Meet the NEW BA Board of Directors

Photo above shows the outgoing Board handing over to the new Board of Directors.

At the AGM on 1 November 2025 BA members voted in a new Board of Directors:

Angela Coates, Chair & Business Development Director

“I have been exploring basket making, fibre arts, and straw plaiting for over 5 years, becoming a member of the Basketmakers’ Association in 2022. Over this time, I have learnt, not only technical skills of basketry and weaving, but also the deeper value of craft as a source of connection, resilience, and wellbeing.

“As the new Chair and Business Development Director I bring over 30 years of experience in organisational design and consultancy within the government and public sectors.

“My approach is grounded in collaboration, inclusivity, and design thinking, and I’m passionate about helping the Basketmakers’ Association navigate change with clarity and purpose, ensuring the organisation continues to grow and thrive for the next 50 years.”

Lynda Clark, Finance Director

“I have been a member of the BA for the past three years. I had 30 years experience working in Finance before I retired in 2022.

“I mainly worked in the Social Housing Sector and worked as a Finance & Resources Director with three different organisations for the last 20 years of my career.

“I bring experience of strong financial stewardship to the BA and will support the organisation and Board to meet its aims and objectives.”

Milda Manomaityte, Company Secretary & IT Director

“As Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary of the Railway Industry Association, I have spent much of my career helping organisations modernise their systems while keeping people and purpose at the heart of change. I believe technology should make life easier, not more complicated, and that good governance and clear processes create the foundations for creativity and collaboration to thrive. I’ve overseen major IT and governance improvements – from automating workflows to enhancing transparency and accessibility – always with a focus on inclusion and user-friendliness.

“I am delighted to bring this experience to the Basketmakers’ Association, helping strengthen its digital and organisational foundations while ensuring it remains a welcoming, connected space for both long-standing and newer members.”

Jill Pearcy, Marketing Director

“I believe strongly in the importance of continuing crafts skills not just as a link to cultural foundations, but also as a way of developing a shared future identity. Having had the opportunity to work with expert craftsmen from the Marchmont Workshop on repairing classic rush-seated chairs from the Bedales Library, this gave me a profound respect for the skill and heritage involved. I am keen to support the Association’s mission to promote basketmaking and chairseating to new and diverse audiences.

“My career has centred on corporate marketing communications and reputation management, with strategic leadership roles in organisations such as the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry – my current position – HS2 Ltd and global technology companies. I have led multi-disciplinary teams delivering digital campaigns, brand development, member engagement, media communications and diversity, equity and inclusion programmes.”

Evie Stretch, Community & Volunteer Director

“I am an avid basketmaker and have spent the last few years cramming in as many courses as I can manage, including the BA Autumn and Spring schools. I also make willow baskets at home when I have time.

“My career has been spent in the charity sector, specialising in grant and project management for foundations, and volunteer engagement programmes. I currently work for the Innocent Foundation, managing grants to help prevent childhood malnutrition and creating volunteering opportunities linked to those grants.

“Outside of work, I spend a lot of my time greenwood working and I am the Community Coordinator for London Greenwood, a cooperative based in North London. In this role I have encountered a lot of the challenges associated with member organisations and I am focused on how to create pathways that enable and empower volunteers and create a strong sense of community and collaboration. I am excited to bring my experience to the BA.”