Local Charity turns 75 years old and welcomes a new Chair of Trustees

For the last 75 years, Hawkwood has supported people to fulfil their full potential providing a wide variety of educational and creative opportunities.  Many local businesses and charities also hire Hawkwood as a venue. 

At this exciting milestone in its history, The Board of Trustees has appointed a new Chair, Lord Michael Bichard, to support the vision and strategy for the future. Michael brings a wealth of experience with a background in education and the arts and will join Hawkwood in the Spring. He is currently the Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, alongside his roles as Senior Independent Director at RICS, and Chair of the National Trading Standards Council. Previously he was Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Arts in London, Chair of the National Audit Office, Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe, Chair of the Design Council, the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education and CEO of Gloucestershire County Council. 

“It is with great excitement that we welcome Michael to the Board of Trustees of Hawkwood as we look to our future.  Michael has had a relationship with Hawkwood for several years and has been hugely supportive of our work.  His experience will greatly benefit the future direction of the charity – and he is bringing a wealth of ideas and development opportunities – so watch this space! It is also with much sadness that we say goodbye to Paul Boniface, our current Chair and former Secretary to The National Trust, whose support, exceptional governance expertise, immeasurable kindness, and brilliant leadership have steered Hawkwood through the challenges of the last few years brought upon us by the impact of the pandemic.  We shall miss him enormously.” says Alicia Carey, CEO of Hawkwood.

 Michael Bichard said, “I am delighted to join this visionary charity which addresses, through its work, many of the pressing issues of our time”.

Hawkwood is an arts and education charity set within a sustainably managed estate just outside of Stroud.  Its ethos and hospitality, as well as the high-calibre educational courses and creative residency programmes, give it a special place in many people’s hearts, both locally and across the world.  As the home to one of the UK’s first community farm enterprises, Stroud Community Agriculture and somewhere for the local community to enjoy a peaceful landscape, and attend festivals, events, concerts and open days, Hawkwood is unique.  

As part of its 75th-anniversary celebration, we are planning a series of events including its May Day festival, an exhibition on its history and a British Council Project which welcomed artists from the Philippines. There are also scores of UK-based artists poised to come for residencies this year.