A WORCESTERSHIRE-BASED charity that champions the River Avon has welcomed aboard a new patron.
Avon Navigation Trust (ANT), based at Wyre Piddle, will see the former Canal & River Trust (CRT) chief executive Richard Parry join its ranks after 12 years at the helm.
Solihull-based Richard, who’s credited with establishing the CRT as a much-respected national charity, will join a list of luminaries already shining their light on a much older one, which looks after the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Avon.
“It’s lovely to be asked to be a patron. I’ve had a connection with, and a huge respect for, the trust for a long time.
“I’ve always admired how well it has managed the river, which forms a key part of the inland waterways network, with such a small and dedicated resource,” said Richard who has worked closely with key ANT leaders Jack Hegarty, Clive Matthews and Roger Clay in the past.
“It’s an honour to be asked and I look forward to bringing my experience and perspective to help ANT to continue its great work.”
ANT is the statutory navigation authority that looks after 47.2 miles of River Avon from Alveston Weir just north of Stratford, through Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire, until it meets the River Severn at Tewkesbury.
With origins dating back to the 17th Century, works to administer, maintain and improve the river for public navigation.
“We are very pleased to welcome a chief executive of such stature as Richard on board,” added Jack Hegarty, ANT chairman.
“We have enjoyed a fruitful connection with him for some years, and very much appreciate being able to tap into his vast expertise.”
Richard joins an illustrious list of patrons, including Lord Digby Jones; Tony Hales CBE; Toyah Willcox and, until recently, the late Prunella Scales CBE, who served with husband Timothy West CBE.
Visit https://avonnavigationtrust.org/ for more information.
