Sunday 24 May 2009

Last Cast

I am delighted to announce WTT has appointed a new Director, Sean Leonard. Sean has been running the Fisheries course at Sparsholt Agricultural College for many years and brings with him a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. I wish Sean well in his new role....it really is one of the best jobs on the planet!




I'm now in my final week here at the Trust and my last day in post will be on the 30th May at the WTT's Annual Get-together. I will be sad to leave but am really looking forward to my new challenge up on the Eden...I also hear the fishing is pretty good too!

To everyone that I've worked with over the last six years - thanks for your support - it's been a total blast and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

I hope that when the dust has settled people will judge my small contribution in a favorable light. I have been hugely honored to work for such a fantastic and inspiring organisation.

Yours...in waders!

Simon

Thursday 12 March 2009

Time to move on......

The 30th of May will be my last day as Director of WTT. It's time for me to move on to a new challenge and I have accepted the post of Director of Eden Rivers Trust. I've been involved with WTT for 9+ years (6 as Director) and I have enjoyed every single moment of it. In that time the Trust has achieved great things and is now accepted as serious and credible conservation organisation. We are involved in so many exciting and innovative projects that are moving the Trust forward in ways I could hardly have dreamed of when I took up the post. We have a great team of new conservation officers, staff and volunteers that are simply awesome.

This strong position WTT finds itself in is way beyond my early hopes and is very much the product of some fantastic team work of everyone involved with WTT. In short, I am chest-bustingly proud to have played my small part.

There does come a natural point for things to move on and I have reached that point. It will be with a heavy heart that I hand over my sweaty waders on my last day. (although the wife will be pleased to get them out of the kitchen!)

However, I can depart knowing that WTT is well placed for the future and all the challenges it will present. . My move is very amicable and has received the full blessing of the WTT trustees and Executive Committee. I plan to still be involved with WTT (and to promote it within the Rivers Trust movement) and I will be attending this years CLA. I can't wait to come along as a punter and be victim to Nigel Ash's demon raffle ticket sales patter and several Freeminer ales!

WTT will always have a very special place in my heart. The journey over the last few years has been incredible and I have made some truly special friendships, worked on some wonderful projects and most importantly I feel we have made a difference.

I am honored to have been involved with such a fantastic and inspiring organisation.

The picture at the top of the blog sums it all up for me. This was the childrens 'wild art' competition at the end of last years CLA. It really brought home to me the importance of our work in ensuring that our kids and can experience the joy of fishing for wild trout in wild places.

All the very best.....and keep supporting WTT!

Simon