Trustees

Melanie Williams - President

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Melanie Williams is a passionate quilter who brings both a deep love of the craft and a strong background in education and leadership to her role in the Guild. A former Executive Headteacher, she’s spent her career supporting others to grow, learn, and thrive—values she carries into her quilting life and her commitment to the Guild community.

Since stepping down from her professional role, Melanie has embraced the chance to expand her own quilting practice, particularly enjoying modern and contemporary styles, and is a regular visitor to exhibitions and events. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of quilting to bring people together—whether through shared creativity, storytelling, or the simple joy of making.

Melanie is an experienced trustee, currently supporting organisations including, Sunny Bank Museum & Archive, Colne Valley Museum, and SENthiopia—roles that reflect her commitment to education, community, and preserving textile heritage.

As President, she is excited about the future of the Guild, from raising the profile of its nationally important collection, to welcoming new members and building a truly inclusive, creative, and thriving organisation.

Jane Blackburn -Treasurer

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Jane Blackburn, serves as Treasurer on our Trustee Board, enriching our governance with extensive expertise in financial management and strategic planning. Her background spans retail, construction, and educational management, where she notably excelled as a Bursar and Business Manager at a large secondary academy.

Jane’s robust experience is crucial in her role as Treasurer, where she meticulously oversees our financial health, ensuring transparency and

efficiency in our operations. In addition to her duties as Treasurer, Jane closely supports our Audit Committee. She plays a key role in our financial oversight and compliance, providing critical support in risk management.

Jane’s work in grant writing further exemplifies her commitment to supporting the community, contributing to the sustainability and growth. Balancing her professional achievements, Jane personal time is devoted to textile crafts, a passion that allows her to connect on a creative level

with the community. Her role as a mother and grandmother also plays a significant part in her life, bringing a personal touch to her professional

persona, showcasing her well-rounded character and dedication to both her family and her professional responsibilities.

Merrill Tanton

Merrill Tanton has been a passionate advocate for textile arts and quilting throughout her life, combining creative enthusiasm with a strong professional foundation in education and governance. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory and policy frameworks has proven invaluable, particularly in supporting the Guild’s educational and judging programmes.

Since joining The Quilters’ Guild in 2010, Merrill has taken on a number of volunteer roles, building strong relationships across the organisation

and contributing to its strategic direction. She is especially committed to ensuring that high standards of governance underpin the Guild’s growth and that all policy development reflects the values of transparency, inclusivity, and fairness.

Merrill is passionate about developing others, from nurturing young enthusiasts through Guild events to supporting those working toward accreditation as quilt judges. She believes in the importance of mentoring and clear pathways for skills development within the quilting community.

Looking ahead, Merrill remains enthusiastic about helping the Guild evolve in line with its values, embracing innovative ideas to engage both new

and existing members while ensuring that strong governance supports its long-term success.

Susie Batchelor

Susie Batchelor brings a rare combination of professional expertise and personal passion to the Guild’s Trustee Board. A senior leader in the museums and heritage sector, she has spent her career managing collections, designing inclusive public programmes, and leading teams to deliver innovative and meaningful engagement.

A Guild member and recently joined member of the British Quilt Study Group, Susie is an enthusiastic quilter with a deep interest in textile and costume history. She actively participates in social sewing groups, attends workshops and retreats, and embraces the joy of making alongside others. Her professional and personal interests beautifully converged in her curation of a quilt exhibition and programme at Gunnersbury Park Museum —an acclaimed project that reflected both her curatorial skill and genuine love of the craft.

Susie has previous trustee experience with the Group for Education in Museums and the London Museum of Water and Steam, and is passionate about access to heritage, lifelong learning, and creative collaboration. Her understanding of collections, governance, and public engagement is a valuable asset as the Guild continues to grow its role in preserving and sharing Britain’s quilting heritage.

Yvonne Romain

Yvonne Romain brings a wealth of experience to the Board as both a committed quilter and a long-standing, active member of the quilting community.

As someone who strongly believes in contributing to the communities she joins, Yvonne has served on numerous committees, both locally and abroad, using her leadership and collaborative skills to support and strengthen the groups she’s part of.

While living in Spain, Yvonne continued to nurture her passion by leading two patchwork groups for the U3A, maintaining her connection to the quilting community even while abroad. She holds a City & Guilds qualification in Textiles and has remained an enthusiastic, hands-on maker throughout. Her first-hand experience as an active quilter gives her unique insight into the needs, interests, and aspirations of Guild members.

Since returning to the UK full-time, Yvonne has taken on the role of Regional Coordinator for Region 8. Yvonne’s strengths lie in her deep understanding of the quilting experience from a member’s perspective, her ability to foster community, and her ongoing passion for the craft. Her lived experience as an engaged quilter ensures she brings both authenticity and practical insight to her role on the Board of Trustees.