Governor Profile - Athene Heynes

Meet Athene Heynes

I am delighted to be appointed as a Governor of Lancaster and Morecambe College.

I am a Solicitor, was a Partner in a law firm, and from 1993 to 2005, a member of the Judiciary. With my adult children having graduated and with full-time careers and lives of their own, I decided to take (very!) early retirement and concentrate on my hobbies, interests and my life!

Life has not stood still.

I qualified as a Mediator in civil disputes and now hear cases referred to me mainly from the Manchester Law Society Panel of Mediators.

I have been appointed as a Chairman/Member of various professional conduct committees, hearing appeals by accountants, doctors and dentists against the sanctions imposed by their various professional governing bodies for alleged misconduct. This is on a national ad hoc basis and is extremely interesting.

I now have the time to indulge my interests and hobbies and travel a great deal. Outside mainland Europe, Africa and Canada are two particular favourites. Other than that, I adore Spain – everything about it – language, culture, music, dance, food, wine, cities and countryside. I recently spent 4 weeks there, 3 of which were spent attending an international language school in Salamanca for total immersion in Spanish language and culture.

I also undertake voluntary and charitable work.

I am a volunteer reading listener at my local primary school and love hearing the 4-7 year olds practice their reading skills.

In addition, I am involved in a charity that assists homeless young persons.

I applied to be a Governor of this college for many reasons, but mainly because young people and the challenges that they face in today’s complex society are of particular concern and interest to me. It is not easy for young adults to socially integrate and become worthwhile citizens with high self-esteem. All too often when I chaired Tribunals hearing appeals by young adults against refusal of State Benefits for Unemployment, I sensed their despair, lack of self-worth and direction. What a waste.

In this college, there is a distinct and prevalent sense of education in its truest sense, enabling young adults to achieve their full potential, thereby enhancing feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. Students feel valued and become worthwhile members of the community because the college and its approach to teaching has enabled them to gain the skills and confidence to make a good contribution to society and to socially interact in a positive way.

This is why I want to be a part of the college. I feel privileged to be a Governor and I hope my involvement will be of benefit.