Celebrating Derek Latham and Welcoming a New Chapter for the Trust
- Admin
- 45 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust recently gathered for a special Sunday Lunch at Morley Hayes to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: Derek Latham’s 51 years of service to the Trust.
The event brought together trustees, colleagues and friends to thank Derek for his vision, determination and leadership across five decades.
Derek reflected on his long involvement with the Trust - from its pioneering early years through to the remarkable renaissance he has helped drive over the past decade. He paid tribute to the many people who shaped its journey, acknowledging founding figures such as Alan Bemrose and the Duchess of Devonshire, whose early support underpinned the Trust’s success, as well as the colleagues, trustees and volunteers whose skills and dedication have strengthened the organisation across the years.
The lunch also recognised Derek’s instrumental role in helping revitalise the Trust from 2013 onwards, leading the organisation through a strategic rebuild that positioned it for long-term resilience. Under his leadership as Chair, the Trust expanded its skills base, developed new operating models, and grew its portfolio to include major projects such as Wingfield Station, Bretby Art Pottery Showroom and Eccles House Farm.
As Derek steps down from the role of Chair, he now becomes President of the Trust, only the second person to hold this honorary position. In his speech, Derek expressed his confidence in the future leadership and singled out Richard Wood for thanks - acknowledging his expertise and commitment, and warmly endorsing him as the ideal person to guide the Trust’s next chapter. “There is no one better to chair the next stage of the Trust’s consolidation,” Derek said.
We are therefore delighted to share that Richard Wood has now taken on the role of Chairman of Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust. Richard brings deep experience in conservation building surveying and has already played a pivotal part in shaping the Trust’s project pipeline and future direction.
The Trust extends its heartfelt thanks to Derek for his extraordinary contributions and congratulates him on his new role as President. With Richard now leading the Board, the Trust moves forward with confidence, purpose and renewed energy for the work ahead.
Outgoing Chairman, Derek Latham (now DHBT's President) with incoming Chairman, Richard Wood
Read Barry and Allan's speeches (DHBT trustees):
Read Derek's thank you speech:
Read Richard Wood's speech:
Watch videos of the speeches here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRMnzCoR11TPd2fl9hDCuJQ7YhWWru45Z