Our People
Behind every workshop, festival and creative project at Children’s World is a team of passionate, dedicated individuals who believe in the power of creativity, play and inclusion.
From our coordinators and workshop leaders to our supporters and volunteers, each person brings their energy, skills and heart to ensure every child can learn, grow and have fun.
This is the team that makes it all happen. Meet the people who bring our vision to life.
Our Patron - Sir Michael Eavis CBE
Sir Michael Eavis CBE. A true icon and a long-standing champion of our cause. While the world knows him as the visionary founder of the legendary Glastonbury Festival, we know him as a devoted Patron and a tireless advocate for the power of play.
Michael’s journey with us began alongside our founder, the late Arabella Churchill. Together, they poured their hearts into creating the vibrant Theatre & Circus Areas at Glastonbury, spaces where imagination knows no bounds. Fuelled by a shared passion for giving every child the chance to thrive through creativity, Michael has been a cornerstone of our charity ever since.
Children’s World would like to extend particular thanks to Michael Eavis and everyone at Glastonbury Festivals Ltd for their generous, ongoing support, interest in the charity’s work, and encouragement over many years. Their commitment has helped the charity reach more children, deliver inspiring workshops and events, and continue Arabella’s vision of inclusion, creativity, and fun for all.
The Trustees
Haggis McLeod
Haggis McLeod has been involved with Children’s World since 1985, when he first performed at the Glastonbury Children’s Festival as part of Zippo’s Circus. It was there that he met Arabella Churchill and they went on to marry in 1988.
In the subsequent years, Haggis was involved in many of the charities projects, both in the UK and abroad.
In 2008, after Arabella’s untimely death, he became a trustee.
A world-renowned juggler, Haggis still performs and teaches his craft at circus schools and events across the globe and has taken over Arabella’s role as organiser of the Theatre and Circus areas of the Glastonbury Festival.
He has one daughter and, thus far, two grandchildren.
Martin
Casey
Martin's background is broad, encompassing business management and development, training, systems analysis, coordination, logistics and event management.
He has supported CW through independent fundraising for many years, and is now privileged to be part of the team, and in a position to help the charity to achieve it’s goals.
He has four children, loves family life, festivals, travelling, old Italian cars and outdoor activities. Many of the outdoor activities are related to the Italian cars breaking down…
“We are all part of our local and wider communities, and the more energy we all put in, the more pleasure we all get out”
Catherine
'Buzz' busby
Catherine has been involved in the charity, in one guise or another, for over 29 years and has been Chair of Trustees for the past 17 years.
She very much enjoys her role in supporting the charity to maintain and further the wonderful and valuable work that we deliver.
She has a passion for learning, which has resulted in her re-entering education at 40, and has since gained a degree and an MA in Creative Writing.
Alongside the written word, Catherine loves to bake. She combines this pastime with time spent with her grandchildren, and hopes she is creating tasty, and happy memories with them.
Elizabeth
Carruthers
Dr. Elizabeth Carruthers has been privileged to be a trustee for Children’s World for 4 years.
She is an early years specialist and
has worked in various educational roles including headteacher. She is an academic author and has published books and articles on play and mathematics.
She has two daughters and one grandson whom she spends much of her time playing with.
Operations & projects
Angela
Operations Manager
Meet Angela, our multi-talented Operations Dynamo who has been a vital part of Children’s World since 2019!
Originally joining as a volunteer, her talent was quickly spotted, and she soon stepped up to lead our Youth Committee. Today, Angela is the heartbeat of the charity, managing everything from service delivery to general operations with total flair.
With a powerhouse background in Social Care, Health and Safety, and Education, Angela is fiercely committed to improving outcomes for every child and young person. She is a true bridge-builder, working hand-in-hand with families and practitioners to boost children's emotional intelligence and resilience.
Angela’s mission is all about empowerment, helping young people find their spark, build unstoppable confidence, and dive into their own special interests. And when she’s not masterminding management strategies, she’s likely sharing the joy of her favorite hobby: teaching Hula Hooping all summer long!
Hazel
Head of Finance
Hazel is our head of finance, tech guru, and all-around problem solver, and she seems to have more job titles than we can count.
From balancing budgets to rescuing us from IT disasters, no challenge is too big or too small. If it is broken, confusing, or needs doing, Hazel somehow makes it happen, usually with a coffee in hand and a smile on her face.
When she is not keeping Children’s World running like clockwork, Hazel is a familiar face at the Glastonbury Carnival, helping to bring colour, creativity, and chaos to one of the South West’s liveliest events.
Simply put, Hazel keeps us afloat, entertained, and slightly less chaotic than we would otherwise be. We do not know what we would do without her.
Tom
Web & social media
Tom is our digital wizard, keeping the charity looking its best online. He manages the website, social media and graphic design, making sure our workshops, festivals and creative projects reach families far and wide.
When he’s not designing eye-catching visuals or posting stories about our latest events, Tom can usually be found dreaming up new ideas, tinkering with creative projects, or enjoying a trip to the seaside or a theme park.
His energy, creativity and love for all things playful help bring the magic of Children’s World to life every day.
Leaders & volunteers
Children’s World’s work is acheived through the generous support of numerous volunteers and a great team of group leaders. If you are interested in volunteering for us please get in touch!
We also have our fantastic Youth Committee- you can learn more about that here!