Canals restoration trust welcomes Carole to the chair
LICHFIELD and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has a new person in the 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. She later moved to Burton in Staffordshire 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.
Christine, who joined the trust in 2015, 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 as a trustee.
She has a wealth of experience as a former local authority chief executive officer and finance director, having worked at five large unitary councils, in the National Health Service and in the 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 Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. Our supportive members, brilliant volunteers and hard- working 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.”
She added: “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 can visit www.lhcrt.org.uk/volunteers.html.