Allenton Big Local visit from Rachel Rowney
Rachel Rowney, Chief Operating Officer at Local Trust, was in the area and took the chance to catch up with Mairi Radcliffe from St Martin’s and Heather Russo from Enthusiasm.
Rachel said to Mairi afterwards that “It was really generous of you to spend time with us, catching me up on how Allenton Big Local has supported the development of St Martin’s and also how together you’ve managed to respond to the needs of the communities so flexibly and compassionately during a truly challenging time. As you mentioned during our time together, there has been a fortuitous coming together of like-minded people and organisations, but it was also clear that you’ve been a major part of making the relationship and idea work, bringing a vision that the community has had for 10 years (if not more) to fruition. I wish you and everyone at St Martin’s and ABL continued success in your future endeavours.”
Mairi in turn commented on the importance of shared vision and goals and “what working in partnership has achieved in Allenton. I continue to be reminded that the catalyst for the project was undoubtedly the Big Local initiative and for that we will always be grateful.”
Moving on to Enthusiasm, Rachel thanked Heather for “catching me up on how Allenton has been affected through the pandemic and also how you’ve managed to respond to the needs of the communities so flexibly and compassionately during a truly challenging time. The journeys that some of the young people have been on, thanks to the support of you and ABL, are awe-inspiring, and the impact that you’ve all made over the last 10 years is incredible.
Rachel thanked both Mairi and Heather “for all you’ve done to support the delivery of Big Local.”
