Alan takes over Chairmanship

A retired head of Group Employee Relations for the former Midland Bank - now HSBC - was appointed the new Chairman of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation at its AGM on Thursday 25 March.

Alan Scouller, of Field Lane, who has lived in the world's first Garden City for 38 years, replaces Peter Harkness, who has been the Foundation's Chairman for the past five years. Mr Harkness decided that he had done a "good long stint" and that it was time for someone else to take over.

Mr Scouller, a Governor of the Heritage Foundation since its inception and a Board of Management member for the last four years, has a wealth of experience in a number of business and academic related fields. He is married to Angela and has seven children and 17 grandchildren.

Mr Scouller is a retired member of the Employment Appeal Tribunal, a current member of the Diocese of Westminster Education Board, a school Governor for the last 25 years, a member of Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group and St Hugh's Parish, in Letchworth Garden City.

He quotes cricket, employment law, reading, music and art, travel, family and history as his particular interests.

"I am very honoured to have been chosen by my peers to become the Chairman of a such unique organisation," Mr Scouller said and added: " I will endeavour to mirror Peter Harkness's great contribution in the role, while at the same time, adding in my own perspectives, to ensure that the Heritage Foundation continues to thrive and prosper and add such great benefit to the whole town and most importantly, its people."

Retired rose grower and author Peter Harkness, of Cloisters Road, has lived with his wife Margaret in the Garden City since 1953, serving as a Board Member of Letchworth Garden City Corporation and latterly Heritage Foundation, from 1991-2004. He will continue to be a Governor of the Foundation.

"I have had a wonderful time and would like to thank the team at the Foundation. I am pleased and proud to have had the opportunity to play a part in the team and the Corporation previously," Mr Harkness said.

Stuart Kenny, the Foundation's Director General stated: "Peter plans to spend more time pursuing his many other interests. Over the years, his contribution to the Garden City and the Foundation, has been immense. However, we will still be able to draw on his wisdom, as he remains a Governor with the Foundation."

Foundation Governor Guy Osborne, a former Director of the National Audit Office and a long-standing Letchworthian, was elected on to the Board of Management at the AGM.