While getting my BA degree in the History of Art, I worked in an art gallery organising classes and events as well as sales then worked in advertising in London before moving to Sussex.

Married to Michael Ann owner of Drusillas, a small zoo in Sussex, my roles included marketing, general design, education programmes and stepping in wherever it was needed. I set up the Junior Board of directors made up of 8 - 12 year olds who acted as advisors. This led to consulting work in children's empowerment.

I was part of the organising team for : The "Leave it to Us" Children's Conference on the Environment welcoming close to 800 children from 80 countries to weeklong conference in Eastbourne 1995 and The Second World Summit on Television for Children 1998 and consultant along with my junior board to Disney, Marks and Spencer and others.

I was Chair of Same Sky, a Brighton based Community Arts group.

I am Michael Ann OBE, LLD, DL and I took on the running of Drusillas Zoo in Sussex after my career as a Naval Officer.

I developed the business into what became known as "The Best Small Zoo in the Country" with over 300,000 visitors. It was known for its innovation, education and design.

I was Founder and Chairman of East Sussex Tourist Attractions, Chairman of the South East Tourist Board 1994-1997, Member, Government Deregulation Task Force 1994-1996; Member, the English Tourist Board 1994-1997; Member, South Downs Conservation Board 1992-1998; Vice-President, South East England Tourist Board 1997-; Chairman, Tourism Sector Group South East England Regional Development Agency. 1982 - 1987

I have lived all my life in the Cuckmere Valley, am a keen walker and sailor, and have spent many a happy day at Cuckmere Haven.

After leading Somerhill School in Hove with a focus on creative opportunities, I ran the Foundry Gallery in Lewes with my partner Christine Hall. The Gallery hosted many prestigious exhibitions and events and enabled me to have a wide network of artists and makers. The focus was on bringing artists’ work to the community and supporting creative experiences for all ages. The Cuckmere team is also dedicated to that aim. We are working hard to achieve it and through it to raise money to support the work needed to save the wonderful location of Cuckmere.

I am a glass engraver and paper artist, Mum, and Cuckmere Campaigner. I studied at Central St Martins School of Art and the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, specialising in 3D Design (Ceramics and Glass). I have worked for the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust for 17 years and am currently an Historic Premises Manager.

My family tree is rooted at Cuckmere Haven, my Great Grandfather was the last Coastguard Officer there, and the custodianship of his cottage has passed down the generations to my sister Sophie and I. It is very hard work but we are kept going by the strength of support from the public, and the love they have for this very special place.

My background in retail management and client services in a higher education environment have contributed to my organisation skills and made me an excellent candidate for the role of co-ordinator for Celebrate Cuckmere Haven.

I also create, as a digital artist, and am often inspired by the outstanding landscapes of Seaford - my adopted hometown - and the Cuckmere Valley.

Still life subjects and floral themes have also become part of my repertoire since having more time during lockdown to explore and extend my art practice.

My professional experience and skills, alongside my current artistic focus, gave me the opportunity to be involved with the organising and setting up of the 2022 Celebrate Cuckmere Haven exhibition, having first exhibited in the 2021 exhibition. I have also taken part in the Brighton & Hove Open Houses festival.

I describe myself as an idiosyncratic artist because my art work does not seem to fit into a specific category. I have worked with clay, copper, paper, paint, wood, textiles using different techniques such as forming, printing, stencilling, painting and sewing. In a past life I was a teacher but really I have been a lifelong student and explorer of artistic expression.

I was instrumental in setting up the Chalk Gallery in Lewes and I really enjoy working with other people to make art things happen in my locality.

Michèle Findlay -

MA, Bed (Hons), Dip Ed Psych

Originally qualified in Graphic Design, and later obtaining a degree in Creative Modelmaking, I have been involved in an eclectic mix of artistic practices over many years. In 2005 I started developing my digital photography-based artwork, which has been exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition and at the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers Bankside Gallery in London, as well as a variety of galleries and art shows in Sussex and Kent. I was a member of the artist run Chalk Gallery in Lewes for 4 years, and have been involved in a number of other group collaborations, events and exhibitions.

www.simoneriley.co.uk