passion for widening access to music for all young people regardless of their background.

Professionally, Fiona specialises in human resource management with experience in both the charitable and public sectors. Fiona lives in Somerset with her family and is a regular visitor to Wells to enjoy the choral music.