Avril Hitman

I am an experienced arts professional and consultant with a long-standing commitment to inclusion and community engagement. I founded and led Magpie Dance from 1985 to 2017 as its Artistic and Executive Director, developing it into a leading inclusive contemporary dance company for people with learning disabilities. During that time, I created innovative participation, performance and training programmes, delivering over 400 sessions annually across London and the UK, and leading workshops internationally, including in Bangladesh and Sweden.

For the past decade, I have worked as a freelance consultant, advising organisations in the cultural sector and mentoring new business founders. My work has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM), a National Diversity Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).

I have been a leaseholder since 2017 and was drawn to the development for its green spaces, historic character and sense of community. I am motivated to contribute positively by helping maintain high standards, ensuring value for money, and representing residents’ interests.