Today we say a fond farewell to our Chief Executive, David Russell who has led our organisation through a period of great change, with the introduction of co-education to Bedford Modern School, the creation of Bedford Girls' School and Pilgrims Pre Preparatory School Bedford and the purchase of St Luke's Church on St Peter's Street which is now home to Quarry Theatre at St Luke's at Bedford School. He has also played a lead role in the creation of the grantmaking programme that we have today.
Under his direction, the Trust's almshouse provision has also changed to meet the increasingly complex need of Bedford's older residents, with considerable investment in high quality extra care facilities.
Perhaps David's proudest achievement was the sponsorship of the old John Bunyan School which was transformed into Bedford Academy now a successful secondary school with enviable facilities and part of the HEART Academies Trust
Prior to joining the Trust, David had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy where he was the commander of the UK’s first trident submarine, and led the UK’s effort to rescue the doomed Kursk submarine.
Chair of Trustees, Murray Stewart said “we are extremely grateful for the outstanding leadership and contribution which David has made to the Trust during his tenure. He leaves the Trust in an exceptionally strong position as a charity here for the people of Bedford; with an endowment worth £93 million and up to £1.5 million being given out each year to local groups and voluntary organisations through our grantmaking programme. Our four independent schools are in excellent shape and educate some 3,500 pupils each year, with over £2.5million spent a year on bursaries. The Trust is also now the largest private, local employer in the town, providing jobs for over 1100 people. He can feel very proud of his achievements”.
We have one final goodbye for David on Thursday 5th September, where colleagues and friends will join together to watch the Bedford Premiere of Kursk; The Last Mission (a feature film starring Colin Firth as David), and the World Premiere of our brand new promotional film 'The Fabric of Bedford'.
The new CEO, David Steadman has already started and has been busy learning the ropes and meeting key contacts but he will formally take on the role on Tuesday 27th August.