Community champion Tom Lonsdale named inaugural President of Marsden Community Trust
Marsden Community Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of its first-ever President, marking an important milestone for the organisation since it was established in 2017. The newly created honorary role has been introduced to help promote and advocate for the Trust, strengthen relationships with partners and supporters, and raise awareness of its work within the community and beyond.
The Trust is proud to announce that Tom Lonsdale has accepted the position.
Tom has been a passionate advocate for Marsden for decades and has played a pivotal role in safeguarding some of the village’s most important community assets. In the late 1970s, when the future of Marsden Mechanics was under serious threat and proposals were being considered to demolish the historic building, Tom led a determined community campaign to save it.
Recognising the Mechanics’ significance as the heart of village life since 1860, Tom brought together local residents and organisations to protect the building and secure its future. He went on to chair the original management committee, leading efforts along with key others to transfer ownership and control of the Mechanics into the hands of the local community and helping establish it as the thriving community venue it is today.
Beyond the Mechanics, Tom has made an enduring contribution to Marsden through his commitment to the Trust’s broader remit in relation to local heritage and community development. He played a leading role in persuading Kirklees Council to support MCT and other groups in undertaking the What Matters to Marsden initiative, helping unlock investment to improve village life. Following his time as Chair of Marsden Community Trust, he continued his service as Chair of the Marsden Blueprint Partnership. It is that community-led style of urban regeneration that earned recognition in the recent Yorkshire Planning Awards, in which Marsden Blueprint won the award for Excellence in Plan-
Making Practice.
Martin Collett, Chair of Marsden Community Trust said:
“Tom’s commitment to Marsden over many years has been extraordinary. His leadership, determination and vision have helped shape the village we know today, and without his efforts the Mechanics may not still be here. We are delighted that he has agreed to become our first President and look forward to working with him as we continue to develop the Trust and serve our community.”
Speaking about his appointment, Tom Lonsdale said:
”This is such an honour and I am grateful for not only this gesture but also the incredible work done by other volunteers since I came to the end of my tenure as Chair of MCT. Most of all though it helps the community to understand the role of MCT in the wider push to value and invest in the whole of Marsden. From day one the Trust’s constitution was about much more than just the Mechanics: it ensures truly inclusive and democratic representation of every citizen, who can vote for and even become Trustees.”
Marsden Community Trust manages Marsden Mechanics as a vibrant community venue, supporting arts, culture, heritage and community activities throughout the year. The appointment of its first President reflects the Trust’s commitment to building on its strong foundations while celebrating those who have helped make its success possible.