February 2020: New plans, projects and events are in the pipeline for Delapré Abbey – with the Trust today [12th Feb] announcing the appointment of its new Chief Executive.
Richard Clinton, whose previous roles include Operations Director at the Royal & Derngate and more recently Operations and Customer Care Director for The Culture Trust Luton, will be taking up the helm from April 1, 2020.
Rachael Boyd, who has held the role at Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust for four years, is moving on to take up a position as Director of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Steve Edmonds, Chair of the Trustees, said: “We want to thank Rachael, who joined us in the midst of our multi-million-pound restoration, and whose passion and determination proved critical in overcoming the many challenges that we inevitably faced in restoring and opening such an historic building. Since then, Rachael has led the team with great enthusiasm and expertise and Delapré’s varied programme of events and attractions has been enjoyed by many thousands each year. Her contribution to one of this town’s most important heritage assets has been huge and she can be rightly proud of the legacy that she leaves behind.
“We are now delighted to welcome Richard to the team, whose experience in culture and heritage marks an exciting new future.”
Richard added: “I am really proud to be taking on this opportunity, returning to a place I consider my hometown – where I still live – and am looking forward to being part of the Trust’s exciting future.
“Thank you to my colleagues at The Culture Trust, where my passion for the importance of accessible and relevant culture and heritage within communities was nurtured and encouraged.
“We want to work closely with the local community – and encourage friends and families to enjoy the grounds, celebrate our rich local heritage, share our facilities, join us and enjoy all our events and be part of our future projects. We are not just a historic home – the Abbey is here to add wellbeing, culture and heritage to everyone’s lives.”
Richard, a trustee of the Abbey for two years before taking up this new role, added: “The Abbey had just opened to the public and the full restoration had been completed when I joined as a Trustee, a result of many years of hard work by the team, Northampton Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“I now look forward to working with the team, which includes over 100 volunteers, to further develop our events programmes, and help ensure an exciting future for the Abbey.“
