Published on 29th November 2013

Quad of images depicting leisure and culture in Cheltenham

Cheltenham’s new leisure and culture trust is one step closer to becoming a reality after the search for its chair of the board of trustees has concluded this week.

Joanna Stringer has been selected as chairperson of the provisionally-named ‘Cheltenham Leisure and Culture Trust’, which will oversee the management and operation of some of Cheltenham’s most iconic cultural venues. These include Cheltenham Town Hall, The Wilson and Pittville Pump Room. The trust will also be responsible for the running of leisure@cheltenham, the Prince of Wales Stadium, tourism and the ‘Sport, Play and Healthy Lifestyles’ outreach service.

Joanna is the founder and managing director of The Red Thread Group and previously worked as a Strategy Director for Interbrand in South East Asia.

Her particular speciality is supporting businesses to find their focus and to help them grow by developing their brand – something that will be a priority for the newly formed trust.

She has worked at a senior level across many sectors of the business community, focusing on tourism and branding across her portfolio of work. She has informed business and brand strategy of both government and business – from international FTSE listed businesses to the Prime Minister’s Office of Singapore.
Cabinet member for sport and culture, Rowena Hay, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Joanna as the chair of the board of trustees. I’m confident that she not only has the skills we are looking for, but also has a passion for Cheltenham that we all share.

“Her experience of international business and marketing will help us position Cheltenham as a top national and international tourist destination and her business acumen will help drive the trust forward, especially in its early phases. Our leisure and culture services are essential and valued parts of the community – I’m sure Joanna will help us protect and develop them so that we can continue to be proud of our cultural gems.”

Speaking about the role, Joanna said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role. It’s a real honour to be working together with all those who have raised Cheltenham to its current heights as a town renowned for its cultural heritage and leisure provision. I look forward to giving back to Cheltenham after all that it gave me growing up.”

Deputy Chief Executive, Pat Pratley, said: “Now that the chairperson has been selected we can turn our attention to selecting the remaining members of the board of trustees. Our recruitment campaign highlighted some impressive candidates and we look forward to announcing the full membership in the following weeks.”

Press enquiries: Contact Laura Carter, communications officer, on 01242 264154 or email [email protected]


Notes:

The trust will be completely independent of the council and run by a board of 11 trustees, two of whom will be councillors. It will manage:

• leisure@cheltenham
• Prince of Wales Stadium
• Sport, play and healthy lifestyles
• The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum (including tourism and the Tourist Information Centre)
• Town Hall
• Pittville Pump Room

Whilst the services will be delivered by the trust, the buildings and museum collections will remain in the ownership of the council.