Ross is our new Office Administrator
Ross has been working with us from the end of February. He’s hit the ground running and has already proved himself to be a massive asset for us at the Trust. We asked Ross a few questions so members can get to know him…
Welcome to the Trust, Ross! Tell us about yourself
Thank you! I come to this role from a background of archives and museums, including the Leeds Local & Family History Library, the Thackray Museum, and a project called West Yorkshire Queer Stories. I didn’t study History past GCSE, but having had the chance to meet and learn from so many interesting people though work, it feels like I’ve had the best History teachers in Yorkshire.
What about the Trust appealed to you? Were you already familiar with our work?
The work of the Trust — its walks, talks, books and, of course, blue plaques — has always added a lot of colour to my life in Leeds. Coming to work here was like joining the most interesting conversation taking place in the city. I never tire of delving into the mysteries of the past or helping plan the next exciting event for the future.
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?
Mary Gawthorpe, Pablo Fanque and Keith Waterhouse — what radical, creative and fascinating people they must have been. I’m sure they’d enjoy a drink down at the New Penny.
What’s something you love about Leeds?
It’s fast-paced and surprising. Nothing stays the same for long and no two streets are the same… In fact, sometimes it feels like they’re changing as you walk down them! As proud as it is of its own heritage, I don’t think Leeds has ever lost the ability to look outward, to bring in new ideas, people, and opportunities. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
And lastly, something about Leeds you’d like to change?
Perhaps I do want to tell it to calm down once in a while… Like, let’s have a cuppa and enjoy the view for a bit, before another building goes up!
