…and it’s goodbye from me

Our Director John Harold is also moving on – at the end of May. Quite literally to pastures new as he goes to work on species-rich grassland conservation at Plantlife. Here is John’s message to everyone who has been part of the Society’s story during his tenure.

‘I’m struggling to find words enough to thank all those who have contributed to the Society over the past decade.

To our members;  you are the backbone of the Society. I’ve often been moved to realise the depth of feeling amongst our membership for this wonderful place. Most often it becomes tangible when some part of Eryri is under threat and members put the wheels of protection into motion. At other times, when it is too late to say thank you, some kind and generous gift in support of our work will remind me how much our supporters care.  Some of you have really gone the extra mile to help me in the Society’s work – there have been times when I couldn’t have managed without you. Thank you!

To our volunteers – you give meaning to so much of our work. The clue is in the name; Snowdonia Society – our work is about the place and the people who give their time to look after it. There is such positivity in the way that people of all kinds come together, come rain or shine, to look after something precious on behalf of us all. Thank you!

To the wonderful community of staff; you are nothing short of amazing – compensating for my shortcomings by delivering so much. You consistently use your energy, skills and commitment to make good things happen, regardless of the resources made available to you. Thank you!

And to all the brilliant staff and volunteers across so many partner organisations, groups, projects and local businesses; you are too numerous to mention but throughout you have enriched the life of our organisation and of Eryri. Thank you!

In the Spring 2023 magazine I wrote of three commitments I made at the start of my tenure as Director; to stay long enough to make a difference; to champion the Welsh language; to build up the volunteer programme as a significant practical helping hand for Eryri.

This work is making a difference – to Eryri and to those who take part. We should be proud of what we have achieved together. The Society should be proud of its growing investment in young people. To meet the needs of this special place we’ll need more investment like this – in people and skills – to make a better future for Eryri, for nature and for all of us to enjoy. I hope you will continue to support the Society, and indeed step up your support, to give it the resources to take this vital work forward. That would make me feel confident that the last ten years have been well spent.’