Information about the trustees and Walk the Loop
New Trustee opportunities – Would you be interested in helping shape the future of Walk the Loop? We would so value the skills, understanding, enthusiasm and vision that we know some of you could bring to our organisation as trustees. Find out more here.
OLIVIA LOWE: Founder
With many years’ experience in education, working on the front line and in leadership positions, I have always had a deep love of nature and the arts. I have researched into how beneficial they can be for our health, well-being, learning and development and it is this which led me to found Walk the Loop.
To watch children and families engage with nature, enjoying the moment and each other, is quite beautiful. It is my aim to help create and facilitate such opportunities, while raising awareness of how important it is to treasure and look after our natural environment now and for future generations.
I live near the London Loop and have spent many pleasant hours following its paths through varied landscapes and historical sites with intriguing stories to tell. These I am keen to share.
Lori Shearer
I developed my love of nature and the joys of exploring, growing up in upstate New York. I spent my summers in the wilds of Canada, learning about the flora and fauna and geology in Ontario. I always loved learning and got my BSC from the University of San Francisco. I also qualified as a Registered Nurse in California.
Upon moving to Essex and London, I became involved in many community events with parents and children. I was an elected School Governor and ran a Sunday school group for 3-5 year old children for nearly 40 years. I am a contributing author of two parenting programmes that were used extensively throughout London and the UK by Social Services, churches and small groups. As a mother of five , I always loved teaching and being with children and families. I became a Qualified Primary School Teacher through The Open University and taught in a Redbridge School in Hainault for 13 years.
Upon retirement, I became a Met Police Volunteer, helping to run Neighbourhood Watch in Monkhams Ward, working in the Woodford Police Station with our Safer Neighbourhood Team. I am an active member of our Monkhams Ward Panel, working with our Safer Neighbourhood Police Team, our Councillors, members of our local community, schools, shops, churches and sports clubs. I relax by joining in with friends at an art class and by singing in several choirs.
Since 2012, I have really enjoyed helping out at ‘Walk the Loop’ events. I always learn a great deal from the parents, carers and children at each gathering. Come join us and be amazed at the beauty and wonders of nature in our little treasure of a reserve! See you there!
Delia Ray
I have lived in this area for over 30 years and spent many happy hours with my children exploring Epping Forest and the London Loop as they grew up. This experience helped them thrive, and I want to support other families in making creative use of the natural resources on our doorstep. With close experience of disability, I’m also keen to make sure no-one is disadvantaged through accessibility.
With a background in journalism, marketing and communications management, I bring my professional experience to the trustee team. I’m also a qualified City of London tour guide, with practical experience of the value of information-led walking. I’ve been a trustee for a children’s mental health charity, and spent time volunteering in a primary school, and for the CPRE (Countryside Charity).
In my spare time I love walking and cycling, and still manage to get my (now grown-up) children out on forest walks – at least occasionally!
Stephen Ford
I have lived in Highams Park for the last 65 years coming here from Hackney at the age of 10.
I have spent many hours playing and walking in Epping Forest discovering nature, wildlife and local history and generally enjoying the outdoor life.
During my working life I have been Company Accountant, Company Director and for the last 10 years before retiring I worked as an administrator for a charity.
I would like to think that by bringing my knowledge and experience to Walk the Loop that the next generation of children in this area may have the pleasure and experience of nature and the outdoors that I have had in my life.