The Life Science Trust was set up by Dr. Margaret Colquhoun (1947-2017) as a Scottish Charity in 1992 to further the work of Goethean Science and develop this work in the fields of education, the arts and sciences, medicine, agriculture, horticulture, architecture, ecology, philosophy, religion, social development and welfare and otherwise for the public benefit. Key personnel of the Trust were teaching the scientific methods of Goetheanism for some time before the land base study centre was acquired, a research and demonstration base, led to the decision to undertake this project.
A Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status, incorporated in October 28, 1992.
Board of Trustees
Aonghus Gordon is the Founder and Executive Chair of Ruskin Mill Trust and has pioneered its unique method of Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE), inspired by Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris’s ideas about social renewal, healthy human development and the importance of art, crafts and land work. Thousands of young people have benefited from this integrative education method. He is passionate about the need for people to break out of dependency and marginalisation, believing that everyone has the potential to shape their own future.
Chris Helliwell originally trained for ministry in the Church of England and served for a brief period as a vicar before a change in direction in 1993 saw him begin making craft furniture with a particular focus on avoiding modern machinery, favouring old tools and techniques instead. In the early 2000s he became involved in the Clow Beck Eco-Centre near Darlington, which was soon integrated into the Ruskin Mill Trust group as Clervaux Trust, where he now teaches green woodwork. He has since gained an MSc though Ruskin Mill Trust and the University of West England.
Helen Kippax has a diverse background in fine arts, social care and educational development including helping to establish a Steiner School in Sheffield. Helen has gained an MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education from the University West of England and continues to support and research the method of PSTE as a Trustee for Ruskin Mill Trust. Helen provides mentorship to senior leaders across the Ruskin Mill Trust group.
Simon Reakes is the Head of Publishing for Ruskin Mill Trust, to which he brings nearly a decade of experience in the organisation. He specialises in working with graphic design and is responsible for the aesthetics and coherence of the Trust’s brand. Having undertaken an MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, where he focused on genius loci, Simon now teaches Goethean science at Ruskin Mill Trust’s Field Centre. He is currently undertaking doctoral studies at the Royal Holloway, University of London, where he researches Goethean methods of inquiry and genius loci / spirit of place.
Angus Taylor is a Partner at Bruton Knowles Property Consultants where he delivers Building Consultancy to SMEs. He is a Chartered Building Surveyor, experienced Project Manager and Chartered Building Engineer, Fellow of the RICS and CABE and full member of the Association for Project Management.
Dr. James Dyson trained as a doctor in London at the same time as pursuing his studies in Anthroposophy. He now lectures internationally on a wide range of subjects. Besides his work as an adult educator and a doctor, he was also was one of the founder members of the Park Attwood Clinic where patients were able to be treated with Anthroposophical medicine and therapies. He worked there for twenty-five years.