A dedicated group of Semington residents — each bringing professional expertise and genuine community spirit to the CBS and its mission.
Ian Williamson
Chair
Ian Williamson is the chair of the Society. He has lived in the village since 2010 when he set up the Semington Dock boat repair business. Following an MBA from Oxford Brookes, he worked for Unilever, for ICI in the UK and abroad, and latterly in the recycling industry. He is a keen volunteer restoring canals, Rotarian for 30 years, Cub Leader, RFU coach supporting girls playing rugby, Land Rover hobbyist and beekeeper. He was involved with the neighbourhood plan which recognised the need to protect the Somerset Arms.
Andy Cobley
Vice Chair
Andy Cobley is the vice chair of the Society. He has lived in the village since the mid 90's. He is passionate about the area and reopening the Somerset Arms for the whole community to enjoy. Before retiring he was a headteacher in a residential special school before going on to oversee operations and major projects for a leading education company both in the UK and the Middle East. Previously owned and ran a guest house in Wales. He enjoys DIY and looks forward to getting his hands dirty clearing and helping refurbish the pub.
Glen Watson
Secretary
Glen Watson is the Secretary of the Society. He moved to the village 7 years ago. He is passionate about saving the pub as a place for locals to meet, make friends and enjoy a party. After a career in the civil service, culminating in project managing the national Census and running the Office for National Statistics, he became a self-employed landscape gardener and now enjoys woodworking, working at music festivals, volunteering in mental health and helping organise and set up village events.
Mark Dallaway
Treasurer
Mark Dallaway is the Treasurer of the Society. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse in Bristol. He joined Devizes based Relcross where he was Managing & Finance Director for over 25 years. He has previously been Treasurer of Cumberwell Park Golf Club and Corsham Hockey Club. Moved to Semington in 2002 and enjoys walks and cycle rides along the canal and by-ways. He is keen to restore the Somerset Arms for the whole village.
Rhys Evans
Data, Compliance & IT
Rhys Evans manages the digital estate and leads on technical matters, including compliance and serves as the Data Controller for the Semington CBS Society. He works at Microsoft, with a background in strategic software sales. He moved to the village in 2025 to swap city life for something more community focused. Reopening the pub is about creating a proper village hub — a place to meet, unwind, and make memories after a long day. He's passionate about helping bring that back to life, giving his newborn son Cooper a place to frequent (in 18 years' time).
Hugh Turnbull
Team Member
Hugh Turnbull retired to Semington in 2018 after 43 years in Wales. He was chief reporter of Western Telegraph in Haverfordwest and head of News at Swansea Sound before becoming a reporter, presenter, and producer for BBC Radio Wales. He now lives at St Georges Court and is a member of the Semington Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.
John Hurn
Team Member
John Hurn has been part of the Semington community for more than 30 years. After extensive travel across the globe, where he participated in several large-scale construction and engineering projects, John returned to the UK. His professional work has included developing baggage handling systems at airports, as well as engaging in barn conversions and the adaptive reuse of buildings. Additionally, John serves as a trustee at the Independent Living Centre, supporting local community resources.
Peter Smith
Team Member
Peter Smith has lived in the village since 2014. He enjoyed being a parish councillor for 10 years, almost five of them as chair. He wants to see the Somerset Arms reopen as a thriving community pub. Before retiring, he was Wiltshire CC's Corporate Services Director. His interests include growing vegetables, live music, Oxford United and Morris dancing.
Richard Bruges
Team Member
Richard Bruges was born in the village and returned in 2012. His career has focused on product development and leading innovative businesses, giving a practical perspective on strategy and building businesses. He is passionate about protecting Semington's rural character and community, supporting local initiatives, and ensuring the village thrives for future generations. Outside work, he enjoys managing his smallholding and organising events such as the village fetes.
Clare Emery Read
Team Member
Clare Emery Read is a boat dweller and part time village resident. She was a frequent customer of the Somerset Arms and has over 22 years of experience in the hospitality trade including hotels and pubs. She had her own public house at the age of 18. She went on to manage several award-winning establishments in Bath and the surrounding area. She has many years' experience working in substance misuse and homelessness and now works within the local council in the housing sector.
Liz Williamson
Team Member
Liz Williamson is a GP and worked in Melksham before moving to the Hospital at Home in Swindon. Married to Ian, they extensively renovated the canal lock house, where they live with their family and a menagerie of cats, chickens, and pigs. Canals featured in her childhood holidays and later in volunteering to restore derelict waterways. She loves real ale, good food, and Morris dancing.
Daniel Jesse
Team Member
Daniel Jesse supports the team across media and communications, including technical support. He moved to Semington in 2024 from Melksham. He has 25 years' experience of IT Support and previously worked for Wadworth Brewery for thirteen years. Along with his family, he keeps himself busy by running and cycling.
Kaylee Winchcombe
Team Member
Kaylee Winchcombe provides social media support. She grew up in the village and is a photographer, artist and IPA lover with a background in marketing for public sector and arts organisations. She is excited about helping rebuild a space for the community to come together.
