About the Trust

I am the Chairman and founder member of The Katherine Jacobs Trust. I first met Kathy at Loughborough College of Education in 1971. We married in July 1975 and, over the following years, had three children: Sarah, Martin and Jenny.

I began my working life teaching Physical Education and History, which led to a career in Outdoor Education. I was Head of Service for Leicestershire Outdoor and Residential Learning Service. and spent over 30 years involved in teaching and helping children enjoy the great outdoor experience. I held the post of Chairman of Leicestershire Football Association, and previously managed both the under 15 and under 18 county teams for a number of years. My interests involve mountain walking, running, gardening, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

I am the younger sister of Kathy. I work as a Disability Adviser at the University of Bedfordshire. In this role, I advise students on disability issues and help to put support in place for their studies. I have also worked as a Research Scientist (20 years), a Lecturer at the University of Reading (7 years) and as a Careers and Personal Adviser (11 years).

In my spare time, I enjoy playing Bridge and raising money for the Michael Sobell Bridge Club by helping with the Bridge Drives. I also enjoy theatre, especially contemporary dance, and keeping fit by going to the gym and country walking.

My name is Sylvia Cole and I have worked in Education for the past forty years, initially as a teacher of English and, more recently, as a Director of Education.

I am totally committed to raising achievement and building confidence in young children and I know that the contribution of parents and teachers is invaluable in this process. Kathy Jacobs was an excellent teacher, under whose guidance primary-aged children flourished. Kathy’s career was, tragically, cut short. I hope that, by being a trustee, I can help to celebrate her past work and encourage young children to achieve their full potential, whilst, at the same time, raising awareness of the way in which she died. The education, health, and safety of children is my particular interest, and I hope to contribute effectively to The Katherine Jacobs Trust by drawing on a wealth of past experience in these areas. I hope that my skills in teaching, child management, general management and group interaction will also be useful. I retired in January 2006 and am now also a member of a group which raises funds to support children and young people who show particular aptitude in music, dance, drama and sport. In addition, I am a volunteer with a Foundation which provides day and respite care for elderly, disabled and lonely people.

The whole of my career has been spent in a finance and administrative environment, during which time I was employed with British European Airways; IBM; The University of Leicester; TI Desford Tubes; and the Leicestershire County Council's Education Department.

I retired in 2003, as the Head of Centre of the Leicestershire County Council's International Education Centre at Quorn Hall.

I was a member of the East Goscote Parish Council for a number of years, serving two terms as Chairman, and was also on the board of School Governors for Broomfield County Primary School in East Goscote.

I am an active member of the Loughborough Corps of the Salvation Army.