Welcoming new deputy lieutenants

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Mixed skills of new deputy lieutenants

Business leaders, academics and an Olympic medallist have been appointed as deputy lieutenants of the West Midlands.

The new deputy lieutenants are Fiona Allan, artistic director and chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Katharine Merry, former sprinter and Olympic bronze medallist, broadcaster and host, Professor Stuart Croft, vicechancellor and president at the University of Warwick and Wade Lyn, who owns Cleone Foods Ltd, the largest manufacturer of Jamaican patties in the UK.

John Crabtree, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, has 61 deputy lieutenants which support community activities for the second largest Lieutenancy in England and Wales.

The region includes seven local authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton and supports a growing population of more than three million people.

Mr Crabtree, a former president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The new deputy lieutenants all have different talents and will be an assets in our activities.

“We are nearly into Coventry’s year as the capital of culture and Fiona’s background in theatre will be invaluable as we celebrate the grassroots culture we are fortunate to enjoy in the region, and also work towards establishing the Midlands art ‘brand’ in its rightful place on the national and world stage.

“Katharine Merry is a superb commentator and her sports passion will be perfect as we host the Commonwealth Games next year.

“The Lieutenancy is aware of the many hundreds of fantastic sports clubs, often run by volunteers, that bring so much pleasure and wellbeing to all ages and with Katharine’s engagement, we can lend our weight to supporting the post- commonwealth Games health and well-being agenda.

“Over recent years we have been able to forge closer links with education and young people to help encourage a model of good citizenship. Professor Stuart Croft will improve our reach and appreciation of this sector and how we engage with young people.

“Wade Lyn is not only an enterprising company owner, but gives back so much to the local area. He plays a big role in the Jamaican diaspora and supports other young entrepreneurs as well as helping others less fortunate.”

“I am proud of how our region has supported each other in this uniquely challenging last year with so many people giving their time and energy to help and support their neighbour. We have a future to grasp and look forward to and our new deputy lieutenants are determined to make a difference to people in the region.”