Who's who?

John Bull (FoDP Chairman 2026 -

John Bull is originally from North London, but has been in the South West for over fifty years and lives in Devonport.

He was Associate Professor & Admissions Tutor in Environmental Science & Academic Lead for International Recruitment at Plymouth University where he taught for over 50 years on all aspects of environmental problems & their solutions.

He has been a Plymouth school governor, and patron of Environment Plymouth.

One of his current objectives is to develop the educational potential of Devonport Park and provide a community hub for local people emphasising Devonport’s neglected history and social development, as well as highlighting biodiversity management and conservation priorities.

Mike Gallagher (FoDP Treasurer)

Mike was raised in Saltash - the son of a former Mayor & Mayoress of Saltash however moved to Plymouth when he married & joined the RAF in his late teens. Mike has been a keen supporter & advocate of PAFC since childhood and has been a keen gardener all his life. After moving to Devonport from Ham in the nineties, Mike became increasingly active within the local community and was a co-founder of the original Friends of Devonport Park. Working closely with Plymouth City Council, Mike helped achieve the multi-million pound funding for the regeneration of Devonport Park and has gone on to become Chairman of the FoDP (twice!). Recently retiring as Chairman, passing the baton onto John Bull, Mike continues as Treasurer and one of the leaders of the FoDP Voluntary Gardening group. He will continue as Large Events Co-ordinator for the FoDP but enjoy some more free time to spend with his wife of 57 years, children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren (most of whom live in or around the Devonport area!). 

Melony Gallagher (FoDP Secretary 2026 -)

Born & raised in Plymouth, Melony moved to Devonport with her parents in 1993 from Ham. Holding a BSc (Hons) degree from the University of Plymouth, Melony currently is a Resident Co-optee for Plymouth Community Homes, a Resident Community Wellbeing Champion and a member of the national Social Housing Residents Panel for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. A keen advocate of social housing reform, Melony has been involved in community work since her childhood however battles with chronic health issues have interrupted her work over the years. Melony has been a committee member for the FoDP since a few years after its creation and whilst able to, has been a keen supporter of the friends: putting her multi-faceted experience & skills to good use for the benefit of Devonport and Plymouth as a whole, whilst managing her own health issues and supporting family.