Chair's update, January 2024

Tom Walker, Chair

Happy New Year to everyone involved in Abney Park!

2024 began with the very best and most awaited news: that the High Street gates have been reopened and the project is on the threshold of being formally handed over to the council - a key milestone. Judging by reactions in the park and in our social media there really is a wow factor when people see the work. We can't wait for the full reopening and to be back on site very soon – and then for the cafe operator to begin and the community facilities be made available. It will be worth the wait.

We will then start rolling out our parts of the National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported "Activity Plan". We will also ramp up our normal calendar of events bringing the history and ecology of Abney to life and to new audiences.

To help us with this reinvigorated approach we have just launched recruitment for new Trustees. The Trust works with the Council team that manages the site, and the Venues team that manages the Chapel. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the most exciting changes to the Park since 1840.

We are looking for people who want to help us progress the Trust's aims and who have expertise in any of the following: fundraising, community engagement, charity administration and/or charity law. I have loved being involved for the last five years and I have made so many links across our community, so I really recommend it for anyone wanting to get more involved. These are not specialist roles, so please get in touch if you are interested. We also want to improve the diversity of our Board – so please help us promote it.

If you don't fancy the responsibilities of being a Trustee but do want to get involved please get in touch anyway. As we start the year with new amenities there are loads of opportunities to support the Trust's work from helping on site, working with us on events or helping on fundraising.

Happy New Year,

Tom Walker