Meet the Executive

Trans Pennine Trail Executive Group

The Executive Board meets quarterly and are responsible for providing guidance to and overseeing the work of staff in the TPT Office, approving budgets and accounts, reviewing and approving the projects work programmes in line with the Development Strategy 23-28.

Chair and Vice Chairs

Chair,  Councillor John Wilson (Barnsley)
I have lived and worked in Barnsley for over 40 years, and represented one of the Penistone wards on Barnsley council for almost 20 years. The TPT runs through my area, and is  much appreciated by the local community. In my spare time my family and I and pet dog ‘Belle’ love to enjoy the trail and all it has to offer.

Get in touch with Councillor John Wilson: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk

Co-Vice Chair, Councillor Mike Jordan (Selby)
Summer cyclist, semi-keen gardener, petrol head and keen walker in the Lakes and the Dales. I am also a motorcyclist, married with 2 kids who have flown the nest at last!!!!

Get in touch with Councillor Mike Jordan: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk

Co-Vice Chair, Councillor Jane Nightingale (Doncaster)
I’m very proud that Doncaster are part of the Trans Pennine Trail partnership and of my role as Co Vice Chair.  Being a keen walker with a love of the outdoors I’m always encouraging people to use and respect the beauty of the area. The differing areas that the TPT covers linking cities, villages and rural facilities across the country is something to celebrate.

Get in touch with Councillor Jane Nightingale: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk 

Regional Chairs, Host Authority and Chair of the Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail

TPT Mersey Group, Chris Bluck, Warrington
I am a Principle Engineer at Warrington Borough Council, where I have worked for 45 years.  I work within the Traffic Management, Road Safety, Highway Adoptions and Public Rights of Way team, and currently the chair of the Trans Pennine Trail Mersey Region Group. I am a keen walker and cyclist and love being out in the countryside, taking advantage of all that nature has to offer.

Get in touch with Chris Bluck: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk

TPT Greater Manchester Group, Paul Farrand, Trafford
Having worked for Trafford Council for over 20 years in a range of service areas including Parks & Countryside Development, Greenspace & Sustainability and latterly Strategic Planning & Growth, I have enjoyed working with the TPT team in Barnsley and GM contact officers to develop and promote the TPT.  In Trafford, the TPT is an important multi-user linear greenspace and recreational route that connects the south and north of the borough from Dunham through Carrington and the Mersey Valley and across to Sale, Stretford and the Manchester border. As well as playing a prominent role in people’s physical and mental wellbeing during the pandemic, the TPT also represents an invaluable largely off-road active travel route that complements all of the recent and planned active travel improvements, as well as having strong links to major greenspace and place-shaping projects. I look forward to the TPT in Trafford continuing to be recognised as a great resource for residents and visitors.

Get in touch with Paul Farrand: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk


TPT Pennine Group, Sarah Ford, Barnsley
Starts in PROW in 1993 in Bedfordshire, worked in County Durham, Sunderland, Kirklees and started in Barnsley in 2004. Manage the 780km network of footpaths and bridleways with a small dedicated team and support from partners/ landownders in public and private sectors. In spare time I coach and paddle kayaks, open canadians and SUP’s for fun. I race and coach white water slalom, help run national events and qualified as an international judge in 2021.

Get in touch with Sarah Ford: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk

TPT Central Group, Andy Carnall, Doncaster
I work in the Public Rights of Way Team at City of Doncaster Council and have done so for the last 20 years. I manage the TPT through Doncaster and am currently chair of the Central Group. In my spare time I enjoy walking in the countryside.

Get in touch with Andy Carnall: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk                                                                                     

TPT Eastern Group, Allan Davidson, Hull

Host Authority, Tracey Brewer, Barnsley
Head of Service for Strategic Transport here in Barnsley; keen to deliver more Active Travel routes in the borough and to improve the quality of the TPT for users. A keen horse rider and dog walker (that’s Noel the rescue Arab pony and Kru the Doberman in the photo) having good off road facilities makes life a lot easier and enjoyable.

Get in touch with Tracey Brewer: info@transpenninetrail.org.uk

Chair of the Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail, Simon Geller
I learnt to ride a bike when I was 10, so I came to it a little late. I’m hoping to make up for that now I’m a bit older.
I got annoyed at being squeezed off the road by the increase in traffic in the 1980’s and 90’s, so I felt the urge to try and do something about it.
I was inspired by the creation of the National Cycle Network and Trans Pennine Trail, providing places to walk, cycle and ride horses well away from the hubbub of the modern world, and have done my best to support these initiatives.
As a youngster I spent my time doing newspaper rounds, riding my bike around, going swimming and trying to learn a little, and in my older years it seems that I’ve gone full circle!

Get in touch with Simon Geller: friends@transpenninetrail.org.uk