DAD Management Team

The management team for DAD (Alias DAD's Army) consists of representatives from voluntary and Statutory organisations.

Laura Atkinson – WDP

Social Media and Communications. Laura coordinates all of our Social Media campaigns in the lead up and post event. Laura is constantly thinking of new ideas and promotions to advertise the event.

Gavin Gibbons - Walton Hall and Gardens

Head Ranger Gavin will be keeping a watching brief on our careful use of the grounds of Walton Hall. His team of rangers provide valuable support to the onsite DAD week team.

Derek Jones – WDP

Deputy Chief Executive. Co-ordinates the positive action schools event, our WDP stalls and provides support to all WDP Team Members. Derek also comperes our Mega Quiz Night in the Park.

Sue McMillan

Arts and Sports Administration. Oversees bookings for the Arts Marquee, Main Arena and Sports Area.

John Munslow – WDP

Joint Deputy Head Steward and member of the DAD Week Team. John plays an active role in all DAD Week activities and leads on the storage and itinerary of all DAD related equipment. On Sunday, you will find him staffing the Steward’s Control Point with Peter.

Kate Picken – WDP

DAD Administration. Oversees the booking of exhibitor spaces for the event and programme advertising, as well as providing administration support for DAD Stewards.

Caroline Thompson – WDP

Head of Corporate Services & DAD Senior Administration. Caroline oversees the administration and finances for the event, overseeing the Stewards registrations and locations, communications, DAD programme content, as well as coordinating the VIP Reception for sponsors and supporters.

Dave Thompson MBE DL

WDP Chief Executive and Event Founder & Co-ordinator. Even after 29 years works tirelessly all year round, constantly looking at ways to improve and develop the event further and always on the lookout for businesses and people to support the event. He is the originator of the sayings “Team WDP and DAD’s Army”.

Gavin Thompson – WDP

Head Steward and member of the DAD Week Team. Gavin has grown up with DAD, taking part in the very first DAD event at the age of 12. Dave's son and future Co-ordinator! As WDP’s Commercial Director, he also coordinates the exhibition stands for the Disability Trading Company.

Pam Thompson – WDP

Honorary President. Mrs DAD. Completes the final exhibitor packs mail out with Brun and organises the DAD Week Team, which includes making sure they are kept fed and watered at ‘Pam’s Café’. Being married to Dave also means being married to DAD.

Dave Williams

Joint Deputy Head Steward and member of the DAD Week Team. Dave is also our highways signage expert and is constantly on the lookout for new ideas and opportunities. Dave plays an active role in all DAD Week events.

Janis Williams – WDP

Coordinates our in-site activities during DAD Week. Janis attends a wide range of events throughout the year, ensuring that DAD is high on everyone’s agenda.

A big thankyou to the rest of Dad's Army too...

All of our Stewards, Enablers and Assistants and to everyone who supported the Auction and Raffle prizes and everyone else that helped organise events during DAD week.

The DAD 2023 Event Site Team including Gavin, Dave W, Bob, John M, Carl, Pam, Dave T, Phil, Chris, Lee, Ben Janis, and Mark.

The DAD 2023 Admin Office Team including Caroline, Laura, Ebony, Sue, Gail, John, Derek J, Kate, Leigh, Dawn, Ellen, Ellie and assisted by our wonderful team of volunteers.