Meet the trustees
Meet our dedicated trustees, whose collective expertise and passion drive Ebony Steel Band's mission forward.
Chair
Ian Comfort
Ian is a seasoned educationalist and lawyer with a diverse background. With extensive experience in education management and regulatory law, he has served as a local authority director of education, chief executive of a large academy trust, and adviser on education infrastructure nationally and internationally.
Additionally, Ian chairs professional conduct tribunals and was appointed by HM Queen as a Commissioner for the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Committed to community engagement, Ian has been actively involved with Ebony Steelband for over 25 years and chairs the Carnival Village Trust, overseeing Europe's largest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival.
Trustee
Dave curtis
Dave Curtis, a seasoned professional, served as Arts & Events Manager and Service Group Manager for the London Borough of Newham before retirement. Prior to this role, he held the position of Programme Manager at the Tabernacle, situated in the heart of the Notting Hill Carnival neighborhood.
With over 40 years of experience, Dave has been deeply involved in Ebony and carnival arts, contributing significantly to their development and growth.
Trustee
Lynda rosenior-patten
With over 30 years of experience in the Creative Industries, Lynda has made significant contributions to North Kensington since 2007. She spearheaded various local projects and organizations, including the Notting Hill Carnival Pioneers Festival and Portobello Pavilion, where she serves on the steering committee. Since 2014, Lynda has been a valuable member of the board at Ebony Steel Band.
In 2016, she established Maestro7 Creative Management Consultancy, offering expertise in Business Enterprise training, Strategic Management, Fundraising, and Project Development. Previously, Lynda held the position of Head of Culture and Partnerships at Westway Trust, where she pioneered the borough's first Creative Apprenticeship Programme.