Trustees

Andrew Bowles (Co-opted, term ends 2026)

Born and raised in Graveney, Andrew represented Courtenay Ward on Swale Borough Council from 1987- 2002 then the enlarged Boughton & Courtenay Ward from 2002-2019. Previously Chairman of Graveney & Goodnestone Parish Council on which he served from 1976 till 2015. Graveney School Governor since 1980. Sidesman at Selling Parish Church. Kent County Councillor for 23 Parishes comprising Swale East from 2005-2021.

Mike Cosgrove (Co-opted, term ends 2026)

Mike Cosgrove lives in Faversham. He has been KCC social services area director for Medway and Swale, a non-executive director of NHS Kent PCT, and a mental health manager. He helped establish the Kent Community Foundation, was a director of a housing association; is currently a member of five local charitable organisations.

Alex Eyre (SBC term ends 2029)

Kieran Golding (SBC, term ends 2027)

Father to two grown-up daughters and grandad to a four-year old grandson, Kieran has lived in Kent all his life – Dover, Hythe, and now Faversham. Kieran’s career has seen him work in the public and private sectors; he is currently working as a Trade Union professional for the Communication Workers Union. He is also a trained therapeutic counsellor.

Active in the Faversham community, Kieran is an elected member of Faversham Town Council and Swale Borough Council and as well as being a trustee for Citizens Advice Swale, he also volunteers at Faversham Foodbank.

Ben J Martin (SBC, term ends 2027) 

Ben J Martin was born and raised in Faversham. He works in social housing for a Kent based housing association, having previously worked in retail and hospitality management since graduating from University with a Diploma in Business & Sustainability. 

First elected to Faversham Town and Swale Borough Council in 2019, Ben is one of a number of Trustees nominated by Swale Borough Council and has been a Trustee since 2019.  He is the current Vice Chairman of Trustees.

Claire Martin (Co-opted, term ends 2027) (Chairman)

Claire became a Trustee of the Bensted’s Charity in February 2022.  She is Faversham born and bred.

She is  an elected member of both Swale Borough Council and Faversham Town Council.

Andrew Osborne (Co-opted, term ends 2029)

A Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Andrew was born on the Brents and has always lived in Faversham.  Former Independent Borough Councillor (20yrs) and Town Councillor (14 years), Faversham Municipal Charities (45 yrs), and Governor Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (20yrs).  Founder member of the Faversham Society, Old Grammar School, and Bensted’s Charity (1989). Holder of the British Empire Medal, and Honorary Freeman of the town of Faversham.

Hannah Perkin (SBC, term ends 2029)

Hannah moved to Faversham in 2010 and lives there with her husband and two children. After graduating from Reading university where she studied archaeology and classics, Hannah worked in hospitality managing bars in Reading, Canterbury and London. She then worked in the Surestart children’s centres as a volunteer coordinator and started an award winning vegan catering company. Hannah is an elected member of Faversham Town council and Swale Borough Council as well as a trustee of the Foodbank and Citizens Advice.

David Simmons (SBC, term ends 2029)

David was born at Whitehill House, Faversham, where he runs a family farming business and has a stall in Faversham Market selling local produce.  He is Chairman of Faversham Market Co-Operative which runs the market.

He is a former Mayor of Faversham and Honorary Alderman of Swale Borough Council.  He took a leading role in Faversham’s celebrations of the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.

He is a Trustee of Faversham Municipal Charities and is the current Chairman. He was Chairman of the Friends of the Cottage Hospital for 20 years and remains a Trustee.

He is a Liveryman and Past Master, Worshipful Company of Fruiterers.