Trustees of the Spirit of Normandy Trust

Leadership

Trustees

The people guiding the Trust’s work in remembrance, welfare, education and legacy.

The Trust

The people guiding the work of the Trust.

The Spirit of Normandy Trust is supported by trustees with backgrounds in public service, education, finance, the armed forces, heritage, and charitable work.

1994

Trust founded

10+

Trustees and officers supporting the charity

Chairman

Richard Palusinski

Richard worked in public service roles for over 40 years and served with the Special Constabulary for 42 years, including more than 10 years as Commanding Officer for Wiltshire Special Constabulary. He also worked with the Wiltshire Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association for 10 years, serving as Branch Secretary for the last 5 years.

Joint Vice Chairman

Mark Waring

A former SNCO in the Fleet Air Arm, Mark completed 27 years of service and now works in the City of London as Aviation Director. He has organised return trips to Normandy for veterans and leads legacy trips where children visit the battlefields alongside veterans.

Joint Vice Chairman

Peter Lankester

Peter completed a full career as a Royal Navy officer in 2007. A commando helicopter pilot and senior officer, he later worked with the Churches Conservation Trust and remains active as a consultant and volunteer. He became a trustee in 2018 and has family links to the Normandy landings through his father’s work on the Mulberry Harbour.

Trustees

Ian H. Stewart, C.M.

Trustee

Former co-Director of Award Productions Ltd and appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1989, Ian served on the original 1994 NVA 50th Anniversary Committee. A professional designer, he contributed to several major commemorative projects, including the Normandy Campaign Medal and the Normandy Campaign Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Warrant Officer Class 1 Baz Firth MBE

Trustee

Baz joined the Royal Navy in 1990 and specialised in the Fleet Air Arm on the Lynx maritime helicopter. Alongside his military service, he has been deeply involved in charitable work, including with the Sporting Bears Motor Club, helping raise over £2 million for children’s charities across the UK. He was awarded an MBE for his charity work.

Angela Tait

Trustee

Fran Bradshaw

Trustee

Fran is the daughter of D-Day veteran Joe Cattini and accompanied him on return trips to Normandy and Holland from the 70th Anniversary in 2014 onward. She has enjoyed a 40-year career in education, including leadership roles in schools and county advisory work, and continues to support education as a school governor.

Darius Mehta

Trustee

Darius is a retired Chartered Accountant with 45 years’ experience across major professional firms and commercial finance roles. Since retirement he has remained active in community and voluntary work, including housing, tourism, and local publications.

Emma Simmons

Trustee

Emma is the granddaughter of Major General Peter Martin, who founded the Trust.

Flaminia Gold

Trustee

Flaminia is the granddaughter of Major General Peter Martin. Since joining the Trust in 2016, she has managed the charity’s website and social media. She works professionally as an Analyst for SHW LLP.

Non-Trustee Officer

Mary R. Stewart

Honorary Secretary / Treasurer

Formerly Company Secretary and co-Director of Award Productions Limited with her husband Ian, Mary helped establish the funding of the Normandy Veterans Welfare and Benevolent Fund in 1986. She also served on the original Normandy Veterans Association 50th Anniversary Committee and continues to support the Trust in its work.