DAVID BRUCE TO SUCCEED MICHAEL ANCRAM AS THE TRUST’S PRESIDENT

After 2 very active years as the Trust’s President, Michael Ancram has advised the Council that he wishes to step down as he is now firmly based in Scotland and feels unable to continue to give the Trust the time it deserves. Michael has been a wonderful President, representing us on many occasions, always available to prod and guide the Council, and also managing to attend a large number of Trust events. For many years he has played a major role in helping the Trust to achieve Cruiseway Status for our Canal. We are all very sorry that he is unable to continue.

We are delighted, though, to announce that David Bruce has agreed to succeed Michael, with effect from the AGM on the 11th of June.

David’s affection for the Kennet & Avon Canal began in 1966 when he embarked on his 44 year career in the international brewing and leisure industry. As a trainee brewer at Simonds Brewery in Reading, he spent many a lunch-hour by the Canal as it flowed through Brewery Gut.

Following the sale of Bruce’s Brewery and the Firkin Pubs in 1988, David and his wife, Louise, moved to Hungerford and created The Bruce Charitable Trust (www.brucetrust.org.uk). This Trust provides holidays for disabled people on its four specially-designed, purpose-built, wide-beam canal boats, the first two of which are named after their daughters, Rebecca and Hannah.

During the past 21 years over 11,500 people with special needs, together with their carers, have enjoyed holidays cruising from The Bruce Trust’s two bases, at Great Bedwyn and Lower Foxhangers.

David’s first involvement with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust was as Chairman of The Last Lock Appeal which raised £10,000 for the restoration of the grass-sided Widmead Lock near Thatcham, just prior to the visit by H.M. The Queen in 1990.

Having floated his latest licensed property venture, The Capital Pub Company PLC (www.capitalpubcompany.com), on the London Stock Exchange, David is now looking forward to becoming more involved, as its new President, with the exciting future of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust.