The Tortoise Club is a non profit organisation with headquarters in Norfolk, UK. The clubs aim is to engage with the public to promote tortoise welfare and conservation. They do this by offering support and advice, as well as tortoise rehoming, with our friendly, dedicated & knowledgeable team. Many of our team have years of experience in tortoise care & welfare work. The group has been established for over 20 years, with a significant local and online following. We actively encourage tortoise welfare and conservation through a wide variety of projects, including talks, educational events & volunteering opportunities.
Our Aims...
- Promote tortoise welfare in captivity.
- Bring together tortoise keepers, enthusiasts and community members of all experience levels.
- Present clear, accurate, consistent and up-to-date tortoise keeping information.
- Engage with the community in a friendly, inclusive, constructive and non-judgmental way.
- Provide opportunities for sharing knowledge and experience of tortoise keeping and conservation.
- Provide education and support in the community linked to conservation and environmental responsibility.
- Remain at the forefront of latest advances in tortoise care.
- Utilise wider community and networks to keep abreast of current laws and advances, including CITES status’ relating to tortoise conservation and welfare.
Our Story…
In June 2002 by Mr. Leonard Coe, a life-long keeper of tortoises.
Len had a particular interest in Mediterranean tortoises, especially Testudo ibera, the Turkish spur thighed tortoise, and Testudo hermanni boettgeri, the Eastern hermanns tortoise. Both species he maintained well, and bred from for many years until he passed away.
During his years keeping tortoises Len met and helped many people provide the best possible care for their animals. He was very concerned at the poor information regularly encountered by tortoise pet owners. He came to the conclusion that a Club which regularly met and shared information, would be an ideal way to help with accuracy & consistency around tortoise keeping in captivity, and promote tortoise welfare to its Members. Months of planning saw the first meeting arranged with just five members, all of whom kept quite large collections of animals.
Today, Norfolk Tortoise Club has grown into a large regional Club, with over 400 active Members and over 3000 Facebook followers from across East Anglia and beyond. The Club has maintained a friendly, inclusive & open culture with an ever expanding following. Our events and volunteering opportunities are enjoyed by tortoise enthusiasts of all experience levels & are a great way to share knowledge, methods & modern husbandry techniques.
Our Members & followers are guardians of many species of tortoises in captivity, including the huge variety of mediterranean species’, along with desert & tropical species’, such as giant sulcatas, red footed, yellow footed, leopards, hingebacks, burmese browns and more…
Who we are…
Our Committee is made up of 10 elected members who oversee club decisions, as well as a team of over 60 volunteer members who help rehome tortoises, provide essential animal care and run our events, social media and websites!
Hover or click on pictures to find out more about our team
Secretary – Eleanor Chubb
Eleanor Chubb has been volunteering with the Norfolk Tortoise Club since its formation in 2002 and has been instrumental in the management and development of the charity.
She provides extensive behind-the-scenes support by coordinating HQ operations, delivering training workshops and managing her YouTube channel, Tortoise Matters. Eleanor has extensive experience in all aspects of tortoise care and regularly lectures internationally on chelonian welfare and conservation to veterinary professionals, the trade, zoos and enthusiast groups.
Treasurer – Jackie Foulger
Jackie Foulger continues to serve as Treasurer of the Norfolk Tortoise Club and is now in her sixth year on the committee.
Since joining the club in June 2019, Jackie has played an active role in supporting the charity, beginning as a volunteer at the Norfolk Show. Over the years, she has undertaken a variety of responsibilities, including Secretary, Administration, Rehoming and Treasurer.
Jackie remains passionate about supporting the club and its members, helping owners provide the highest standards of husbandry for their tortoises, and promoting tortoise welfare both within the UK and internationally.
Chair – Bill Rhodes
Bill Rhodes became aware of the Norfolk Tortoise Club through its stand at the Norfolk Show, where he and his wife, Sue, decided to rehome a tortoise. They are now caring for their second rehomed tortoise and have supported the club by helping to weed and landscape the enclosures at HQ.
