TRUSTEES

Co-Founder

John Belham-Payne, RIP

The Doreen Valiente Foundation (DVF) is eternally grateful to John and his wife, and fellow co-founder, Julie Belham-Payne, for founding the DVF on 6th March 2011 as a charitable trust which took legal possession of Doreen’s vast collection of manuscripts and magical artefacts to prevent it from being split up, sold off, or exploited for the gain of any individual.

John worked tirelessly to raise funds to protect and care for Doreen’s collection, host research visits, and present educational talks and lectures. John’s enthusiasm to find a “permanent home” for the collection remains a key priority for the charity because it will provide a platform for Wiccans and Witches, researchers and scholars, authors and historians, and the curious, to visit and enjoy the collection now and forever.

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Patron, Doreen Valiente Foundation CBE

Professor Ronald Hutton

A leading authority on the history of the British Isles in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, on ancient and medieval paganism and magic, and on the global context of witchcraft beliefs. Also the leading historian of the ritual year in Britain and of modern paganism. He is a member of the 'Medieval and Early Modern Cluster' at Bristol. He is awarded CBE for services to history in 2024

Co-Founder

Julie Belham-Payne

Julie founded the Doreen Valiente Foundation in 2011 with her late husband John Belham-Payne. She is a qualified nurse and midwife, and since retirement, runs her own tourist accommodation business in Spain. Julie is an active trustee of the foundation and works tirelessly to ensure the charity fulfils its aims of making Doreen’s collection of magical artefacts and manuscripts accessible for research and educational purposes.

Trustee

Emlyn Price

Emlyn worked for 19 years in local government as an Emergency Planning Officer and prepared plans to deal with a wide range of situations from nuclear war to flooding and terrorist incidents. He then became a Business Resilience Consultant working with industry and organisations analysing their preparedness levels. He has been Chair of the Trustee board since 2018.

Trustee

Isobel Andrade

Isobel studied History and Philosophy and has worked as a fortune teller for over 50 years. Isobel co-founded the Congregação Politeista with her husband. She is also the Pagan Federation International Coordinator for Portugal, an Honorary Member of CPS, and a member of the Consultative Committee of the Science of Religions Area (FCSEA / ULHT).
In 2016, she become a Trustee of the Doreen Valiente Foundation and in 2022 she was appointed Editor of the biannual DVF Journal.

Trustee

Jon Freedman

An ex-Unilever Brand Manager, with current diverse business interests ranging from Aviation and Property to the design and production of New Age Jewellery and Greeting Cards.
Jonathan was honoured to become a member of the Doreen Valiente Foundation as he sees Doreen as a crucial figure in the development of Wicca and wishes her work to continue to be an inspiration to future generations. Jonathan is the DVF Business Consultant.

Trustee

Rufus Harrington

Rufus is a consultant Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. He is a Director of Cognitive Behavioural Studies at the University of Cumbria and has trained over 200 psychotherapists to work for the NHS. He provides Occupational Health services to Cumbria Constabulary and runs his own private clinic and consultancy providing psychological services. Rufus is responsible for the charity’s Public Relations (PR) activities and initiatives.

Trustee

Dr Marco Romeo-Pitone

Marco holds a BA in Cultural Heritage, an MA in Archaeology (University of Milan) and a PhD in Archaeology (Newcastle University). His research interests include prehistory, protohistory, archaeology of religion, material culture and museology. Currently, Marco works as Archaeology Service Manager at Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village and Bede Museum (Jarrow – UK).
As Head of Collections, Marco’s role within the DVF is to make sure that Doreen’s collection of magical artefacts and manuscripts are managed following curatorial best practice.

Trustee

Alan Lester

Alan retired as a Senior Manager in 2019 having served thirty-three years in the Financial Services industry. Alan was honoured to be appointed a Trustee, and subsequently DVF Secretary in 2022, and feels privileged to be part of a team that is responsible for ensuring Doreen’s amazing legacy and important collection remain available for everybody to enjoy now and in the future.

Trustee

Emily Rothwell

Emily worked in the NHS and private sector as a nurse for over 49 years, from intensive care to research in various roles. Emily also has a wealth of business and administration skills.
Emily was invited to join the Board of Trustees in 2023 and is now responsible for the management and administration of DVF Memberships (Benefactors and Life Members).

DOREEN VALIENTE
FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES

DOREEN VALIENTE
FOUNDATION

The Doreen Valiente Foundation is a Registered Charity No. 1178528 in England and Wales.

DOREEN VALIENTE FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES

DOREEN VALIENTE FOUNDATION

The Doreen Valiente Foundation is a Registered Charity No. 1178528 in England and Wales.

DOREEN VALIENTE
FOUNDATION

DOREEN VALIENTE
FOUNDATION