Gordon Heddon has been given a send-off on his retirement as Chair of the Crewe Heritage Trust, while the Trust has welcomed Rob Wykes as its new Chair.

Gordon became Chair of the Trust in 2019, and has helped to steer the Centre through significant changes and growth during his seven years in the post. His leadership has seen the Centre strengthen its governance, pursue strategic development and secure its future.

The Crewe Heritage Centre is an increasingly popular venue for a day out, welcoming record numbers of visitors earlier this year. It is currently running its summer programme of activities.

Gordon has been involved in heritage preservation for more than forty years. As well as his involvement with the Crewe Heritage Centre, he also served as Chair of Llangollen Railway, and is now its President. Before working in railway heritage, he worked with the Forestry Commission.

Although he has decided that the time is right for him to end his tenure as Chair, Gordon will remain a Trustee of the Heritage Trust.

New Chair Rob Wykes has more than 30 years of experience in the charity sector. He has been Chief Executive of Crewe’s St Paul’s Centre, where he helped to increase the support that the organisation offers to local people through community services and projects.

Rob has already served as a Trustee of Crewe Heritage Trust, so has a strong understanding of the organisation and its ambitions.

“Gordon has provided exceptional leadership during a period of enormous change and growth for Crewe Heritage Centre. On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank him for his commitment, determination and vision over the past seven years.

“Crewe Heritage Centre has an important role to play in preserving and sharing the story of our town. I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working with our trustees, staff and volunteers as we continue to build on the strong foundations that Gordon has helped create.”

Rob Wykes, Chair, Crewe Heritage Centre