The three experts will join four existing committee members who make decisions on heritage lottery awards ranging from £50,000 to £1 million. The Committee consists of people from across Wales who have an interest in protecting heritage and taking a leading role in advocating the value of heritage to modern life.  

Transport expert Ted Sangster from Pembrokeshire joins the committee following his retirement as Chief Executive of Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA). Whilst at MHPA, Ted led the port in a significant turnaround in reputation and performance to its current position as the UK’s third largest port at the heart of the strategically-vital, energy economy based in Pembrokeshire.

Ted is currently Vice Chairman of Pembrokeshire Business Initiative Ltd, Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Haven Business Group, a public member of Network Rail, a member of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the British Waterways Advisory Group for Wales.

Ted said: “I am delighted to be appointed as a member of the committee having seen at first hand the tremendous benefit that HLF can bring to a community and its contribution to the cultural and economic vitality of an area. I look forward to adding my experience and enthusiasm to the greatly valued work of HLF in Wales.”

Dr. Madeleine Havard has also been appointed to the committee. An environmental scientist, Madeleine currently lectures for a number of universities including The Open University in Wales. Madeleine is the former Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and remains a member of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) CAN Project Selection Board and is the Chair of Wales Environment Link, the umbrella organisation for environmental NGOs in Wales.

Madeleine’s academic interest currently focuses on natural heritage conservation and is a committed environmental volunteer, as well as a Welsh learner. 

Madeleine, who lives in Pembrokeshire, commented: “As a new committee member, I will be keen to engage people in their natural and cultural heritage, as I believe it’s really important for people of Wales to take pride in the natural environment. I have seen projects supported by HLF flourish, and make a real difference to the environment and individuals’ outlook, and look forward to being involved in the process.”

Ecologist Dr. Rhian Thomas from Bangor in north Wales joins the committee to help increase the awareness of Wales’ environmental heritage. Rhian’s interest in the environment developed whilst growing up at the foot of Snowdon and she is currently the Freshwater Ecologist for CCW.

Rhian’s role involves dealing with conservation and wildlife issues in Wales’ rivers and lakes, and sees her responsible for a range of research projects. Rhian has been active in arranging various environmental initiatives with local community groups and educational partnerships to encourage awareness of conservation.

Rhian added: “Having grown up in North Wales and being a Welsh speaker, I have a real passion and appreciation for the country’s language, heritage and culture. I’m hoping in my new role I will be able to encourage others to connect with their heritage.”

Chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Committee for Wales, Dan Clayton-Jones, said of the appointments: “Our new members bring a vast range of experience and interests to the Committee. Madeleine, Rhian and Ted’s extensive cultural, heritage and knowledge of Wales will be of great benefit to HLF, and I look forward to working with them.”

Notes to editors

Fast facts on HLF

• HLF has awarded £200 million to over 1,800 across Wales since 1994.
• HLF has helped buy land equivalent to 1,380 rugby pitches for nature conservation.
• Every £1million of HLF funding in Wales attracts £620,000 from partner organisations, making a huge impact on conserving the heritage of Wales for the future.
• HLF has invested around £38million in projects revitalising the country’s industrial heritage.
• 62% of HLF projects in Wales have been led by local community groups and voluntary organisations.
• More than 1,300 historic buildings and monuments in Wales have been granted a new lease of life, and 21 town centres from Denbigh to Pembroke Dock rejuvenated.
• 1,500 young people have played an active part in their own heritage projects funded by our Young Roots grant programme in Wales.
• Research at a sample of attractions across the UK, including the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, shows that on average spending in regional economies by visitors to these sites doubles following HLF funding.
• HLF has given £24.6million for the regeneration of 15 public parks across Wales, boosting their visitor numbers by up to 70%.
• More than  £32million of HLF funding has helped 50 museums and galleries across Wales, improving learning facilities, collections, displays and the overall visitor experience.
• On average 13 volunteers are involved in every HLF project, providing nearly 450 hours of volunteering time per project, a total of 667,800 volunteering hours across Wales.

Further information

Kate Sullivan or Helen Newton at Equinox Communications on 02920 764 100 or hlf@equinox-pr.co.uk