A group working to restore the Lichfield Canal has appointed a new chair.
Carole Mills has taken on the role with the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust following Christine Bull’s decision to step down after five years in the post.
She joined the trust during lockdown and soon became a part of the green and grounds team before joining the board as an advisor and being co-opted as a trustee.
Carole, who has previously worked as a local authority CEO and finance director as well as in the NHS and financial services sector, said:
“I am excited by this new role and look forward to working with all those who do so very much for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration 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.”
Carole Mills
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 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.”
Christine Bull
For more details on volunteering with the trust visit www.lhcrt.org.uk/volunteers.html.
