PRESIDENT
James Saunders Watson
James Saunders Watson was born in 1961 in Gloucester and spent his early years in Hampshire, Dartmouth and Bermuda, before moving to Rockingham Castle in 1971 when his father inherited the Estate from his Great Uncle.James has had a varied career primarily in the asset management industry with Fleming Investment Management and latterly JPMorgan Asset Management. He is currently a partner in Warhorse Partners, a brand, communications and marketing consultancy. Prior to his City career he served ten years in the Royal Navy as a Seaman Officer.
In 1999 James, Lizzie and their children moved to Rockingham Castle.
James is a Board member of Historic Houses, a Trustee of the Country Land and Business Association Pension Fund and a Council Member and Trustee of The White Ensign Association. He is also a trustee of Royal Navy Rugby Union and The Teamwork Trust. He has previously been a Director of the Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership and chaired both the Corby and North Northamptonshire Landowner Groups. For 15 years he was a Council Member of Seafarers UK and chairman of the Finance and Investment Committee. He is also on the Court of the Worshipful Company of Founders, which helps him to maintain links with the City.
James was High Sheriff for Northamptonshire from April 2018 – April 2019.
VICE PRESIDENT
Cllr James Hakewell
I was born in 1954 and grew up on my father’s dairy farm in Braybrooke (just south of Market Harborough). Having attended the local primary school, I then went to Kettering Grammar School. My work career was mostly in capital business equipment sales and consultancy in local government.My wife Christine and I were married in 1977 and we have three children Tom, Laura and Jeni who have blessed us with six grandchildren. All of whom have been members of scouting groups at various times.
I have been on several Councils over the years since first being elected to Braybrooke Parish council in 1985. During my time on Kettering Borough Council, I was proud to be both council Leader (2007-11) and Mayor (2012-13). I am currently an Independent Councillor on North Northamptonshire Council. I represent Rothwell, Mawsley and several villages around this area.
My great passion is motor racing, enjoying watching Grand Prix races on TV and have travelled to a few races to watch. I love living and walking in the countryside. I know Northamptonshire very well having lived and worked in the County for most of my life.
I am looking forward to my role as an Honorary Vice President of Northamptonshire Scouts and will be pleased to promote scouting in the County.
VICE PRESIDENT
Ron Hasler
I started my scouting journey in November 1940, joining 29th East Ham Cub Pack in London moving to the Scout Troop in 1943 eventually taking over the Troop (one of the youngest to do so) as the war meant adult volunteers were occupied elsewhere.I was Marketing Director of Trust House Group Supplies Division; Managing Director and founder of the brand Chefs Larder for Booker. My last role before retirement was as CEO at The Dutch Co Operative Friesland of Holland UK Division.
I have always been a keen supporter of the Sir John Lowther Centre , recognising it’s key role for the County and also the importance of Scouting for the health and wellbeing of young people.
I completed a successful application for a £10,000 Lottery Grant allowing us to “virtually” Walk to Baden Powell’s Grave in Kenya. The grant money was for equipment such as wrist pedometers so that every Scout in the County had an equal chance to take part at no cost to parents.
I am very pleased to continue in my role as Vice President of the County.
VICE PRESIDENT
Cllr Tom Partridge-Underwood
I was born in Bozeat, educated locally and retired in 2018.I am married to Sue and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
I served on Bozeat Parish Council for 28 years, including as Chairman and on the Borough Council since 1983. I served as Deputy Leader for 20 years, was Mayor twice and was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Wellingborough in 2019.
I am a committed Christian involved in the local church, was Chairman of The Castle from planning stage to 2012 and was a director of Oakfield care home.
VICE PRESIDENT
Cllr Suresh Patel
Suresh Patel is married with two sons and represents the Duston East Electoral Division in Northampton.For the past 25 years he has been a successful and well known businessman in the St. James area of the town which he has represented as a Northampton Borough Councillor.
He is renowned as a tireless and respected community activist and has worked with many community/third sector organisations.
VICE PRESIDENT
Cllr Danielle Stone
A life-long community activist, with a strong interest in equalities and social justice.Trained as a primary school teacher and has taught in all sectors, including adult education.
Came to Northampton in 2021 as an education officer, to set up the Study Support service, which became part of Extended Schools. Was also responsible for international school linking and led many action research trips introducing teachers to each other through a British Council programme called Connecting Classrooms.
Was made redundant by the county in 2008 when Extended Schools came to an end, and became a Borough Councillor in 2011 and a County Councillor in 2013. Danielle is at present a West Northants District Councillor.
As a councillor has taken a keen interest in building social capital and empowering communities.
Has learned a great deal about Local Authority Finance, Children’s Services, Public Health and Adult Services.
Is a trustee of Northampton Town of Sanctuary and the Association of Northamptonshire Supplementary Schools. Chairs the Northampton Al Bireh, Palestine, Friendship Association.
