Lewisham Music announces Dame Joan Ruddock stepping down as Chair of Trustees, and welcomes Jenetta Hurst.
Lewisham Music, an award-winning youth charity dedicated to transforming young lives through music announces that Dame Joan Ruddock will be stepping down as Chair of Trustees after two full terms.
Dame Joan has played a pivotal role in Lewisham Music’s journey over the past six years, guiding the charity through a period of significant development and transformation. Under her leadership, Lewisham Music has expanded its programmes, strengthened its presence in the community, and deepened its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of work.
As Chair, Dame Joan has worked closely with the leadership team to champion the voices of young people, ensuring they remain at the heart of the charity’s mission. Her experience, vision, and unwavering support have helped shape the charity and a forward-thinking Board of Trustees that reflects the vibrant and diverse community Lewisham Music serves.
Bye Joan!
“I have had the privilege of leading our wonderful board of trustees for a full two terms and have loved seeing our charity grow and adapt even when faced with some huge challenges. During my time as chair our offer for young people has expanded and diversified. We have also successfully engaged new audiences in our work.
It has been a pleasure to see The Fellowship become not only our charity’s home, but also a vital community space serving local people across South Lewisham. I would like to thank the passionate, dedicated and skilled set of trustees and staff at Lewisham Music for their continued work to ensure that all children and young people get the opportunity to experience the benefits and joy of music.”
Dame Joan Ruddock
“Dame Joan has been an extraordinary Chair—committed to her belief in the power of music to create change, and always generous with her time, insight, and leadership. Her dedication has helped Lewisham Music to thrive, and her legacy will continue to shape the organisation for years to come.”
Lewisham Music’s CEO, Keith Sykes
Lewisham Music believes every young person should have access to music, regardless of background or circumstance. From grassroots music education in schools and community spaces to award-winning programmes that build confidence, skills, and pathways into creative industries, the charity is committed to making music inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
We wish Dame Joan all the best for the future – MASSIVE THANKS!
Welcome Jenetta!
Welcome to Jenetta Hurst, Lewisham Music’s new Chair of Trustees!
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Jenetta Hurst as our new Chair of Trustees, succeeding Dame Joan Ruddock following the successful completion of her two terms.
Jenetta brings to the role over 20 years’ experience as a music educator, flautist, published author, and passionate advocate for creative education. She is the founder of The Creative Educator Consultancy, and has held middle and senior leadership positions in schools across the Midlands and London. Her deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of music education is informed by her own musical journey—beginning with Redbridge Music Service, where her love for music was nurtured as a child.
A proud graduate and Honorary Member of Birmingham Conservatoire, Jenetta also holds a PGCE from UCE Birmingham and an MA from UCL’s Institute of Education. She studied part of her undergraduate degree in Potsdam, New York—a life-changing experience that cemented her passion for global and inclusive approaches to music and learning.
“I am delighted to now step into the role of supporting Keith and his wonderful team at Lewisham Music, in providing amazing creative opportunities for all communities. Music Hubs are vital to children and young people, and I know firsthand how powerful their impact can be.
I am looking forward to working with the team, our partners and the community to champion access, equity, high quality music-making and creativity for every young person in Lewisham.”
Jenetta Hurst
Jenetta is proud of her Bajan and St Lucian heritage, and comes from a family of school leaders, educators, and changemakers both in the UK and the Caribbean. Her educational expertise and dedication to inclusion make her uniquely placed to lead Lewisham Music into its next chapter.
When she’s not supporting the next generation of musicians and educators, Jenetta loves to listen to music with her playlist currently featuring the soulful sounds of Angie Stone, Marcus Miller, Kathy Kosins, Jonathon Nelson, and Omar. Among her favourite local spots in Lewisham are Goldsmiths University’s performance spaces, Brockley’s Rock (for the best fish and chips in South East London!), and Lewisham’s bustling Saturday high street—a vibrant reminder of the borough’s community spirit.
We’re thrilled to welcome Jenetta to the Lewisham Music team. Her passion for music, education and equity shines through in everything she does, and her values align perfectly with ours.
With Jenetta’s leadership, we’re excited to continue our mission to make positive change in young people’s lives through music—across Lewisham and beyond.
Notes to Editors
Want to know more
For enquiries about Lewisham Music please contact…
Robbie Hurst
Marketing and Communications Manager
Email: robbie.hurst@lewishammusic.org
About Lewisham Music
Lewisham Music is an award-winning youth charity and a Principal Partner in South East London Music Hub. Working alongside local and national partners, we deliver and support a diverse range of musical opportunities in schools and communities across Lewisham.
Lewisham Music’s vision and mission is for every child and young person in Lewisham to experience the power of music through accessible, inclusive programmes that inspire creativity and confidence. We believe music can unlock potential and build happier, healthier communities.
Last year we delivered a diverse range of musical activity to over 6700 children and young people across 76 Lewisham schools, community settings and from The Fellowship, our state-of-the-art community music venue situated in the heart of the Bellingham Estate, SE6.
Young people’s voices are at the heart of our work and driving our actions.
