After Thirteen Years BCT bids a fond farewell to Director Elizabeth Perkins
For many, Elizabeth’s name is almost synonymous with the name Birmingham Conservation Trust and it’s strange that the time has arrived to say goodbye – but say goodbye we must as Elizabeth takes up an exciting new post as Project Manager at Ditherington Flaxmill in Shrewsbury after 13 years as Director of Birmingham Conservation Trust.
In that time Elizabeth has expertly led BCT through some challenging projects and has chalked up an impressive track record for the Trust in saving and bringing new hope to some of the city’s most significant buildings at risk; including the Back to Backs and Newman Brother Coffin Fitting Works.
“My first highlight would be the 90 year old lady arriving uninvited to join the (rather smart) hand over celebration of the Back to Backs to the National Trust on completion of the building works having walked 4 miles to be there because she regarded them as her inheritance!
Second would be discovering from research on tourism that instead of the Newman Brothers Coffin Fitting Works associations with death and funerals being a problem, it was actually it was a huge selling point!
“I’d say raising millions of pounds and getting all the funding in the right place at the right time. Also it was really difficult having to go back to drawing board with the Coffin Works after the funding was withdrawn by Advantage West Midlands. A difficult time.”
“I loved seeing projects that I have imagined and created coming to life and being successful and valued by others. I have enjoyed working with some really special people and I have really appreciated the amount of freedom I have had.”
“For me, it is the Back to Backs and their continued success”.
“ I will also miss my trustees and the people I work with closely. I will also miss seeing the work take place on Newman Brothers. I love that stage of being on site..”
Elizabeth, on behalf of the Trustees we want to say a huge thank you for all your hard work and commitment to the Trust for over a decade and we wish you continued success for whatever the future holds.
I first met Elizabeth following a discussion about bringing ghost walks into Newman Brothers courtyard. Since then I’ve so enjoyed being in the presence of Elizabeth with her boundless enthusiasm. I’ll miss the ad hoc conversations about the work of the trust when I’ve bumped into Elizabeth on one of her bike rides between the Trusts properties. A sad loss for the BCT, a great prize for Ditherington Flaxmill. My very best wishes to you.
Good luck and best wishes Elizabeth! It was lovely to have (briefly) worked alongside you. x
Good luck, Elizabeth. You leave behind you an enduring legacy in many parts of Birmingham, including Perrott’s Folly in Edgbaston, which would be a pile of rubble now, had you not been involved in securing funding for essential building works.