Who we are
About Us
The Shoreham Society is an independent voice for all who care about the town of Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. Its remit covers planning, conservation, development, the local economy, environmental issues and general local interest.
Shoreham Society
Your Voice Your Society
Formed in 1985, the society is a registered charity. It is strictly non-political and free from commercial interests. It works for the conservation of Shoreham’s historic architecture and the enhancement of the town’s environment by encouraging an enlightened approach to planning.
It has positively influenced a number of important developments in the town, working with planners, developers and architects to achieve significant improvements to proposals. And through its conservation award scheme it gives public recognition for projects which improve the built environment.
It considers other matters of local interest, including environmental issues and local amenities, and makes appropriate representations when members raise concerns.
Membership is open to all Shoreham residents, and the membership currently stands at over 500 people of all ages and from all areas of the town.
An executive committee sets the society’s policies and activities, which are based on consultation with the members. A town planning sub-committee monitors local planning matters and advises the executive committee.
If you live in Shoreham or have an interest in its unique and delightful character, you really should be a member the Shoreham Society. Join here.
Here is the Constitution of The Shoreham Society.
Protect and preserve Shoreham by sea for future generations.
Shoreham Society
Your Committee
Hover over each name to learn more about us
Gerard Rosenberg
Vice Chair
I have spent almost all of my working life campaigning and communicating on global issues, environment and human rights. I worked for many years with Oxfam and then went on to be a TV producer on these issues for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV. I spent my final 8 years of employment as a national trainer for England Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training instructors throughout the country.
Jenny Towler
Treasurer
I moved to Shoreham in 1998 with my family, via London, Brighton and Eastbourne, and have had close links with the area as I was born in Sompting. I spent my working life in the public services primarily in the arts and latterly with HMRC. I was persuaded by my late husband Adrian to join the Shoreham Society Committee in 2011 as treasurer and have subsequently spent many years putting on numerous talks, taking part in various campaigns and promoting Shoreham as a wonderful place to live. My main interests are people and the history of the area.
Christina Robinson
Secretary
I have lived in Shoreham by Sea for 5 years after moving from London, where I lived for most of my life. We move after I retired from work in 2021. My past profession was in IT founded in delivering business solutions to Mobile Telecoms Operators on a global scale. Towards the end of my career, I transferred my skills to work at Age UK in London delivering the transformation of its marketing platform.
I now while a way my time at a much slower pace and recently took a foundation course in Art & Design at Brighton Met. I enjoy drawing and painting and when the weather is good, pottering around in my allotment trying to grow the perfect tomato.
The best thing I like about SBS is its location. The town is truly blessed with such easy access to the beach, river life and the South Downs and has easy access to London for day tripping and long lunches. I hope that the town can preserve its character, whilst accommodating growth and change.
Philip Hamerton
Membership Secretary
I moved to Shoreham-by-Sea in 1975, worked at the local ambulance station and ran the 1st Shoreham Venture Scout Unit as well as a youth group at St Peter's Church, so have been invested in the town for over 50 years. During my 40+ years of a very varied career with the service I retired in February 2021, on the day before my 71st birthday.
I’m married with two children, each of which is married with two children of their own. We all live locally. I'm a Trustee and Membership Secretary of four charities including the Shoreham Society. I’m also an active Volunteer as well as Trustee of the Volk's Electric Railway Association and run the Brighton Railway Rifle Club located in the old goods tunnel under Brighton Station.
Jason Sutherland-Rowe
Committee Member
I moved down from London in the 1970s when my Dad opened his fish shop in East Street. I stacked shelves in Somerfield, worked in various garages, joined a band, and spent far too much time in the Duke of Wellington before going back to university as a mature student and embarking on a career in IT. Married, then raising our kids in Shoreham, it’s given us so much. Contributing to the Shoreham Society is part of giving back - helping to ensure the right decisions are made and the things we are passionate about safeguarded - at a pivotal time in our town’s history when new residents and growth must be a positive catalyst for change.
Tony Hodgson
Committee Member
I originally gained a taste for this part of the world as an undergraduate student of Philosophy at the University of Sussex. Somehow that experience pointed me towards a fulfilling and inventive career within the printing and newspaper industry. When the time came to retire the appeal of the Downs and the sea drew me back to settle in Shoreham.
Along the journey I learned many new technical skills in the ever-changing world of communications and wanted to put some of them to good use within my local community. And so I now run the website and other digital communications for the Shoreham Society – with a purpose and value that I’m immensely proud of.
Tim Higgins
Committee Member
Late arrivals to Shoreham in 2022 it was good to find a warm welcome. With that came the awareness of groups working for people and planet: Transition Towns, Shoreham By-cycle and others. As a part of the global movement known as the Franciscans I was attracted to the Shoreham Society and agreed to become involved. This connects with what has been my long-term commitment in Town Centre work as an Anglican Priest. We have a large family scattered across the South, west and east, keeping in good touch as it continues to grow.
Dr Bob Howlett
Committee Member
I moved to Shoreham in 1980 to take up a teaching job at Brighton Technical College. I was at Brighton Polytechnic, later University, for over 20 years, teaching a range of engineering subjects and heading a research team. I left to start a company running international academic conferences on hi-tech topics. We have three children who attended local schools, but have now moved away. Over the years I have supported a range of cultural activities in the town. Now I maintain some residual academic activity in smart renewable energy and sustainable food production. Having lived here for over 40 years we have no immediate plans to move away!
