Bath Abbey has made three key appointments to help reach its target of raising £18m for its new Footprint project.
A major programme of capital works and interpretation, it will ensure the Abbey continues to thrive and meet the expectations of its diverse and changing community. The appointments have been possible thanks to funding from an independent trust.
Laura Brown has stepped into the role of the Abbey’s Footprint Appeal Director and holds overall responsibility for developing and implementing the fundraising strategy. She joins the Abbey with a wealth of experience of the heritage sector as the former Head of Learning and Visitor Services at the American Museum in Britain, and has a 25-year background in heritage and learning.
“I am delighted to be working for a project that I believe in, where my experience and skills can be put to good use,” she said. “This is a really varied and exciting role, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in supporting a project that will transform the way Bath Abbey is able to welcome and serve its congregation, community, the city and visitors from all around the world.”
Working closely with Laura is Katie McGill who has been appointed as the Fundraising Administrator for Footprint. Katie was previously office administrator and event manager for the charity Kids in Museums and has relocated to Bath from London. The final appointment is Sarah Jermyn who ran her own design and print studio, before relocating to Bath from Mid-Wales. Sarah is taking on the role as PA to Charles Curnock, whose role at the Abbey has shifted from that of Administrator to the newly created role of Footprint Project Director.
Charles will continue to oversee the maintenance of the Abbey. However, his new role will enable him to focus more on the Footprint project where his boundless energy and motivation will be essential in taking it through from concept to completion.
Speaking about the Footprint project Charles said: “Having submitted our plans for approval and listed building consent; recruited an Appeal Board and taken on three new members of staff, we’re poised to embark on yet another exciting new phase of the development. We’re extremely grateful to the trust who provided the money to fund the fundraising team! I’m confident that the team we now have in place will make a real difference to the project and enable us to strengthen our position, attract further funding and to forge ahead with our plans.”
An exhibition about Bath Abbey Footprint will be held in the Alphege Chapel between 30 August and 6 September during usual opening hours. There will also be further presentations of the latest plans on Thursday 30 August, 6pm. Members of the public are invited to attend either the exhibition or the presentation, all are welcome.