Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation have appointed a new chairperson - with fulsome tributes flowing for the previous incumbent.

At a trustees meeting this week, Gareth Hawkins was appointed the new chair of the board, replacing Pam Burn, who stepped down, with Chris Pattison appointed as vice chair.

The new appointment took time to pay tribute to the tireless Pam and her sterling work over the years.

Gareth, who hails from Letchworth, said: [.I]"I would like to personally thank Pam for her guidance and leadership – she has been a tremendous force for good for the Foundation and for the town, and I'm honoured to be continuing the work that she has started."[.I]

Pam has chaired the Board of Trustees for three years, including leading the Board through the enormous financial difficulties which arose from the pandemic and which led to very significant cuts to the Foundation's operations.

Pam's considerable legacy at the Foundation includes initiating the Foundation's successful programme of work supporting families with young children, in particular the Acorns project as well as leading work on modernising the Foundation's governance.

She has also played a pivotal role in developing the concept of a Letchworth Health Hub. Pam will also be retiring as a governor in the coming weeks.

Looking to the future, Gareth added: "As we all begin to recover from the pandemic, the work of the Foundation is going to be more crucial than ever, whether that is supporting families in financial difficulties, addressing the increasing pressures of climate change and sustainability in a town rich with heritage as well as nurturing our local economy.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started and working more closely with the team."

More information about Gareth and the Board of Trustees is available at www.letchworth.com