Vita Nova: About Us

Simon Bull - Chief Executive

Simon joined Vita Nova as a volunteer at its inception in 1999, He acted in the first play 'Scratchin' the Surface' before putting his energies into the administration and running of the company.

Ignatius Harling - Coordinator

A former Vita Nova service user and volunteer, Ignatius has since undertaken training in Business Planning, Fundraising and Marketing in addition to completing his degree at Arts University College at Bournemouth.

Dave Walker - Project Worker (Volunteer Development)

Dave was a volunteer with Vita Nova for over two years prior to being employed by the organization. His background is in Human Resources and he previously worked for the BBC.

Michelle Black - Administrator

Michelle joined Vita Nova in January 2010 as an administrator having previously worked for an Auctioneer. She has worked for the private sector, the voluntary sector and local government. She moved to Bournemouth from London 4 years ago and having worked for the voluntary sector some years before, finds herself back in that field.

Nell Leyshon - Writer in Residence

Nell Leyshon was the winner of the Evening Standard Award for most promising playwright in 2006 for her play Comfort Me with Apples, has written several plays for Radio 3 and 4, as well as novels and short stories. Her latest play ‘Paradise’ has just completed a tour in the South West, members of Vita Nova accompanied the play and delivered an outreach programme to people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Nell is currently writing plays for the Globe Theatre, Royal Court and National Theatre.

Sharon Muiruri - Honourary President

Sharon, former Director of now disbanded Bournemouth Theatre in Education team, decided to use people who had been through addiction to develop a drug awareness education package for schools. Sharon directed the first four of Vita Nova's plays and it is because of her dedication and hard work that the plays are of such high quality.

Current Volunteers:

Vita Nova relies upon a team of dedicated volunteers who give up their time to share their experiences and to give people informed choices. Click here to find out more.

The Trustees:

Susie James

Entrepreneurial skills:

Owner 123Send Ltd.  Incorporated 1999.  Sole aim to provide wireless payment terminals accepting credit cards that merchants could use anywhere.  123 Send is now leader in its field.  Competitors include RBS, HSBC, Barclays.  Previous experience includes start-up Capital Phonehire, sold to Vodafone 1997.

Now nearing third year of training as psychotherapist.  Qualified Hypnotherapist.

Voluntary work:  Cruse Bereavement Care, Vita Nova

Mother of young daughter

Ben Grower

63 years old retired Chartered Accountant.

Was Senior Partner of a firm in Christchurch employing approx 35 people.

Has been a Bournemouth Borough Councillor since 1976 and was Mayor of the town in 2000-01.

A Governor of the Dorset Healthcare Foundation Trust and Trustee of the Sheltered Worksop Opportunities Project.

Valerie Jolliffe

I was born in Enniskillen and had a Grammar School education.   At 18 I started work in the laboratory of a large Bakery. During this time I joined the WRNR as a reserve in 1960 and became an officer in 1963.  In 1966 I married and went to live in Jamaica where my three sons were born.  We returned to Dorset in 1974 and I was widowed in 1977.  I set up a business in 1978 selling Ladies Fashion and continued until 1989 until I remarried and became a partner in my husband's Fireplace business.  In 1999 I joined Soroptimist International , a world wide service organisation for women and during my Presidential year I named Vita Nova as my Charity and have supported them how and when I can ever since.

Jilly Grower

Jilly has been a trustee of Vita Nova since the charity was founded. Although Jilly does not consider she has any special skills, being a teacher for 30 years has enabled her to be a communicator. She also runs a small charity for young people with Aids in Romania.

Julie Dugan

Julie is sole Director of an events company for Senior Citizens in Bournemouth. She also manages her own property portfolio. Her career includes key roles in international commodity businesses in London, since moving to Bournemouth in 1998 property development, recruitment and events organisation/fundraising for the Youth Cancer Trust.

Ted Taylor

I was a Youth worker for many years, building up positive relationships, enabling young people to improve their potential, confidence, self-esteem and negotiating skills.

Now I am a ward councillor, representing the people in the Kinson South Ward. An important role, in listening to peoples issues, and finding solutions together.

Cast, Crew and volunteers:

Current: Brian, Kevin, Jane, Tracey, Gerry, Simon, Rupert, Libby, Barbie,

Some Former Members:

Clyde - (September 1999) The groups technician and Puck in 'Dream On'. Now studying technical theatre at University.

Janice - (October 2000) Worked on Sound and Lighting desk for Scratchin' the Surface and Dream On, acted in 'It's About Time...' Currently teaching Yoga in the USA.

Delia - (November 2001) actor in 'Scratchin' the Surface', 'Dream On', 'It's About Time...'. Completed Open College Network 'Performance Skills' level 3 course. Now working with the NHS.

Paul P - (May 2004) Actor in 'The Bascombe Mummers Play'. Sound and lighting for 'Scratchin' the Surface'. Currently working at the Jellico Theatre and started University last year.

Ryan - (May 2004) Actor in 'The Bascombe Mummers Play' and 'Scratchin' the Surface'. Now working full time in care.

Rob - (2000) Acted in 'Dream On', 'The Mule' and 'Scratchin' the Surface' and worked on 'The Bicknell Edge' project. Employed as workshop facilitator by the group in 2006 before taking a post with Bournemouth Youth Service.

Jeni - Actor in 'Scratchin the Surface', 'Dream On' and 'It's About Time...'. Now studying at the Jellicoe Theatre

A few more: Alan.C, Adam, Andrew, Billy, Brian D., Brian G., Carl, Carlton, Claire, Clyde, Darren, Dave, David, Dave W, David W., Davide, Dean, Delia, Eric, Garry, Gavin, Graham, Grant, Hana, Hannah, Iain, Ignatius, Jane, Janice, Janine, Jason, Jeni, Jon, Jordy, Karl, Karly, Kate, Kevin, Larry, Leah, Linda, Lindsey, Lisa, Lloyd, Louise, Mark, Martin, Martin M., Maxine, Michael G., Michael K., Miguel, Mike, Miriam, Natasha, Nasreen, Nick, Ollie, Pamela, Paul, Paul H, Paul V, Ray, Rob, Richard, Richard D., Sandra, Scott, Sheila, Steve L., Steve N., Steve W., Tammy, Tariq, Terence, Teresa, Tim, Tim B, Tina, Tonya, Will, Yana, Yannie