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We have a great team of people who work hard behind the scenes to bring Circus Starr to you. Our performers sparkle and so do the rest of our team in the creation, production and support of our unique shows:

The Directors

Director

Neville Wilson

“Hundreds of the youngsters who see our shows have a life-limiting illness or severe special needs so it is fantastic when we are able to see we have touched their lives in a way that otherwise would not be possible.”

Neville has spent most of his life working in the circus and has been with us since 2001. Bringing more than 20 years of circus management experience with him to Circus Starr, Neville has worked on shows in the UK and Ireland, including the Moscow State Circus and the Chinese State Circus.

Beginning his working life as a conscript in the Defence Force of his native South Africa, after 18 months the thrill of the flying trapeze took him touring Europe with an act for a number of years. Returning to South Africa, Neville worked for Boswell Wilkie Circus where he began on the publicity team, climbing the ranks to become Assistant Manager in 1981 and the rest, as they say, is history.

phone:01260 288690

email:info@circus-starr.co.uk

Fundraising Director

Michelle Crossley

“It was very important to me that we built a team that reflected the Circus Starr ethos and created a working environment that was inclusive, family-friendly and flexible. We have grandparents, mums and dads on our team and firmly believe that a child’s Christmas play or sports day glory shouldn’t be missed!

We always endeavour to accommodate the individual needs of our staff… and looking at our highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working team, I would have to say that our flexibility pays off.”

Michelle has been a part of our team for 15 years. She began as our receptionist before gaining hands-on experience in accounts and sales. Michelle now leads Circus Starr’s telephone fundraising team.

Michelle and her team, who consist of full- and part-time staff and incredible volunteers, develop and grow their relationship with our current supporters whilst researching new funding opportunities that allow us to bring our circus to a town near you.

If you would like to find out about joining our telephone fundraising team, we’d love to hear from you – please email info@circus-starr.org.uk.

phone:01260 288690

email:info@circus-starr.co.uk

Director

Simon Atkins

“I’m passionate about Circus Starr’s aims and enjoy making sure that, as a CIC, we manage our donations and help as many children and their families access our circus as possible”

Simon is Circus Starr’s numbers man as well as being a non-executive Director. Having trained and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992, his financial acumen and advice has proved invaluable in streamlining our financial systems, budget plan and completing our year-end accounts.

phone:01260 288690

email:info@circus-starr.co.uk

Our Communications & Events Team

Communications & Engagement Manager

Sarah Tolley-Hall

Sarah’s journey demonstrates the dedication that our staff have towards Circus Starr and what we do. Having started her time as a telephone fundraiser during her University holidays, Sarah returned with a degree in Journalism as our Events & Social Media Manager. After gaining experience over various different aspects of our organisation, she is now our Communications & Engagement Manager.

Sarah handles our press, marketing, and develops opportunities to raise public awareness of our work. She also introduces new ways of making our magical show more inclusive and accessible for our audience. She loves to share stories of the amazing children who attend our shows, and the difference our show can make. For family stories, interviews and photo opportunities please contact Sarah on 01260 288690 or sarah@circus-starr.org.uk.

phone:01260 288690

email:sarah@circus-starr.org.uk

Donated Ticket Coordinator

Joanne Young

“I have the lovely job of offering donated tickets to local charities, SEN Schools, hospices and children with disabilities and life-limiting conditions. As I am visually impaired myself, I am very passionate about the accessible events that Circus Starr offers. The feedback we receive from the children is heartwarming, and I find my role extremely rewarding.”

Every year Circus Starr donates more than £1.37m worth of free circus tickets to over 3,500 children’s charities through its unique Donated Ticket Programme.

If you’d like to apply for donated tickets for your organisation, please email jo@circus-starr.org.uk or call her on 01260 288690. For individual family enquiries please submit our online Apply For Tickets form.

phone:01260 288690

email:jo@circus-starr.org.uk

Events Coordinator

Jon Mitchell

“I have loved every second of my Circus Starr journey so far. Knowing that our shows make such a difference in each community that we visit is truly heartwarming.”

Jon has over 10 years of experience working in the events industry, which helps him ensure the smooth running of our shows.

His role involves sourcing and securing the sites/venues for our accessible performances in each of the 74 towns we visit. He manages the logistics of our events and liaises with our team on-site to make sure our shows are ready to welcome our wonderful audience members.

Phone:01260 288690

Email:events@circus-starr.org.uk

Communications & Engagement Assistant

Demi Johnson

Demi joined Circus Starr after completing a degree at Teesside University. With previous work experience in care, she is passionate about helping vulnerable people have new experiences and making them feel included. Her role supports the Communication & Engagement Manager and involves handling our online ticket applications.

“If I could choose one word to describe my time working at Circus Starr, it would be unbelievable! I like doing admin that helps people attend our shows and offering adaptations that can support their needs, and of course the fun factor of telling people that I work for a circus!”

phone:01260 288690

email:demi@circus-starr.org.uk

Our Fundraising Team

Grants & Trusts Fundraiser

Judith Halle

“Joining Circus Star has been a fabulous introduction to the world of charitable, not for profit organisations, not to mention the spectacular world of circus and live performance! I’m passionate about Circus Starr and what it gives to children on the edge of society, whatever their circumstances”

Joining Circus Starr from the retail arena, Judith’s previous experience has been in selling products and services. She began as a telephone fundraiser and, after two years, Judith has taken on a new challenge as our trusts and grants fundraiser.

Judith explores new and existing funding streams to keep our magical circus on the road, putting smiles on faces and creating memories. For more information about how Trusts and Grants can support our work please contact Judith.Halle@circus-starr.org.uk or telephone 01260 288690.

phone:01260 288690

email:Judith.Halle@circus-starr.org.uk

Fundraising Managers

Kelly Burndred & Kerry Jackson

Kelly and Kerry manage our dedicated fundraising team which is the powerhouse of Circus Starr!

They both started within the organisation as fundraisers themselves and gradually worked their way up to managerial positions. They know how vital it is that we raise donations so that we can continue our valuable work!

If you would like to make a donation to our cause please email donations@circus-starr.org.uk or call 01260 288690.

Phone:01260 288690

Email:kelly@circus-starr.org.uk

Email:kerry@circus-starr.org.uk

Our Fundraising Team:
The people that make our mission a reality

Meet some of the incredible team that make over 1.4 million calls from our Cheshire Head Office every year.

As an organisation registered with the Fundraising Regulator we are committed to high standards and a clear, respectful, open and honest fundraising policy and are proud of the feedback we receive.

Our Admin Team

Our Admin Team:
The people behind the scenes that make the magic happen

Meet the team on the front line:  Sharon Beech, Tina Randall, Leanne Decker and Hannah Drumm. Managing telephone enquiries, invoicing and providing solid support for our fundraising team, they look forward to speaking to you all!

Contact the team on:
01260 288690

 

 

Got a question? Try our FAQs, email info@circus-starr.org.uk or phone 01260 288690.

 

 

©Circus Starr 2019 All Rights Reserved all 3rd party trademarks acknowledged. Company’s Registered Office Address: Circus Starr, Starr in the Community CIC - Dane Mill, Broadhurst Lane, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1LA Registered in Companies House England & Wales No 7477542