Welcome to the Trust, Heather! Tell us about yourself…
I’m an 80s kid and still have my roller boots and my Sony Walkman. I’m part of a music-loving family and I’ve collected vinyl since 1983, when 9 year old me bought a copy of Madonna’s ‘The First Album’ with my pocket money. I’ve still have it and I still play it! (Technically, I had a 7″ single before this which was by Queen, but I don’t really think that the theme tune from the 1980 ‘Flash Gordon’ film counts as a classic…)
I grew up in Leeds but moved away to study illustration in the mid 1990s. I came back to Leeds in the early 2000s and fell back in love with the city. My first job when I was still at school was in Kirkgate market, so being able to shop there as an adult now is really quite precious to me.
I love walking through cities around the time that lights are being switched on, doors are being unlocked, and shutters are being raised; a peaceful hustle and bustle compared with later in the day and in the evening.
You’re our new Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator. What’s your professional background?
I’ve been working with volunteers for 25 years, since I was curator of 20th Century Art and Collections Registrar for the Harewood House Trust.
I then moved into volunteer management/coordination and have held roles with Martin House Children’s Hospice and most recently with an educational charity called the UK Maths Trust.
I’ve volunteered myself and had in the past been a non-exec Director with Seagulls Re-use when they were a fairly new enterprise. If you’re not familiar with them, they’re a really important environmental venture which predominantly saves unused paint from going into landfill and encourages a diverse volunteer community.
What about the Trust appealed to you? Were you already familiar with our work?
Yes, I already knew about the work of Leeds Civic Trust, and that was a big part of why working for this charity was really important to me. I have an amazing opportunity here, to work with you all as part of the staff team and marry together my experience of working with volunteers, of working in a heritage organisation, and my personal passion for everything the Civic Trust supports.
If you could invite three Blue Plaque recipients to a dinner party, who would they be and why? In which of our buildings with a blue plaque would you host it?
It’s the year 1852. Ellen Heaton and Isabella Ford (albeit 3yrs old) have found a way into ‘The Leeds Club’ on Albion Place. Gertrude Maretta Paul and I have time-travelled in, and we’re causing an uproar eating oysters in the “prestigious gentleman’s club”.
What’s something you love about Leeds?
The Leeds music scene has always been fantastic and still is. Shops like Jumbo and Crash Records were my teenage hangouts. We saw some incredible bands at ‘The Duchess’ (of York), some of whom went on to be really famous. Some music venues haven’t lasted, but there are some great new spaces – Project House is a good example.
And lastly, something about Leeds you’d like to change?
Better public transport links! I have a disability which means I can’t drive, and relying on public transport every day is very much a ‘hit and miss’ experience!
