A new Chair at Blue Apple

In July Dr Alison Frater takes the helm at Blue Apple after Prof Ed Rochead steps down as Chair, having successfully steered the charity through the pandemic and diversified the board. He leaves the charity well-positioned for growth.

Alison, a former Director of Public Health with a PhD in cancer epidemiology, has excelled in addressing health inequalities and improving healthcare access. She advocates for the arts' transformative power in the criminal justice system and supports inclusivity through roles at Clean Break and Hijinx.

Alison said:

“It’s an honour to be appointed Chair of Blue Apple. I’m inspired by a theatre company founded by and for learning disabled people that delivers on its mission. I’ve witnessed how inclusive theatre connects hearts to minds in unique, fun and exciting ways transforming lives, making the world a better place. I’m keen to support the members, staff and Board pushing boundaries, driving this vision forward.”

Alan Lovell, DL, Patron, Blue Apple Theatre commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Alison as Chair of Blue Apple Theatre and am confident that both her professional skills and her arts governance experiences will make her a superb Chair. She is exceedingly well placed to lead it into its exciting new phase of growth both for its participants and as a leader in the disability arts sector.”

Professor Sarah Greer, Vice Chancellor, University of Winchester added:

“The University of Winchester is proud to host Blue Apple Theatre as its artist in residence, and I'm delighted to welcome Dr Alison Frater as its new Chair of Trustees. I am confident that Alison will lead Blue Apple to even greater success in creating outstanding arts with learning disabled participants and grow its role as a confident leader in the UK, and world, learning disabled arts sector.”

Professor Edward Rochead, retiring Chair of trustees at Blue Apple observed:

“As I come to the end of my tenure as Chair, I would like to thank the trustees, staff, freelancers, stakeholders, volunteers, and perhaps most of all, the Blue Apple participants who have been part of the Blue Apple journey during this time.  I pay especial tribute to the two trustees who are retiring alongside me, Kim Gottlieb and Lucy McKenna, both of whom have brought great compassion and enthusiasm to the role of trustee, and the charity is in a better place because of their work.

Blue Apple's recent strides in online offerings, Hampshire expansion, training for inclusive arts professionals, and participant involvement in decision making  fill me with immense pride.

With Dr Alison Frater as Chair, along with the body of trustees that she inherits, I am truly confident of even greater achievements in the future, and I look forward to being an enthusiastic supporter of as a member of the public!”

Duncan Rutter, active trustee at Blue Apple said:

“Ed has been an inspiring leader of Blue Apple for the past three years.  He has used his networking skills to introduce the charity to a wide range of new stakeholders and influencers and strengthened our relationship with the University.  He has calmly steered us through the challenges of the Covid pandemic and leaves Blue Apple in great shape for the future.  He will be missed.”

Richard Conlon, Artistic Director concluded:

“The changeover as established trustees leave and new ones take a seat at the table can be a tricky one for small charities, but the current movement on the board of Blue Apple is being managed with the organisation's traditional warmth and heart. This bittersweet time will be greeted (as it says in Hamlet) ' with an auspicious and a dropping eye' as we welcome a new chair ready to walk hand in hand with the staff towards a really exciting future.

Alison knows all about the intersection between culture social justice, between entertainment and civil rights. this strange world which we inhabit is understood by her in her DNA - her strategic brain will be supported by Adam's experience of running Minstead Trust and Libby's track record of managing teams and balancing budgets.

There are exciting times ahead for all of us in a landscape which has never been more trying for the cultural sector - the next few years will be a challenge, but we think, ultimately, a truly rewarding one for the trustees, the staff, and most importantly for our participants and performers.”

Note: A more detailed biography of Dr Alison Frater can be seen here.