Our Trustees

John Grimes - Chair

I retired from the (then) National Assembly for Wales a few years ago. In my working life, I was originally a mathematician and Statistician at the Welsh Office, specialising in patient-based data systems and, later, Local Government Finance.  I then moved into Economic and Industrial Development, where I managed a number of key industrial grant schemes

More recently, I moved to the National Assembly (now the Welsh Parliament) in Cardiff Bay, where I had various roles with Assembly Member Committees, including being Clerk to the Finance Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Standards Committee.  I retired in 2013 as Head of Governance. Since retirement, I have interspersed hill walking, the occasional long-distance walk, and photography with serving as a Trustee for Age Cymru Gwent and Vision 21, a learning-needs charity in Cardiff. 

I am also Vice Chair of a secondary school governing body. I am a keen fan of Bob Dylan and Mozart - and have two grown-up children and five grandchildren.

Cliff Edwards

After completing my education, I worked for 33 years in the pharmaceutical industry for a large American corporation, in various sales and marketing roles. I am an advisor for the Welsh Rugby Union and a member of Risca Male Voice Choir.

I am an active member of St. Julius & St. Aaron Church in Newport. I have been a governor on the board of two local schools and was appointed to the Bench of Magistrates in Gwent in 2006.

Philip Brabon

I took early retirement from Barclays Bank in 2001 after 34 years of service, leaving as a Corporate Relationship Manager based in Newport. I am a past President of Chepstow Agricultural Society, a Treasurer of Shirenewton Local History Society and an auditor for various local organisations. I have lived in Monmouthshire with my wife since 1987 and a Magistrate, now retired, sitting in South East Wales.

I enjoy most sports, having played rugby for 20 years and more recently squash for the past 30 years, but like the above, I have now retired. Instead, I now watch rugby, football and most other sports from the comfort of an armchair.

I’m a keen weekly hill and mountain walker, taking in the Beacons, Black Mountains and Cotswold areas

Nick Haynes - Vice Chair

I retired from Heddlu Gwent Police in 2012 after 30 years of Police Service, spending much of my service working within a Community Safety role across Gwent and in particular in Newport. I worked with Victims of Crime and also managed various projects with Newport Community Safety Partnership to reduce crime across the City of Newport. This involved engaging with many community groups and organisations that work with and support older and vulnerable people.

I am currently an independent consultant for the Caravan and Motorhome Club, advising on the requirements and development of small ‘low impact’ caravan sites across South Wales and South West England.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, walking with my two Cocker Spaniels, undertaking family history research and touring the UK and Europe in my caravan.

John Metcalfe

I am a former Police Officer who joined Gwent Police at the age of 16, serving for almost 50 years in various ranks and posts, including Uniform and Specialist Operations, Traffic, Communications and Corporate Services. During my service, I was part of the planning team for the National Garden Festival at Ebbw Vale in 1992 and Police Liaison Officer for the Second Severn Crossing Project, which opened in 1996.

Upon retirement from my Uniform role, I remained with Gwent Police in a civilian capacity, responsible for HMIC liaison, as well as audit and inspection. I am currently the Welfare Officer for Gwent Police Pensioners and an active member of my local church, including Secretary of both the Buildings and Finance Committees. I am also the Parish Safeguarding Officer. In what remains of my spare time, I like to travel and keep myself fit by walking and playing ‘Pickleball’.

Joanne Absalom

I retired early in 2012, having worked for the NHS in Gwent for 27 years. My most recent role in the NHS was as Director of Primary, Community and Mental Health Services in Aneurin Bevan Health Board. Prior to this, I had been Chief Executive of Blaenau Gwent Local Health Board. Earlier in my career, I held a number of other roles focusing on primary and community services in the Gwent area.

After retirement, I lived in Spain for 8 years and returned to live in Wales in 2020. Other than helping to care for my elderly mother, my free time is taken up with walking, Zumba and teaching English informally to friends who live in Spain.

Wendy Matthews

I retired from the NHS in 2019, after working as an Occupational Therapist for the Welsh Regional Neuropsychiatry Service. Within this professional role, I held a special interest in promoting the well-being and support of family members/carers of those who have sustained a brain injury.

Since my retirement, I have taken an active role in the life of my local church and community. I am currently secretary to my local Ministry Area Council and a member of the Diocesan Vocations Team. I am also part of the partner/family support group at St Padarn's Theological Institute, where I have continued to hold a special interest in well-being.

In my spare time, I coordinate a mobile library providing dementia-friendly activities to families in my local community, and I am a school exam invigilator. I enjoy singing, listening to music and playing skittles.

Andrew Mitchell - Treasurer

I currently hold the Office of Treasurer for Age Cymru Gwent. This office also comes with the role of a Trustee.  I have been with the Charity for about 2 years now, although I was previously a Trustee and Vice Chancellor of a large First Aid charity in Wales, so I consider myself an “old hand “at being a Trustee.   I am very proud to be associated with this Charity, as it gives me a chance to “give something back” to the community. I am married with 3 grown-up children, two who live locally, and one who lives on the Isle of Wight, and provides me with a spare room for my regular visits to see her, her partner and the beautiful Isle of Wight. 

I have been a Civil Servant for most of my career and have held several different roles within the Department that I work for as I have moved my way up the ladder.  I am currently partially retired, which allows me time to do my Charity work and start to wind down to full retirement, although I do enjoy my time at work, and currently have no plans to fully retire.  As if I don’t have enough to do, I am Chair of Governors of a large High School within the Newport City Council Education area, and I also Chair Newport City Council’s Standards Committee, ensuring that elected members abide by the Code of Conduct for Elected Members.