Trustees

Tim Hooper (he/him) joined Jelly as a Trustee in 2018 after working with us collaboratively and producing events and festivals in and around Reading. Tim was inspired by our values, sense of community and artistic output.
In addition to a production background, Tim has also set up and run several small businesses in the town and actively volunteers with a number of different charities both operationally and as a board member.

Rosie Faretta (she/her) has a background in events and marketing, and a degree in Geography from the University of Birmingham. She is inspired by all creative endeavours and previously supported Oxfam through volunteering at festivals.
She was introduced to Jelly through a colleague and was instantly inspired hearing about the work that Jelly advocates for. Rosie has joined the board Environmental Champions acting as a representative of Jelly for organisations such as Julie’s Bicycle.

Al Dewis (she/her) first joined the Jelly in 2006 when she worked as a Marketing Executive for Hammerson's Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading, partnering on several impactful projects. Experienced in Marketing Communications & Event Management, in 2011 Al went on to work in Jelly's Operations Team and now sits on The Board of Trustees.
Al is passionate about the arts; most notably dance, music and fashion. As a dance teacher & fitness instructor, teaching a wide range of dance genres to adults and children alike, she is driven to provide access and exposure to movement to music and believes strongly in the positive impact it can have on all. Al was part of the co-founding team for Pineapple Sustainable Partnerships - a consultancy that brings large organisations, innovators and finance together, to help transition to a more sustainable future - and feels very strongly about making change.

Christina Gilbert grew up in Reading and has always been aware of Jelly from our time in the Oracle to the current home in Broad St Mall. Christina has a background in corporate events and communications and supports Jelly with process and policies. She also helps us out as a workshop volunteer.

Mary Genis (she/her) is the artistic director of CultureMix Arts and a Clore Fellow. She has received several awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award by the British Association of Steelbands for her dedication to steel pan music education and as leader of community steel band Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO).
Mary is also a trustee for Notting Hill Carnival organiser Carnival Village Trust. She is a musician, a visual and performance artist, producing and delivering projects, activities and digital content that celebrates arts and culture. She supports young people with career development and business start ups.
‘I’m proud and honoured to be part of the Jelly family which I joined more than twenty years ago inspired by Jelly's altruistic ethos and Suzanne’s inimitable leadership where I can share my passion for art and culture and the positive benefits of community participation.’

Steve Hicks (he/him) first came across Jelly when it was in Minster Street in the late 1990’s. After building his own property he wanted contemporary art to fill the white walls. He started buying artwork and then when Jelly moved into the Oracle continued to support the organisation.
Steve was invited to become a Trustee to deal with property matters alongside Jim Attwell who has recently retired. Having had experience in developing hundreds of homes, converted barns, watermills, pubs and offices Steve would love to find Jelly a permanent home.
Steve is a keen follower of Reading FC (a former Patron) and Rams Rugby club.

Holly Buckle (they/them) completed their MFA in fine art media at the Slade School of Fine Arts in 2021 and also received a BA hons in Photography from the Arts University Bournemouth in 2013. They received the Henriques Scholarship in recognition of excellence and achievement on the Fine Art programme at the Slade, and ACME Adrian Carruthers Award 2021/22 Studio award.
Holly is currently LGBTIQ+Outreach lead for the City of Westminster, Director and Artistic program lead at The Outside Project LGBTIQ+ community centre, shelter and refuge.

Hannah Conibear (she/her) has lived in Reading since childhood, moving to Caversham in 1993. She is a chartered accountant with 15 years experience both in industry and in practice. Her specialism is financial reporting for small to medium sized businesses.
Hannah is also a keen environmentalist, a parent and a cyclist and a runner, having taken part in the Reading Half Marathon three times. Hannah enjoys creativity through knitting, mending and sewing along with vegan baking with her daughter. She has also recently taken up indoor climbing with her family and is enjoying it immensely.

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