Waterways and wellbeing charity Glandŵr Cymru – the Canal & River Trust in Wales – is pleased to announce that Steve Thomas CBE has been appointed to chair its advisory board for the Trust in Wales – Bwrdd Glandŵr Cymru.

Steve is the former chief executive of the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), a position he held for 14 years until the end of 2018. As chief executive of the WLGA, he developed strong connections across Welsh Government and brings an unrivalled understanding of Welsh Local Government, together with knowledge of the wide range of programmes and policies which will influence and impact the Trust’s work in Wales. Steve has also held a number of voluntary roles which align with the work of the Trust in Wales, including chairing the Prince’s Trust for Wales for five years.

Steve Thomas said:

“This is an exciting role and I am pleased to be taking it up at such an important time for Glandŵr Cymru. Wales’ canals are fantastic places and include the World Heritage site on the Llangollen with the amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the unsurpassed Monmouth & Brecon Canal which I often walk along, and the exciting restoration projects on the Swansea and Montgomery canals. As an accessible and free-to-use outdoor blue-green space, Wales’s waterways have an important role to play in bringing health and wellbeing for local people and visitors alike, and my role will be to promote their great potential and ensure they are recognised and supported.”

Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust, said:

“I am delighted that Steve is joining Glandŵr Cymru. Steve’s in-depth understanding of the major political, social and economic opportunities and challenges across Wales, and his valuable contacts within both the government and voluntary sector will make a huge contribution to our work in Wales. Steve’s experience will stand the Trust in good stead as we continue to develop our strategic plans for the waterways in Wales, and bring the benefits of being by the water to the communities they run through, the large number of visitors who come to enjoy them, as well as to boaters and other users.”

For more information on the Canal & River Trust including how you can volunteer or donate money to support our work visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.