Sustainable Crediton is managed day to day by our Core Group. These people are our ‘engine room’, leading our projects and organising events and campaigns. Core Group normally meets monthly in the evening. Any of our supporters are welcome to come along to see what we get up to. Core Group is always on the look out for new volunteers to join and help us organise. If this interests you, drop us line at .
The current Core Group members are:
Claire Johnstone (Co-convenor)
I am a passionate and creative public servant with 20+years experience driving more integrated and nature-based approaches in the land and water sector. My career has spanned both policy and practice and combines economics, ecology, funding and finance.
I head a national team leading countrywide innovative funding programmes for nature restoration with a wide network of government, industry, civil-society and academic partners. Current work focus is supporting social enterprises and cross-sector funding for nature recovery.
Esther Mann (Co-convenor)
I organise the Pollinator Project which has been running for a number of years and I hope to increase the number of gardens we maintain in Crediton. I am Co-convenor of the Core Group and I help other Sustainable Crediton projects such as the Community Larder and the Tree Group. I enjoy liaising with other community groups and I want to expand this to further Sustainable Crediton’s aims.
Kirsty Janes (Treasurer)
As treasurer I look after Sustainable Crediton’s finances day-to-day, help with funding bids and ensure we follow good financial practice as a charity. I’ve also been active in the Larder group and am a keen wildlife gardener.
Rob Hines (Secretary)
I grew up in Devon, albeit the other side of Dartmoor, and was lucky to return to live in Crediton in 2016. I joined the Core Group in May 2024, and have steadily become more involved in Sustainable Crediton’s activities over time.
Guided by both personal values and professional experience, I believe in a human, realistic, and practical approach to the systemic changes needed to align business and society with the natural world. Sustainable Crediton offered an ideal opportunity for me to learn from, and contribute to, a community-based organisation committed to promoting sustainable living from the ground up.
Caroline Romijn
After a busy career in education, it was great to retire and finally have time to pursue the environmental interests that had always been close to my heart. I was impressed with Sustainable Crediton’s good energy and commitment to climate action, so I gladly joined Core Group in 2019, and held the role of Secretary until April 2025.
I’ve been actively involved with the Tree Planting Team and with our annual Big Green Fair in the Square.
Dee Ross
I was one of the original members that set up Crediton Climate Action, now called Sustainable Crediton. I have been proud to watch all the great work the group has done over the years, helping Crediton to become more resilient, by responding to the damaging changes to our environment and adapting to more sustainable living that will be required for the future.
Gail Dalton-Hines
Sometimes I feel like a quiet, unofficial social enterprise – not formal or funded, just driven by care and good intentions.
I challenge fast-fashion by encouraging more thoughtful ways to shop and live.
Through small acts like clothes swaps, give & takes, local craft events, and baking for good causes,
I try to promote more mindful choices, community spirit, and everyday kindness in a world that often needs more of it.
Lesley Thomas
I’ve lived in Crediton for three years since retiring and have been struck by what a lively and welcoming town it is. My background is in Public Health, with a particular focus on improving population health and wellbeing. As joint newsletter editor with John, I help bring you updates and stories about local events and climate-related news. I also enjoy helping to plan and run our community events. We always welcome contributions and ideas from our readers — your input keeps the newsletter vibrant!
Alan Murray
I have been involved since 2007 in Crediton Climate Action (now Sustainable Crediton). We are proud to be one of the first Transition Towns in the world! I now act as a link between the Climate Action Team and Core Group. CAT’s current activities include raising awareness of the effects of climate change, influencing local housing standards and suitability, making connections with farmers and local food production and improving health through promoting active travel. All intended as part of SC’s efforts to improve the sustainability and resilience of Crediton and the surrounding area.
Terry Hadley