Meet Kirsten
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a mum to an energetic and opinionated three‑year‑old daughter called Iris. By day I’m the Trusts and Foundations Manager at RUHX, but outside of work I love soaking up a good talk, live music, or the buzz of a festival - ideally accompanied by a cheeky glass of something nice when the sun’s out.
I’ve recently come out the other side of a long, painful (and not‑cheap) renovation of our 1930s terrace and am now turning my attention to the garden. With a greenhouse going up and plans for summer veg, I’m cautiously optimistic that I’m entering my green‑fingered era, so gardening tips welcome.
What inspired you to join Bath Women's Fund?
After more than a decade working as a professional fundraiser - primarily in the arts and cultural sector for galleries and music venues, and more recently at RUHX, the charity supporting the Royal United Hospitals Bath - I’ve seen first hand just how transformative grant funding can be. When RUHX became a recipient of a Bath Women’s Fund grant in 2025, it gave me a chance to learn more about the Giving Circle and the meaningful way it supports women and girls locally.
I’ve been increasingly conscious of how growing individualism can erode our sense of connection, whether through the loss of community‑owned spaces or the ease of living life without ever needing to interact with the world beyond our front doors (think same day delivery etc). For me, our communities (and the shared spaces that sustain them) offer enormous value. The collaborative, community‑led nature of a Giving Circle really resonated with me and inspired me to get involved.
What are the issues that you are most passionate about?
“Passionate” might not quite be the right word, perhaps deeply concerned is closer. I find myself increasingly preoccupied with what Cory Doctorow so brilliantly describes as the “enshittification” of things: the gradual decline in quality, care and humanity across so many areas of modern life.
Alongside this, I’m a strong advocate for environmental issues and particularly worried about our culture of overconsumption. That’s why I was so delighted to hear about the Bath Women’s Fund clothes swap! Even though I couldn’t make it this time, it felt like exactly the kind of thoughtful, community-minded initiative that gives me hope.
And on a slightly lighter note, I’m truly passionate about food. I’m always on the lookout for new vegetarian recipes to add to my ever-growing repertoire. Cooking (and eating) is one concern I’m very happy to indulge.
What would you be most interested in learning about as a Bath Women's Fund member?
I’m really interested in hearing new ideas and gaining fresh perspectives, particularly from people whose experiences and viewpoints differ from my own. That’s why initiatives like the potluck picnics really appeal to me: they feel like a welcoming way to meet people leading brilliant work across the city, and to better understand how others experience and navigate the world.
What is your favourite place/thing to do in and around Bath?
I adore the Yoga sessions at Roseberry Road Studios! Solina is absolutely gorgeous for dinner, for the best coffee I head to Coret in Milsom Place (my brother works there, so maybe I’m biased!) - and you can often find me and my daughter watching something quirky and make believe in the Egg Theatre. For fun, a good pub quiz never goes a miss and they do a fab one at the Electric Bear Taproom in Newbridge, although I’m yet to win it…