'We are so grateful': Chair of Market Drayton arts venue steps down after more than 40 years
The chair of trustees for Market Drayton's arts venue has stepped down after more than 40 years of service.
Geoff Vernon was one of the founding supporters whose vision drove the Market Drayton centre’s creation back in 1984, when a redundant chapel in the centre of the town was put up for sale.
Mr Vernon has been a stalwart supporter, and chair of trustees, through the two subsequent major developments, which have created a state-of-the-art auditorium, meeting spaces for community activities, and a much-loved coffee shop.
The centre won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2014 and Mr Vernon has always credited the centre’s success on the contribution of its ever-renewing stream of volunteers, currently numbering more than 100.
“It’s our volunteers who create the vitality, warmth, and sense of community which visitors recognize and appreciate,” he said at the 40-year celebration held last summer.
In a tribute issued by the centre, it said regular users of the centre will readily acknowledge Mr Vernon has always been ‘volunteer number one’.
In 2012 Mr Vernon was awarded the MBE ‘For Services to Market Drayton Festival Centre’.
Pam Holland, who has volunteered at the centre for more than 30 years, said: “There are times when thank you is lightly said, but after 40-plus years this one comes from the heart.
"We are so grateful for all you and your wife Sheila have done to help the Festival Drayton Centre achieve the success it is today. Enjoy you’re volunteering and enjoy this part retirement and again thank you!."
Malcolm Kay, who has taken over as chair of trustees, said: “After over 40 years at the helm of Festival Drayton Centre, Geoff Vernon announced to the board of directors on March 1 that he would be stepping down from the board later in the year.
"On the 18th of August 2025, at the board meeting, Geoff duly stepped down from the board and the FDC Charity and the FDC Trust. As newly elected chairman, I’d like to thank Geoff on behalf of all the board and for all his handiwork and dedication over the past years. He has helped to create a wonderful facility for the town."
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