MEET THE TRUSTEES
Tony Ingall
Chair
Tony joined the Trust in 2014 as a volunteer primarily supporting the Trust's information technology after a 37 year career in IT in the pharmaceutical industry. He joined the Trustees in 2017 and became Chair in 2022. He has sailed a variety of boats, starting on a Cadet, through Lasers and an RS100 to a Volvo 60. He loves night sailing saying "The vastness of the night sky is a reminder of greatness of our creator God". He has a passion for seeing lives changed as people come to faith in Jesus.
Verity Thomas
Company Secretary
Verity first sailed with the Trust in 2021 as a trainee. Since then, she has volunteered as crew, being first and second mate on silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
Verity is a London-bred engineer/teacher. She loves all things boats and children. Verity became interested in boats from competing in rowing at Thames Rowing Club and volunteering with the Tall Ships Youth Trust as Watch Leader and Deck Hand. She went on to study naval architecture and teaching at university. During her summer holidays, she did the Talls Ships Youth Race sailing to Finland, Lithuania, and Poland. She also joined the Royal Navy cadets, and did a couple of deployments in France and the Netherlands. Now, she is working in Plymouth at Babcock International Group as a Graduate Naval Architect.
Izzy Varey
Safeguarding
Izzy has been part of Morning Star Trust since she first sailed with them when she was 16, and the Trusts has been a big part of her life ever since. She said ' As a practicing Christian, I love being part of a charity that combines adventure and faith in such a real and practical way'. She became a trustee in 2022, and is excited to help Morning Star continue to inspire and encourage young people both in their sailing and in their faith.
Peter Adams
Finance
Peter worked for a major bank for 42 years, ending up in the Legal Department of its Treasury function. When he retired he was looking for new opportunities and contacted the Morning Star Trust which was then based near where he lives.
He initially joined the bosuns team and helped to maintain the boats, whilst also gaining his sailing qualifications up to Yachtmaster level. He is now a regular volunteer skipper and is a DofE Assessor. He is an Elder in his local church and values their prayerful support. He recognises the wonderful opportunities that arise on voyages and sees it as a privilege to serve in this way - as well as being great fun! He has been a Trustee since 2020
Nicola Ratcliffe
Trustee
Nicola has been involved with the Morning Star Trust for over 10 years, during which she has had the privilege of contributing to its growth and success. For the past two years, she has served as a Trustee and is passionate about supporting the trust’s mission to provide life-changing sailing experiences.
In addition to her trustee role, Nicola is also a member of the Safety Committee, where she helps ensure that the trust maintains high standards of safety for all participants. As a qualified Skipper, she is out on the water regularly, leading crews and helping to deliver valuable sail training to young people.
Her years of experience with the trust have given her a deep understanding of its operations, and she is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those who take part in the trust’s programs.
Rachel Walters
Risk
Rachel first encountered the Trust in 2014 as a volunteer crew member delivering the Trust’s original boat, Morning Star, from Chatham to Gosport. She was impressed by the care and concern shown by the Morning Star staff and volunteers, particularly towards the more vulnerable members of the crew. This led Rachel to apply as a volunteer mate, which was nearly scuppered by her breaking her shoulder, while out walking, at a crucial point in the process! The Trust, as always, was keen to accommodate her, thankfully short-lived, incapacity. Over the years, Rachel has greatly valued the opportunities the Trust has provided to share her love of the sea and life onboard with a variety of groups.
Serving as Trustee since 2022, Rachel brings analytical and problems solving skills, together with an ability to ask probing questions, gained from her experience in engineering, leadership training and working with a Christian mission charity.
When not working or volunteering, Rachel is happy to be out on a boat, or anywhere, enjoying God’s creation!