A popular and inspirational CEO of a local heritage site of national importance is leaving after an eventful two and half years during which she was involved in managing some big changes.
Kate Crossley joined the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct in March 2022 as Heritage and Engagement Lead, and became Manager of the Bridging the Gap project in October 2023.
In April 2024, as the project funding was coming to an end and the charity was ready to strike out on its own, she was appointed CEO of the charity which looks after the Grade II* listed structure.
John Scruton, chair of trustees said: “Kate was an inspirational leader of the more recently appointed staff. Together with Ian Lambert, Site Ranger, and Hadley Trueman, Volunteer and Partnerships Coordinator, she increased the number of volunteers, developed and managed community engagement activities, talks and guided walks.”
“Kate took the lead at a key turning point for the charity. One project was finishing and work at the eastern end of the viaduct was starting. She played a key role in setting our strategy for the coming years, trained and supported our new staff and secured funding from Severn Trent and other sources. Kate leaves the operational side of the charity well set up for the future and her replacement will have good reason to be as grateful to her as we all are.”
Summing her time with the friends group, Kate said, “It’s been a fascinating and rewarding experience working with the Friends for nearly three years. I can’t believe how much the charity has grown in this short time. That is due to the incredible teamwork and dedication displayed by the volunteers, the selfless hours put in by the trustees, and the Friends we have in the community. I’ve had the privilege to see the new staff team grow and I know the charity is in good hands for the future.”
Kate has worked in Ilkeston for ten years, starting at the Erewash Museum in 2014 as a volunteer, before becoming Collections Officer in 2017, then manager in 2021. She is widely known and respected locally, which has served her well in her time with FoBV.
Kate loves the town and its people and has assured everyone that she will not be disappearing from the local scene altogether. “Ilkeston, the Iron Giant and FoBV will always have a special meaning for me,” Kate concluded.
An advertisement for Kate’s replacement will appear shortly on various platforms including the FoBV website.
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