New Chair announced
We have a new chair after Christine Bull, who has held the role for five years,
handed over the reins to Carole Mills.
Christine's background was in industry, working on long term planning for Shell, and then moving to Burton as marketing intelligence manager for Bass Worthington. After retirement she undertook several exciting placements through Voluntary Service Overseas in Namibia, St Helena Island and Tanzania. She joined the Trust in 2015.
Christine said:
“I took on the role of chair five years ago on the basis that I would do it for two
years and I have enjoyed it, but it has taken its toll on my time and other
interests. My enthusiasm for the canal meant I was reluctant to simply walk
away from the role until I had found someone willing and able to take on co-
ordinating what is now a huge project. To my delight and relief, Carole Mills is
prepared to become chair and I will continue to be the environment trustee and do
the things I enjoy most, including being out on site with our green and grounds
team and Duke of Edinburgh volunteers.”
Carole Mills became a member of the Trust during lockdown, having enjoyed walking the many and varied heritage canal trails. She soon became part of the green and grounds team, then joined the Board as an advisor and was subsequently co-opted, and then elected, as a trustee. She has a wealth of experience as a former local authority CEO and finance director, having worked at five large unitary councils, in the NHS, and housing and financial services sectors.
Carole said:
“I am excited by this new role and look forward to working with all those
who do so very much for the Trust. Our supportive members, brilliant
volunteers and hardworking trustees are doing all they can to restore,
reconstruct and reconnect the canals to the national network. We are so
grateful to them and members of the public who are so generous with their
time and resources and without whom we would not have made such good
progress nor be able to achieve our future plans. I’d particularly like to thank
Chris, who has dedicated so much of her time to the Trust. Under her
leadership we have made huge progress with the restoration. She will be a
very hard act to follow. I’m also immensely grateful for the thorough handover
and excellent support she’s provided to me as I’ve been preparing to become
chair.”
Anyone who would like to get involved and join our fabulous team can visit www.lhcrt.org.uk/volunteers.html.
