John Houghton – Chairman
John was born in Birmingham, where he received his education and lived for 20 years. After spending a year in Canada, he returned to Birmingham for college and eventually secured a job with a publishing company.
In 1960, John married his first wife and had a daughter. During this time, he not only continued his work with the publishing company, which had expanded into a supplier and conference organiser, but also developed and managed a chain of greeting card shops across the Midlands.
In 1985, he went through a divorce and remarried in 1987 to an accomplished medium and clairvoyant. Together, they established and ran a center for the development of new age therapies and ideas in Malvern.
Afterwards, they relocated to Brighton before retiring to Spain in 2000. However, in 2014, they returned to the UK and settled at The Court in August of the same year.
Catherine Brereton
Catherine was employed for 8 years in an administrative role with a firm of Chartered Accountants in Blackburn. Between 1972 and 1979, she dedicated herself to home responsibilities and raising her two sons.
In 1979, Catherine joined a pharmaceutical company as a Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of the Export Department, a position she held until 1993. That year, she transitioned to become the secretarial coordinator for a firm of solicitors, also based in Blackburn.
From 1996 to 2008, she worked as a Registrar and PA to the Principal at an Independent School. Sadly, Catherine was widowed in 2018 after her husband’s three-year battle with cancer. She moved to The Court in January 2022.
Christine Kitchen
Christine entered the teaching profession in 1974, initially teaching in a High School and working as a Supply Teacher. She then spent several years teaching children with special educational needs.
In 2003, she started a small catering business from her home in Penwortham. Christine retired from teaching in 2006 and pursued hospitality and catering qualifications while running her own business.
She retired from her business in 2017 and moved to the Court. The following year, in 2018, Christine joined the Committee, liaising with the gardener and groundsman due to her passionate interest in gardening.
Together with her husband, Peter, Christine actively runs several interest groups for the U3A (University of the Third Age) and leads walks with the local walking group.
Anne Smith
Anne was born in 1942 in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. Her father served in the RAMC during the Second World War, and post-war, he continued his military service. Consequently, Anne grew up as a forces child, experiencing a nomadic lifestyle that took her to different parts of the world and resulted in her attending 13 different schools over the years.
She had ambition to become a nurse and whilst studying for her GCEs in Malta she worked in a hospital overlooking Grand Harbour on weekends and during holidays.
Upon returning to England, Anne pursued her nursing career and did her SRN training at Preston Royal Infirmary and dedicated many years to working there. Juggling her career with the responsibilities of raising three children, she often worked night shifts.
Anne was actively involved in the local Methodist Church, where she served on the committee. Later, she moved to Scotland before returning to Lancashire. In July 2022, Anne made the decision to move into The Court, marking a new chapter in her life.
Linda Norman
Linda was born in Coventry and raised in Lancashire. She trained in Sheffield but spent of her working life in Guernsey. She worked as a children’s dentist and managed a Public Health Service. Following her remarkable career, Linda transitioned into managing a counseling charity, where she continued to make a positive impact on her community.
Now retired, Linda enjoys indulging her passion for travel, both within the UK and abroad. She has family residing nearby, and finds joy in pursuing an array of interests including leisurely walks, birdwatching, rounds of golf, music and politics.
Having owned an apartment at Buckshaw since March 2022, Linda made the decision to settle permanently in April 2023, drawn not only by the village’s charm but also by fond memories of her mother’s 10 years of living there. Determined to play an active role in the Buckshaw community, Linda eagerly lends her support and expertise wherever needed.