Sir Geoffrey Farr
Geoffrey Farr was born in Luton and has lived all his life in Bedfordshire. Educated at Bedford School and Leeds University, Geoffrey became involved in the Local Community from the age of 24 and was Chair of Education in Luton at 28.
As High Sheriff in 1998/9, it was starkly brought to Geoffrey’s attention that many small Charities could not attract core funding. From this, Geoffrey understood that a Community Foundation was needed in the area. The work to start what is now BLCF started in March 1999 and with the help of Sir Samuel Whitbread and the Bishop of Bedford, the Foundation was formed.
Geoffrey believes the creation of the Foundation was his life’s prime achievement.
Susan Lousada
Susan Lousada was appointed His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire in September 2022, having previously served as a Deputy Lieutenant for five years. Born and educated in the county, she has lived almost all her life in Bedfordshire and has over 20 years’ experience running a family business.
As Lord-Lieutenant, Susan is committed to promoting social cohesion and mutual respect, and to shining a light on the individuals, businesses, organisations and volunteers who strengthen Bedfordshire’s communities. She has a particular passion for supporting children and young people and recognising service and excellence across the county.
Charles Whitbread
Charles served as the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 2016 and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2019. He was born in Bedfordshire and is involved in the family farming and property business.
Charles is the chair of the Wixamtree Trust and serves a number of local organisations in various capacities. His main interests are housing, food, farming and wildlife conservation.
Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE, Bishop of Bedford
Richard was consecrated as Bishop of Bedford in 2012. Previously he has served in Abingdon, Sheffield, Rotherham and Leicester. As Bishop he oversees the Church of England churches, parishes and chaplaincies in Bedfordshire, within the Diocese of St Albans. He is Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, Vice-Chair of the Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust, and Chair of the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee Executive. Richard has extensive community and regeneration experience. This includes being Chair of ‘New Deal for Employment’ in Rotherham (Awarded OBE for ‘Services to Employment in Rotherham’), Vice-Chair of ‘Places for People’ Housing Group and Chair of the Braunstone ‘New Deal for Communities’ Programme in Leicester. Richard is Chair of the Eastern Region Ministry Course that trains women and men for ordained and lay ministry, Chair of the Council for Ministry among Deaf and Disabled People and a Trustee of Near Neighbours, the Just Finance Foundation and the Luton Roma Trust. He is a Governor of the University of Bedfordshire and, until recently, a Co-Chair of the Inter Faith Network UK.
