Addington Fund welcomes two new trustees to its board
This month Addington Fund has welcomed two new trustees to its board, with the appointment of, Jennie Wheildon and Alastair Brown strengthening the charity’s wealth of experience across the agricultural and rural sectors.
Jennie Wheildon, Addington Fund Trustee
Jennie and Alastair, who began their roles at the start of August 2026, bring fresh perspectives, extensive industry knowledge and a shared passion for supporting farming families and the future of British agriculture to the Addington Fund team.
Jennie, who is also a member of Addington Fund’s Housing Sub Committee, is a Partner in the Agriculture team at Shakespeare Martineau. She has worked within the agricultural sector since qualifying as a trainee solicitor and has extensive experience supporting farming clients with a wide range of rural property matters.
Jennie is passionate about the farming community and the unique nature of working within the rural sector.
“I love the sector that I work and live in. The rural community has a wonderful way of taking you into their hearts and lives so that the law become more than just the letter and every day brings with it a new and different challenge.” says Jennie.
Alastair, brings more than 30 years of experience in the livestock market industry with him and is also a member of Addington Fund’s New Entrant Grant Panel.
Alastair Brown, Addington Fund Trustee
The son of a dairy farmer from Cheshire, Alastair began his career as an auctioneer and manager at Bletsoes. More recently, his works with the Livestock Auctioneers Association Limited (LAA), continues to support the Executive Secretary across strategy and collaborative working.
His extensive knowledge of livestock markets and the wider agricultural sector will provide valuable insight as Addington Fund continues to support the rural community and invest in the future of British farming.
Simon Mountjoy, Chair of Trustees at Addington Fund, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jennie and Alastair to the Addington Fund board. Both bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the farming and rural communities we support.
“Their knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop our work supporting farming families across England and Wales, while also helping to secure a positive future for the next generation of farmers.”
Addington Fund’s Fund Director Sue English added, “I believe we have found two outstanding new trustees who are deeply committed to Addington Fund’s values and mission, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the Board.”
The appointments follow the retirement of Liza Dibble, who has reached the end of her ten-year term as an Addington Fund trustee.
Liza Dibble, former Addington Fund Trustee
During her decade on the Board, Liza made an outstanding contribution to the charity, generously giving her time, expertise and guidance to support the Fund’s work. Her commitment to helping farming families and rural communities has been unwavering, while her thoughtful counsel has helped shape the organisation through a period of significant growth and development.
“While Liza will be greatly missed around the Board table, her legacy will continue to be felt through the many farming families whose lives have been positively impacted by the charity’s work during her tenure.” said Sue English.
Although Liza has stepped down as a trustee, she will continue to support Addington Fund as a member of the charity’s Housing and New Entrant Grant Scheme Panels.
The appointments of Jennie and Alastair come during Addington Fund’s 25th anniversary year, as the charity continues to build on 25 years of supporting rural and farming families through times of hardship and helping to support the next generation of farmers.