The charity running Trowbridge Town Hall has appointed a new Chair of Trustees.
Rosemary Macdonald BEM was elected as Chair in September and took over at the AGM last week.
Rosemary is the CEO of UK Community Foundations, which distributes £98 million of funding a year through 46 local foundations. Prior to this Rosemary was the CEO of Wiltshire Community Foundation for 12 years, providing grant funding for the voluntary sector in the county, and encouraging donors to give locally. She has an extensive knowledge of Wiltshire and Swindon, and an interest in the arts and community. She has lived in Wiltshire for the past 27 years, working in the charity and legal sectors.
Rosemary said:
“I am delighted to have been elected as the Chair of Trowbridge Town Hall. Trowbridge is blessed with many beautiful buildings but none as important as the Town Hall. It is vital that the Town Hall is restored to its original role as the beating heart of the town, bringing together community, commerce and culture.
The Town Hall plays a vital part in bringing community together and is a vehicle for local people to share their artistic talents. I am delighted to do my part to secure the future of the Town Hall and see our communities come together to show what a vibrant place Trowbridge is.”
Rosemary replaces Colin Kay, who has served as Chair since 2015.
Colin said:
“I am really proud of the journey the Trust had made over the last five years. I’ve been delighted with the vast range of activities ranging from the art exhibition on bereavement created by Wiltshire College students and displayed in the cells, to the community fair held at the start of 2020.
I’m also proud of the difference that we have made to the building. Although there is an enormous amount of fundamental work to be done, compared to when the Trust took it over the building is usable and some parts – like the Supper Room, the Foyer and the Court Room – have been transformed.
Colin will remain as a Trustee and Vice Chair of the Board.
David Lockwood, Director of Trowbridge Town Hall, said:
“Colin has been a phenomenal Chair. He saw an opportunity in the financial challenges the organisation faced in 2018. With bravery he led the Board to embrace a new vision and purpose. I’ve been grateful for his support, counsel and critical friendship in the eighteen months since I was appointed.
I’m looking forward to working with Rosemary, whose contribution to the organisation has already been felt as she helped us secure emergency grant funding from Power to Change and Arts Council England. Her knowledge of fundraising and passion for releasing the potential of Trowbridge give us the best chance of ensuring the success of Trowbridge Town Hall in the coming decade.”
Trowbridge Town Hall is governed by a Board of Trustees. Places on the Board rotate on an annual basis. The current round of recruitment runs until 31st October.