Our Lady of Grace Parish Buildings Preservation Trust

Nadia Gracias is a Solicitor at Simmons & Simmons LLP. Dual-qualified as both a Solicitor in England and Wales and an Advocate in India, she brings legal expertise to the Trust's governance and has chaired the board since 2026.

Gracias holds a Master's degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Cambridge. Her specialisation includes international commercial law, regulatory compliance, and contractual frameworks. Her experience with complex transactions supports the trust in maintaining legal compliance whilst navigating heritage regulations.

Sam Gannon was the Trust's founding Chair and brings business leadership and financial consultancy experience to the board. Prior to his current role in the renewable energy sector, Gannon worked as a consultant in the finance sector, developing skills in financial analysis, risk assessment, and strategic planning.

He also serves on the Parish Pastoral Council.

Eleanor Heans-Glogowska brings 11 years of experience working in community engagement and fundraising for CAFOD (The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development). Her background encompasses developing fundraising strategies, managing donor relationships, and securing major gifts.

She has worked across Trusts and Foundations, Major Donor and Corporate fundraising, gaining experience in proposal and report writing as well as grant management relevant to heritage preservation funding.

She also serves on the Parish Pastoral Council.

Michael Trousdell is Director at WSP, serving as Head of Sustainability for the UK Property and Buildings department. A Cambridge-educated mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience, he leads sustainability services across architecture, structural engineering, building services, and energy consulting.

His heritage experience includes the Warner Stand project at Lord's Cricket Ground, adjacent to the Grade II* Listed Pavilion, where he delivered the first all-electric stand. His portfolio includes work on listed buildings and heritage properties, demonstrating understanding of conservation standards and requirements.

Nuala Gray serves as Administrative and Finance Officer at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School, Charlton. Her role encompasses financial administration, budget management, and regulatory compliance within the Archdiocese of Southwark education system.

Gray's experience managing school budgets provides practical knowledge of charity finance regulations, audit requirements, and transparent financial reporting. Her understanding of grant management and funding compliance within the education sector applies directly to heritage project financial oversight.

Sean Small serves as Headteacher of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School in Charlton. Under his leadership, the school maintains an Ofsted rating of "Outstanding," demonstrating his capability in managing educational institutions.

Small's experience with school building development projects and infrastructure improvements provides practical knowledge of managing construction and renovation works within operational educational settings. His networks within the Catholic education system provide valuable channels for stakeholder consultation.

Shirley Bigwood was the Trust's founding Vice Chair and has a background in international banking at the Bank of Montreal and Barclays Bank PLC. At Barclays International Banking, she managed a portfolio of international clients as a Relationship Manager, advising on investment, lending, and tax matters.

Born locally and educated at the Assumption Convent School and The Ursuline Convent, Blackheath, Bigwood has longstanding ties to the parish. Her three children attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School, as have three grandchildren. She serves as a catechist and Parish Council member.