Linda Dickinson
Chair

I am a retired Primary schoolteacher and have lived in the locality for over 26 years.
I worked full time for many years but now am able to volunteer and spend time as a governor for our local school. I was also a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator during my career and apart from my teaching degree I also obtained a P.G.C in Dyslexia Studies.

I am married with children and three grandchildren. I also volunteer in our local St Barnabus hospice shop so you may see me there too! When I have time I try and go to Pilates classes and I also enjoy hill walking. My other hobbies include reading, scrabble and gardening.

I look forward to being a member of Waddington Redwood Primary Academy's Governing Body.

Sian Milling
Headteacher

I am extremely proud to be headteacher of Waddington Redwood Primary Academy.  I have a strong affiliation with Redwood having started as a child in the Reception class at the age of 4.  Since then, I have returned as a student and as a teacher and have had the privilege of spending the majority of my teaching career here.  This has given me the opportunity to watch a generation of children grow up and bring their own children back through the gates.  In fact my own children, Rosie and Peter, both attended the academy.  I am now pleased to be part of the governing body and look forward to being able to work alongside colleagues to secure the best outcomes for Redwood.  

In my spare time I love to go walking and see the countryside and I often go out in all weathers!  I enjoy reading and can devour books better than anyone I know.  I also love spending time with my friends and family.

Lance Pennell

I was born and raised in Blackburn and studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. I am now a retired RAF pilot and lived in the Brant Road area when I flew Vulcans from RAF Waddington. Subsequently, much of my 36 years in the RAF was spent in flying training posts, teaching and standardizing both students and their instructors. After my retirement from the Service, in May 2011 I became the North Kesteven District Councillor for the Waddington Ward where the School is located and then joined the Governing Body in September 2012. I believe firmly that good education and training is key to our future.

A keen golfer, I also follow motor sport and enjoy skiing with my wife.

    Katie Gilman-Abel

I have been a teacher at Redwood for 3 years now, starting out as a student training to teach and then staying on full time as a class teacher. I have sat on youth boards for Swim England and the Sport and Recreation Alliance when I was younger, but this is my first time as a school governor. I am excited to use my background to work with Redwood and ensure we achieve the best outcomes for the school. I am passionate about working with children and giving them the best opportunities we can, so I am excited to be a part of the governing body. In my spare time, I enjoy walking my dogs, running and spending time with my friends and family.

  McKenna Russell

I am looking forward to my first appointment as a school governor at Waddington Redwood Primary Academy, I have many years of experience working with young people as a sports coach and I am a keen advocate for safety, mental health & wellbeing for all ages. I have 10 years of experience in the utilities sector where I currently work as a project delivery manager and I hope that I can bring a variety of knowledge to the school.

Aside from attending the University of Birmingham for my degree in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science, I have lived in Lincoln all my life. In my spare time I enjoy walking my spaniels, travelling and spending time with friends.

    Jason Walton

I decided, after enrolling my son at Waddington Redwood I should start taking a further interest in the decision process behind the school.

I am currently the Operations Manager at a power station and as such have a keen interest in practical Health and Safety, and Environmental standards.  My career started in the Merchant Navy, where I sailed as an Engineering Officer for 3 years before deciding to come back to shore. This is when I found my way into Power Generation.  It amazes me that decisions taken at such a young age can set us on a path for our future. So I decided I wanted to be part of that decision process for our generations going forward.  I have lived in Lincolnshire for the last 11 years, previously living all over the country for work. Although I can say Lincoln is the first place I have built a home and family, so I intend to stay for the foreseeable future.

 Joel-Lilian Conway

With a dynamic and extensive background spanning 12 years of service in the Royal Air Force across various roles, I bring a wealth of experience in establishing governance frameworks, effective project planning, and enhancing operational policies and procedures. Driven by a passion for excellence and strategic thinking, I am motivated to explore innovative approaches and actively contribute to educational initiatives.

Beyond my military service, I find fulfilment in volunteering with numerous charities and serving as a STEM Ambassador. Recently completing a foundation-level degree, I aim to serve as a role model, demonstrating that continuous self-improvement is always achievable. My goal is to inspire future generations to strive for excellence and empower them to embrace challenges, step out of their comfort zones, and become the best versions of themselves.