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Meet Our Trustees

Howard Thomas

I have been a commercial and property finance broker for over 25 years, based in 32 Friar Gate, right next to the bridge. I frequently commented how sad it was that this beautiful structure was so neglected until one day my stepdaughter said “Well stop moaning and do something about it.”

 

Our office housekeeper gave me a leaflet about a meeting of the original Friends group and two years later here we are.

 

I came to Derby, care of Derbyshire Building Society, from Chester where historic artefacts have been more highly regarded and cared for. Friar Gate Bridge is unique and should be high on the “must see” list for visitors to Derby. That is what I want to achieve and with determination and support that is what we will realise.

 

Meanwhile I try to balance family, (retired wife, dog, two sons, two step children, grand children etc.) business and sporting commitments (football referee). No rest for the wicked!!

Malcolm Holden

Who I am and why involved with FFGB

 

I am a keep fit enthusiast and keen squash player, have been married to Joan for 43 years, have one daughter and have lived in Derby since 1982. My qualifications are Bachelor of Commerce, Chartered Accountant plus a degree in Business Excellence. Most of my business career (27 years) was with Bass plc – having held positions of Director of Finance, Director of IT, Director of Management Information and Company Secretary in various subsidiary companies and at Group Finance in Burton. Having retired in 1999 I rapidly became bored and set up a Business/Management Consultancy organisation – Six Sigma Limited – that provides highly structured help to organisations of all sizes in all business sectors.

 

My passion is helping people and companies – and I do a considerable amount of pro-bono work throughout the year for schools and other organisations. I first met Howard several years ago, through a local business group, and when I understood what he was trying to achieve with the Friar Gate Bridge project this sparked my enthusiasm to help. I was delighted to be appointed a Trustee at the Charity’s AGM in 2016 and am now trying my level best to help the Charity achieve its goal of restoring and securing the iconic Friar Gate Bridge for generations to come.

Friends of Friar Gate Bridge is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales Number 1163174

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