Managing a 3,000-acre country estate while delivering on ambitious visions for the future involves the work of a wide range of dedicated individuals.
The South Ormsby Estate & Team includes experts in a wide range of skills and disciplines who work together for the good of the estate and its communities.
Jon and Jan Thornes became the custodians of South Ormsby Estate in 2016 and since then, they’ve been leading the way with an exciting vision for the estate’s future.
Born in West Yorkshire, Jon has worked in agriculture, agribusiness and technology throughout his career.
Jon and Jan have lived in Lincolnshire for many years and they now live on South Ormsby Estate.
Paul has over 15 years’ experience of estate and farm management and has a qualification in agribusiness. He is a member of the Worshipful Company of Farmers and the Institute of Agricultural Management.
Sarah started on the Estate in January 2022 having 15 years of Accounts experience and is a Qualified Bookkeeper with the Association of Accounting Technicians. When not at work she enjoys spending time outside in the garden, growing her own flowers and veg or relaxing on the side of a fishing lake.
Jacqui has worked to maintain South Ormsby Hall for over twenty five years and began her career working for the former squire, Adrian Massingberd-Mundy. Jacqui lives on the estate with her husband, whose family has worked at South Ormsby Estate for generations, and her 21-year-old daughter, Keira.
Finn has joined the Estate as a graduate trainee in 2019, after completing her BA in Photography. She now works as Estate Admin Assistant, and is also the maker of Massingberd-Mundy Luxury Leather Goods.
Edward (or Ed as he prefers to be called) started with Massingberd-Mundy Distillery in March 2025. Coming from a background in both the service industry and drinks production sector he is keen to get stuck in. Having worked in the industry for over half a decade Ed looks to bring his knowledge and experience, which includes a gold medal 98/100 IWSC scoring entry, to the Massingberd-Mundy range, with a view to updating the current recipes and creating new and exciting concoctions!
A professional photographer who now lives on South Ormsby Estate, Damian takes photos on behalf of the estate and helps visitors and residents to appreciate the beauty of the area.
“In Ukraine, I worked as a chief engineer of gas and heat networks, a design engineer at the production of metal constructions and metal products, and a deputy chief engineer at a lime production plant. As an additional income, I also did computer repair at home and cryptocurrency mining. I like to paint with oil paints, but I don’t have enough time for it, and I am also fond of hiking to mountain peaks. My wife and I have two sons and a daughter. My family is my most valuable treasure.”
Philip Taylor is South Ormsby Estate’s Cattle Manager, caring for our herd of organic, pedigree Lincoln Red Cattle. ‘I studied agriculture in South Africa and specialized in Animal production and Genetics. I have been farming for more than 15 years and I like cows!’
Sabrina Kelly is a business leader who turns big ideas into real results—and she is a lifelong LEGO fan too, running the UK’s biggest adult LEGO club and its longest-running LEGO show. With a background in helping companies grow and solve complex challenges, she has led major transformation projects and supported hundreds of entrepreneurs. Here at South Ormsby Estate she is leading the creation of Praetorium, our Rural AI and Digital Skills Centre, where people can build skills, confidence, and a better future.
Marie Marriott holds a BA Honours degree in Leisure Management, of which she particularly focussed on the Marketing and Events modules. She has built a career in this field and is a recent addition to the South Ormsby Estate team. As a local resident, Marie is enthusiastic about enhancing the estate’s positive impact on the local community. She is excited about promoting the estate’s unique products and the diverse bird species that call it home. Marie loves the countryside, wildlife, art, and actively participates in a local women’s cricket club. In her free time, Marie enjoys walking, photography, horse-riding, cycling, and thrives working at this wonderful nature-focused estate.
Joshua is from South Yorkshire and has a BA Honours in History from Lincoln University. He started as a Graduate on the estate and joined in 2023, having moved to Lincolnshire following graduation to live with his partner. He says, ‘during the grad scheme I have learned so much about sustainable and organic farming and the multitude of different areas that fall under the grads rotation.’
Sarah has recently graduated from The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester with a degree in Bsc (Hons) Agricultural Business Management. Sarah has a strong interest in sustainability and the UK food system as well as being a keen hockey player and baker.
Having recently completed his BSc in Business and Management with International Business at the University of Sussex, Henry joined the estate as a graduate trainee in September 2024. His interests include rugby, football and running.
Mia recently completed her degree in Hispanic Studies and French at the University of Warwick and joined the estate as a graduate trainee in September 2024. She speaks 4 languages, enjoys travelling the world, and is a huge coffee lover.
Marmite’s job at the Estate is arguably the most important of them all. He patrols South Ormsby Estate and makes sure that everything is in check. Whether it’s seeking out pests, greeting visitors, or exploring parts around the Estate, Marmite always keeps himself busy.
SEE MARMITE'S ADVENTURES ON THE ESTATE
Tak is the founder of Takero Shimazaki Architects, a RIBA award-winning practice which specialises in sympathetically designed developments and restorations. Tak and his team are designing buildings for the estate’s future.
Jennifer is a RIBA East Midlands award-winning architect who’s well-regarded for high-profile restorations and new-builds. Jennifer is coordinating the direction and delivery of the architectural elements of the estate vision.
Cécile will design and deliver various projects across the Estate. Using her previous experience in refurbishment and new buildings, she will arrange the new proposals to be in keeping with the existing environment.
Keyura will be assisting with the design and development of new buildings on the estate. Using her previous experience developing housing in London and Cambridge, she’ll ensure buildings sit comfortably within the estate and are respectful to the surrounding area.
Marcus is the founder of an award-winning architecture firm which specialises in new buildings and building alterations in historic and protected environments. Marcus Beale Architects is leading the design and development of restoration projects across the estate including the restoration of South Ormsby Hall.
Barry Stow is an expert in historic building repair and the conservation of heritage sites and his previous work includes the restoration of The Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station and the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey. Barry is ensuring the plans for the estate are architecturally respectful to the area’s heritage.
Working alongside Marcus Beale and Barry Stowe, Daniel is the conservation architect for the restoration of the Massingberd-Mundy Rectory and South Ormsby Hall and walled garden.
Guy is a town planner and chartered surveyor specialising in rural planning. Through Indigo Planning, he is leading the Estate projects through the planning stage to ensure the best outcomes for the local community, economy and landscape.
Working alongside Guy Maxfield, Fareeda is a specialist in local government, policy, research, community development and volunteer management. She’s working to ensure the vision for the estate benefits the community, the local economy and the environment.
The Young Workers Saturday Club is a group of young people aged 13-17, who work and help out with several tasks at South Ormsby. The club allows young people to learn valuable skills and gain working experience, whilst earning some money! Members each have their own contracts and are paid monthly, just like any other member of staff here at the Estate.
