Heritage charity appoints fresh chair ahead of 150th birthday

A charity set up to safeguard an “architectural treasure” in north London has named its new chair, ending the 22-year reign of long-running leader PHILIP WALKER.

KEN BEECH will head up Union Chapel’s board of trustees, ensuring the secular heritage and civic charity continues in its mission to restore and protect Grade I and II* listed Union Chapel in Islington.

His appointment comes ahead of the building’s 150th anniversary celebrations, scheduled for 2027.

Beech brings his career expertise in finance and trustee experience across the world of charities, housing, and homelessness.

His appointment as chair is accompanied by two fresh trustee recruits, educationalist NEIL RUCKMAN and Union Chapel minister CATHY BIRD.

Beech thanked the “tireless” work of his predecessor, Walker, who he said had guided the charity “through both challenges and milestones” for more than two decades, adding: “I am delighted to become chair of Union Chapel Project.

“I was drawn to the organisation’s unique mission, celebrating culture, faith, social justice and local community under one roof. It’s a rare and inspiring place, and Union Chapel Project is committed to the restoration and preservation of this fabulous building.”

Saved from the threat of demolition in decades past, Union Chapel is home to a working church, a venue known for hosting events including spoken word nights, and the Margins Project, an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, including those facing homelessness.

Commenting on his own appointment as a trustee, Ruckman credited the space with celebrating “the best of the arts, faith and social justice”.

“It is wonderful to have all these vital projects and strategies under the roof of a beautiful building with such heritage,” he added.