About Open Road Norfolk

Clive Dodds is retired Managing Partner and Chairman of Directors at accountants Stephenson Smart in King’s Lynn. Born and raised in Norfolk, Mr Dodds, has seen the 100-year-old company expand from its flagship town office into multiple locations.

Clive began working for Stephenson Smart on in 1974 and was made partner in 1984 before the first computer was even introduced. As the years passed his position took him all over the world, with work in South Korea, The Philippines, Australia and The Bahamas, where he assisted with a sale of a stately home in Lincolnshire.

Aside from his role at Stephenson Smart, Clive will be known by many for his charitable work. He has been involved with Festival Too as Treasurer and Chair and is also the local Chairman of The King’s Trust, Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Trustee of Open Road, a charity supporting young people to find a vocation.

I retired in December 2019, but previously served in the British Army, and had experience in the security and automotive industries. I also spent some time as a Civil Servant, both in the Prison Service and the Ministry of Defence.

I’ve been involved with Open Road West Norfolk from the outset in 2009 and as Project Manager working closely with the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk who were the initial sponsors of the project.

When the project was delivered in September 2009 I was delighted to remain involved as a Trustee and continue to take a keen interest in Open Road and its growth and development to meet the needs of the young people in our community.

Originally from rural Wales, I moved to London to train as a teacher and then work in the art world as a guide/ lecturer for two of London’s largest public galleries.

Then, moving to Norfolk, I became very involved in country life as the Chairman of the Norfolk Country landowners and Business Association and on the main CLA committee in London. I also dedicated time to the Swaffham and Litcham Home Hospice having started as a volunteer 25 years ago, now working as a part time Deputy Coordinator.

I am a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk and former High Sheriff, and it was in this role that I came to visit Open Road. The Charity immediately grabbed my attention – I have always been interested in personal development and becoming the best version of who we are. Formal education is not always the best setting for individuals. Acquiring skills and learning how to use them to their fullest can take different forms and Open Road gives young people the opportunity to learn vocational and life skills- allowing them to become more employable and to make the most of their lives.

Lesley was brought up in West Norfolk but worked in London for about twenty years before returning to Norfolk around thirty years ago. She has worked in advertising and been a marketing manager as well as advertising and promotions manager for a local further education college. She has also worked in adult education and latterly for an organisation helping young people find out about the world of work. She is a County Councillor and was a Borough Councillor ending her 16 years as Mayor.

“I was approached about being a Trustee and agreed to take up the role because of my experience working with young people”, said Lesley. “I actually attended the opening of Open Road, some years ago and have been aware of their activities since, so it was an easy decision to make to be involved”, she continued.

I wanted to ensure, as best possible that every opportunity was afforded to as many young people as possible, at every level. Open Road is an excellent example of what can be done to get people on the right path, to instil a sense of self-worth in them and to open their eyes to the fact that they can achieve lots of things that they never thought possible, perhaps hadn’t even considered.

Once entrenched in one of our programmes, a new life, perhaps, hopefully, opens up in front of them.

The culmination of all our students time with us is the prize giving evening every year where the students are given their certificates of achievement. It brings great joy every year to see the very happy and satisfied faces of the Mum’s, Dad’s and carers, and of course the students themselves. We have seen many tears of joy…. How rewarding is that… for everyone…!

Retired from;
Vice Chair – Norfolk Community Foundation
Vice Chair – Zoological Society of East Anglia
Governor – Thetford Grammar School

Currently;
Chair Open Road West Norfolk
Treasurer – Thetford Educational Foundation Trust
Trustee – Dads Army Museum Thetford

David has a keen interest in investing in the local area, allowing individuals and organisations to thrive. He has been a trustee at Open Road since we were first established back in 2009, supporting through sponsorship of events and donating his time. In 2024, he was appointed High Sheriff of Norfolk.

Growing up in Norfolk, David was educated at Lynn’s St James Boys’ School, Springwood High School and then King’s School, Ely. He has a passion for education, and supporting young people in the West Norfolk area.

David has been involved with several organisations during his career, most notably Adrian Flux Insurance, founded by his father Adrian Flux in the 1970s. David took over the running of the company in 1999, after working his way up from a clerical role.

He has also been involved with other local organisations, such as the Norfolk Community Foundation with his wife Lisa. The pair were also silver patrons of the Prince’s Trust as well as continuing to be supporters of The Royal Countryside Fund, The Purfleet Trust and True’s Yard Museum.

David is also a keen advocate for organisations that promote the visitor economy in King’s Lynn such as Festival Too and holds the vice president position of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Kerry has over thirty years’ experience working in educational, custodial, and community settings, twenty of which have been spent in leadership roles. In December 2024, she was admitted to the Chartered Institution for Further Education, as a lifelong associate.