It’s all change at the South West Heritage Trust with a new Chief Executive having been appointed to lead the charity in the New Year.
The South West Heritage Trust runs heritage services in Somerset and Devon including museums, archives and the historic environment. Its sites include the Museum of Somerset, Somerset Rural Life Museum and the recently-opened Avalon Archaeology. The Trust cares for archive collections at its heritage centres in Taunton, Exeter and Barnstaple. It also provides advice about the historic environment and is responsible for over 400 acres of historic landscapes. It works in close partnership with Somerset Council and Devon County Council, its principal funders, as well as with organisations including Arts Council England and Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society.
Sam Astill, presently Head of Museums at the Trust, has been appointed as the new CEO. He takes over from Tom Mayberry MBE, Chief Executive of the Trust since its creation in 2014. Tom is retiring having spent 43 years working in South West heritage.
“Our thanks must first go to Tom for his exceptional leadership and management since the Trust was established. He is enormously respected, and his knowledge of local heritage is unsurpassed. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead and we look forward to working with Sam and the whole team to ensure that the Trust remains resilient and relevant.”
Mike Motum, Chair of the Trustees
“It has been a great privilege to establish and lead the Trust over the last ten years. We’ve delivered some tremendous projects and I have been fortunate to work with some wonderful colleagues. I know that Sam will continue to take the Trust forward and to make our remarkable heritage accessible to many more people.”
Tom Mayberry
“The Trust is already a leading heritage organisation in the region working with many local and national partners. Developing our work with communities can improve life chances, build prosperity and create a better future for people in the South West. I look forward to developing an organisation that plays a vital role in the daily lives of people and communities.”
Sam Astill