Bill brings over 30 years of experience in charity management and recently stepped down as Chairman of the Friends of Gressenhall. He is pleased to continue serving on the Norfolk Tortoise Club Committee for a second year, where his experience and commitment help support the continued success of the charity.
HQ Team Lead – AJ O’Connor
AJ O’Connor has been involved with the Norfolk Tortoise Club for over ten years and possesses extensive knowledge of the charity and its work.
Having successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Welfare, AJ serves as Senior Keeper at HQ. She plays a key role in the rehabilitation of tortoises, leads volunteer teams and helps oversee the day-to-day running of the headquarters.
General Member – Ray Morter
Ray Morter has supported the Norfolk Tortoise Club for the past five years, regularly volunteering at events and providing invaluable practical assistance at HQ.
Whether helping with manual tasks, moving equipment or supporting the team behind the scenes, Ray is always willing to lend a hand. He enjoys the friendly atmosphere of the club, meeting fellow tortoise enthusiasts and photographing club events, where he is often seen capturing memorable moments with his camera.
General Member – Lindsey
Lindsey has been volunteering with the Norfolk Tortoise Club since around 2017, after rehoming her first tortoise. She initially attended weekend volunteering sessions with her daughter and has since become a dedicated member of the HQ team.
Now caring for four tortoises, Lindsey regularly supports the club at HQ alongside the volunteer team, assists at events and plays an active role in the rehoming programme. She enjoys welcoming new adopters and helping tortoises find their forever homes.
General Member – Gary White
Gary White has served as an active committee member for several years and is a committed volunteer within the Norfolk Tortoise Club.
He has extensive knowledge and experience across a wide range of animal species, from primates to fish, although his greatest passion is Chelonia. Gary keeps a variety of species, including Red-footed and Yellow-footed tortoises, Hermann’s and Horsfield’s tortoises, as well as several turtles, terrapins and Asian species.
General Member – Danielle Broom
Danielle Broom first became involved with the Norfolk Tortoise Club after rehoming two Hermann’s tortoises from the centre. Inspired by the dedication of the volunteer team and the work carried out by the charity, she soon joined as a volunteer and has continued to expand her knowledge and experience.
Now serving her second year on the committee, Danielle has developed a strong interest in tortoise husbandry, nutrition and health monitoring. She regularly volunteers at HQ, assists at both summer and hibernation events, and enjoys helping tortoises find their forever homes. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare continues to grow, and she has also welcomed two additional tortoises into her own collection.
General Member – Koren Weyand
Koren Weyand has been volunteering at the club’s headquarters since 2018 and brings a wealth of practical experience and enthusiasm to the committee.
A qualified veterinary nurse, Koren combines clinical knowledge with strong communication, education and organisational skills. She oversees nurse clinics within her veterinary practice, regularly educating clients and providing professional advice about animal care. Her experience also includes teamwork, working effectively under pressure and completing a Business NVQ, providing valuable administrative and business knowledge.
General Member – Bridie Duchesne
Bridie Duchesne has been involved with the Norfolk Tortoise Club since 2018, after attending an Open Day with her two Hermann’s tortoises, which she has cared for for more than twenty years.
Passionate about animal welfare, Bridie also rescues guinea pigs. Although now based in Scotland, she continues to provide invaluable remote support for the club, managing membership records, maintaining digital systems, producing newsletters and social media content, and helping to update the club’s website. Her ongoing contribution ensures the smooth running of many of the club’s behind-the-scenes activities.
Election of Committee Members & Committee Meetings
Committee meetings shall be open to any paid Club member who wishes to attend, however they may not speak unless agreed by the Chair, or interfere, & will not take part in any vote undertaken at the meeting.
Should you wish to attend this, or any future meeting (dates yet to be confirmed), please contact the Club Chair.
Club members are eligible to stand for election, to one of the designated officers or general committee member posts. They will serve for a period of one year, but may be re-elected at the following AGM. Any proposal must be supported by a current member of the Club management committee. Should you be interested in standing for committee in the future, please contact the Club Chair with your proposal. Please see our Charity Constitution in the footer of this page for more information.
