Laura Jones is a professional dance artist who began her training at Linda Butler School of Dance. Having sustained a spinal injury in 1998, Laura went on to become the first wheelchair user to complete 100% of the A-Level dance syllabus. She joined Stopgap Dance Company in 2001 and has been integral to the growth and direction of the company. She is a fierce advocate for the dance and disability sector, speaking at various events and collaborating on a wide range of dance productions. Laura was brought up amongst folk dancers, particularly morris dancers, and is a direct descendant of the late Cyril Jones, Gold Badge holder.
Ayub Khan MBE is Head of Libraries and Face to Face front-line services for Warwickshire County Council, with strategic, operational and financial responsibility for public-facing services including Libraries, Heritage and Culture. He is currently leading the development of a Heritage and Culture Strategy for the county, working in partnership with organisations large and small across the sector. Ayub is also involved with a number of national professional bodies. He is keen to support EDFSS and its valuable work promoting English traditional arts across the UK and beyond, and particularly to diversify its audience base.
Steve Roud has been a dancer, singer, musician and caller in fifty years of involvement in ‘folk’. He has an honours degree in Library & Information Science, and is an experienced lecturer and writer, conference organiser, and general ‘activist’ on traditional topics. He is actively involved in various projects to provide enthusiasts and researchers with online access to accurate historical materials, and believes that its continuing world-class Library, Archive and Information provision is essential to underpin its mission to further knowledge and enjoyment of the folk arts.
Lorna Aizlewood, Chair, said: ‘Between them, Laura Jones, Ayub Khan and Steve Roud bring a wealth of experience and wisdom ranging across a huge range of relevant areas – including many which have historically been under-represented amongst our Board. I am delighted to welcome them.’
