President of the Glenbeigh Festival can lead to great things: 2007 The 2007/08 President, John Griffin (opposite), starred recently in a BBC Television programme, The Secret Millionaire . In this programme he went undercover in the deprived Westside area of Newcastle in order to help change the lives of people for the better. A self-made business man who owns the biggest Taxi Company in Britain, John utilised his immense knowledge and generosity to help those in need. Hugely admired and respected within the business world, John has built Addison Lee from a single cab to over 2,500 by an uncompromising commitment to customer service and has also recently been tipped as a future Lord Mayor of London. 2008 The 2008/09 President, Anthony (pictured opposite with his family) was born in Dublin, brought up in Dooks near Glenbeigh, son of an English father, known locally as “The Major” and an Irish Mother. Anthony started his career in the Royal Navy and then after six years entered the world of business: Unilever, Whitbread (CEO), Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide (Chairman) and BSB, British Satellite Broadcasting (CEO). He launched the successful Macmillan Nurse Appeal for Macmillan Cancer Relief and is currently Chairman of four companies including the Rose Theatre which led him to painting a wonderfully accurate and life-size portrait of the world-famous theatre director, Sir Peter Hall. This hangs in the Rose Theatre. Anthony Simonds-Gooding, was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. But Behind every successful man, stands a powerful (and exhausted) woman. His is Marjorie – Enough said! 2009 So what lies ahead for the current President, Dolores Sweeney? Mary McAleese, watch out! Pictured opposite is Dolores Sweeney with previous president Anthony Simonds Gooding. Back to top

© Glenbeigh Festival • Site by Bright Idea Home • History • Events • Races • Festival Queen • Gallery • Presidents • Links • Sponsors • Contact Us Email: info@glenbeighfestival.com