Meet the Team
Sue Ablett
Festival Chair
A great reader and passionate supporter of Evesham. A few years ago Sue led the very successful Bell Tower Appeal. Has considerable experience of fundraising and event management, not to mention lots of ideas and a boundless amount of energy! Totally passionate about Evesham Festival of Words!
Jane Boon
Committee Member
We moved to Evesham over 8 years ago. Before retiring I was a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and then a Cemetery and Crematorium Registrar. I'm a member of U3A and involved in several groups. I've enjoyed every event arranged by the Festival of Words over the years and have of course already booked many for 2026.
Noelle Chambers
Committee Member
After living in the north west, the east midlands and the south east of England, Noelle moved to Evesham in 1988 and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She worked in county, school and college libraries as a Chartered Librarian and was delighted to join Evesham Festival of Words in 2018 after retiring from the day job.
Annette France
Online Publicity
Annette is happily settled in Harvington. After 40 years in secondary education, finishing as Headteacher in three schools, she is enjoying a busy retirement, including U3A French, two book groups, a writing group, Trustee of Out of Shine Out of School Clubs and now supporting EFoW.
Jo Hand
Committee Member
I worked in senior management in public libraries for 27 years, and as a hypnotherapist for 10 years, before retiring in 2024. I am a keen supporter of Evesham Festival of Words, a member of Evesham U3A, and a season ticket holder at Evesham United Football Club..
Kitty Kovacevic
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer and Artist, Kitty grew up in the local area and now resides in Evesham. A fan of travel books, cycling and drawing. Her artwork is inspired by local landmarks and she was Cotswold Life Magazine’s Artist in residence 2016.
Sarah Propert
Committee Member
I moved to Worcestershire nearly 3 years ago having retired from teaching in Solihull. After 30 years in secondary and primary education, I now keep busy volunteering for the National Trust and as a committee member for my village hall. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Sue and the team, supporting Festival events.
Robert Raphael
Publicity (posters)
Robert is a member of Evesham Town and Wychavon District Councils, and has been Mayor of Evesham and District Chairman three times. An accountant by profession, he later joined the family business at Hampton Ferry. He and the business are huge supporters of the local community, including EFoW.
Diana Raphael
Committee Member
Better known as Mrs Evesham, Diana has been involved in many aspects of town life - Town Councillor, Evesham & Schools in Bloom, President Wychavon Festival of Brass, Angling Festival, Town Guide. Diana has kept a diary since the 1960s. Her memoir, Living Next to Paradise was published in 2025.
Gill Strickland
Committee Member
I have always loved words and books. When I was a child I would read with a torch under the bedcovers, long after I should have been asleep. One of my greatest pleasures now is seeing my grandchildren deriving the same enjoyment from books. I am a member of U3A and a volunteer with Citizens Advice.
In addition to the above we have a great band of supporters who help in a wide variety of ways. This includes particularly helping at events, making cakes and brochure distribution. We are all volunteers.
