At our recently reconvened AGM we were able to elect people to the posts necessary for us to continue as an organisation. We are very pleased that we are able to continue with our activities and we hope you are too.
We thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce you briefly to our committee members:
Geraldine Morris-Dowling – Chair
I studied Fine Art at Newcastle University from ‘72-’73, and at Goldsmiths College, ’79-‘80. I taught in Further Education before working for the National Trust. I later trained, qualified and worked as a Landscape Architect. I returned to Further Education, where I taught art in Community Learning. I finally became an Education Officer for the northern region of the Association of Colleges. I retired to became a full time unpaid Carer for 11 years for my chronically ill husband .
Throughout this very varied career I have always maintained my interest and practice in art and design. This includes painting, exhibiting and gallery and museum visits across the world. I am especially interested in Japanese culture, textiles and garden design.
Maggie Bassendine – Secretary
A member of FotH for decades, I have now stepped up to be secretary. I am a retired member of staff of Newcastle University, having worked as clinician scientist. I am a weaver/maker, and my late partner was a visual artist (Roy Jackson,1944-2013).
Pete Mackay-Jackson – Treasurer
I moved to Newcastle from Gibraltar in 2004 to study Fine Art at Newcastle University and during my student years I volunteered as a gallery invigilator at the Hatton Gallery. I joined the FotH in 2024 to learn more about their events, and support the gallery, which means a lot to me. In my artistic practice I make ceramics, and in my vocational roles I have worked with various art organisations across the North East over the past twenty years. The outgoing Treasurer John Dance held the post for 18 years, and I only hope I can match his reliability and high standards.
Jo Cousin – Vice Chair and Events organiser
I am from the North East. My background is in teaching and Community Co-,ordination. I joined FotH in 2018 when the previous Events Coordinator stepped down. I became Vice Chair in August 2025.
Suzi Firenzi – Publicity Officer
I am a portrait, landscape artist and photographer with a background in graphic design and teaching. I have been a member of FotH for around 10 years and have held the role of Publicity Officer for two years. I ensure our exhibition information reaches a wide audience.
Roger Newbrook – Social Media Coordinator
Originally from Manchester, I have lived in the North East since 1991. My background is Graphic Design and Art History and I unexpectedly became a DJ in 2016 (for my Club 30-80). I joined the Friends in 2008 largely to participate in their annual exhibitions. I took on the role of Social Media Coordinator in 2018. This involves looking after the Friends’ website and Facebook page and putting together our quarterly bulletins.
Alan Bond – Committee member
my working career, started in the Tyneside shipyards in 1966 until 71 as an electrician . I joined the RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) in 1972 as an electrical officer and stayed until my retirement in 2008. I have engaged myself in the voluntary sector with many organisations, including Beamish Museum and local walking group with Groundworks. I am currently involved with Age UK, South Tyneside. In my spare time I enjoy drawing and painting
Sheila Culling – Committee member
I have lived in the North East all my life .After working in the NHS for 43yrs l retired eleven years ago. lnitially I was volunteering for five years for a local children’s charity as well as supporting family members with care needs .
I now have more time to pursue my interest in the arts (although this has always been a constant in the background). I joined the Friends of the Hatton three years ago after attending one of Jo’s workshops. l appreciate the skills and expertise artists share at these events and the opportunity to experiment with different processes. Before joining the Friends l would regularly call in to see the exhibitions of graduates showcasing emerging talent as well as recognised artists .
Andy Costello – Committee member
I’m a teacher at a huge secondary school in Newcastle. I actually have no creative skills, unlike most of the committee! I graduated from Newcastle University in 1995; I absolutely loved it. I also did my PGCE at Newcastle. I’ve always thought the Hatton is a wonderful gallery with its own unique appeal. When I joined the Friends of the Hatton years ago it was mainly a way to maintain some kind of link to Newcastle University but over time it’s really become just about the Hatton itself.
I’m really happy to be in a position to help out and hope I can make myself useful!
Friends of the Hatton 