Governance
Our community interest company (CIC), festival and related activities are guided by a Leadership Team, an Advisory Board, a Programming Committee, and a Residents & Businesses Representation Group. More information about each team is provided below.

Orphy Robinson

Chris Newstead

Alex Brooks

Ruth Fisher

Alex Murray
Our Leadership Team
Final decision making is agreed by our Leadership Team. The team is responsible for our policies and the overall direction, efficacy, and good management of all our activities.
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Orphy Robinson MBE – chair
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Chris Newstead – founder & festival director and CIC director
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Alex Brooks – head of finance and CIC director
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Ruth Fisher – head of programming
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Alex Murray – head of legal
Our Advisory Board
Strategic development of the festival is guided by this group. Membership is held for 2-years, reappoint-able. Meets quarterly with our chair.
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Chris Newstead - permanent member
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Alex Brooks - permanent member
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Zoe Baines
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Ruth Fisher
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Anke Kroner - head of sponsorship & partnerships
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Alex Murray
Our Programming Committee
All programming and subsequent booking is agreed by this group. Meets every two weeks.
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Ruth Fisher - lead
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Chris Newstead
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Chris Philips
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Orphy Robinson
Our Residents & Businesses Group
Opinions & ideas representing our local community are given by this group. Meets at least twice a year and there is no limit on the number of members.
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Julie Bart – resident & WJJ volunteer
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Shaun Blake – resident & WJJ volunteer
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Lewis Butler – resident, Watford Council events team, & former WJJ board member
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Jill Farnsworth – Watford Business Improvement District & former WJJ board member
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Paul Jackson – resident
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Ravi Kumar - resident
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Sameer Munjal - resident & business owner
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Alex Murray – resident & current WJJ board member
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Junior Nyeko – resident & former WJJ board member
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Zak Hawkins - resident & business owner
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Chris Newstead – facilitator
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If you’re a local Watford resident or business owner, love jazz & quality live music, and would like to join this group, please email jazzwatfordlive@gmail.com in the first instance.
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Last meeting 21 September 2023. Next meeting 8 February 2024.