Clive Johnson is the new Chairman of the Wendover Canal Trust, Chris Sargeant having recently asked to step down. Chris said “I have now been involved with the Trust for ten years and have had the honour of being chairman for eight. My mission has always been to build the team for the future and to develop good relationships both within the trust and externally. I am confident that we do now have a strong team in place and I thank you all for being part of it. As I approach my 79th birthday I now wish to step down from the roles of chairman and trustee.”
The Trust is very grateful for all that has been achieved under Chris’s chairmanship, and a fuller appreciation will follow. All Trust members have since been asked whether they would like to put themselves forward to be Chairman. A special Council meeting was held on March 2nd to consider all nominations. Clive Johnson, the current Deputy Chairman was the only nomination and was therefore elected by the Council members as our new Chairman. Clive says “I look forward to working with as wide a team as possible as we continue bringing the Wendover Canal back to life. Many of you will know me as a restoration volunteer for the last 30 years, often behind the wheel of a dumper truck, and I’ll still be doing this.”
Our Partnership Director, Peter Elwin, and our Honorary Secretary, Mike Beckley, have each agreed to act as Deputy Chairman when required. The Trust thanks them both for their continuing service. Our newsletter editor Carol Williams has asked to step down as a trustee, but we’re very glad that Carol has agreed to continue as newsletter editor. Chris Sargeant will continue to help her with the newsletter.
Another recent appointment was our Operations Director, Chris Bent. When we appointed him, we were aware that he had commitments for 3 months from April that would reduce his time available to the Trust. During this period Mikk Bradley has kindly agreed to be Acting Operations Director. Chris will continue to support us in the background – thank you Mikk.