50 Years, 50 Faces: Arnold Ridout

Arnold Ridout joined the Board of Trustees 10 years ago and took over as Chair in 2018. As Chair, it is Arnold’s responsibility to support our CEO, act as a channel of communication between board members and staff, act as a figurehead for the charity e.g representing at functions or speaking to press, leading on the development of the board and ensuring decisions are implemented. Arnold also hosts 10 Board meetings a year for the Renewal Programme.

I moved to Stratford with my wife in 1978 and our family grew up in the borough. We lived in Forest Gate for a while, but now currently live in Manor Park. I am a retired lawyer, having spent my career in various public service roles within the Civil Service and Parliament.

I originally heard about the Renewal Programme through Ann Easter roughly 20 years ago, however I only joined the Board 10 years ago when I began working part time. I then took over as Chair in October 2018.

On top of my Chair duties, my wife and I also provide practical support to the charity by collecting food donations for the food bank.

The charity is important to me as it provides me with a way of connecting with the fascinating community in which I’ve lived for the last 40 years. Like the Renewal Programme itself, Newham faces challenges but is able to rejoice in almost unparalleled diversity.

Over the course of the last 10 years, the Renewal Programme has changed and evolved, reflecting the borough. Projects have started and some have ended. The Renewal Programme is now much more focused geographically in Barking Road, Forest Gate and Manor Park but it retains it’s core principles and objectives of promoting community by working with those who face challenges.

Arnold Ridout, Chair of the Board