The 2024/25 period has marked a pivotal milestone for the governance and leadership of the Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust (AIHT). We have successfully expanded our Board of Trustees, welcoming new experts who bring a wealth of experience in museum collections, legal affairs, digital innovation, and communications. This multidisciplinary team is dedicated to delivering our strategic ambition: creating a world-class visitor experience at Parys Mountain.
Aims and objectives of the Trust
- To consolidate or restore historical features and sites.
- To promote knowledge and understanding of local industrial, social and natural history through the fostering of scientific and historical research, and the dissemination of knowledge so gained through the publication of learned papers, etc.
- To provide a forum in which all of those having an interest in the designated sites may express their views concerning their management, development and conservation.
- To develop sites to the benefit of the local community and to nurture pride in its industrial heritage and place.
- To encourage community participation in the work of the Trust, and to facilitate public access to, and enjoyment of, the designated sites.
- To seek funding towards the realisation of the Trust’s aims and objectives
Leadership and Project Direction
Our Board is led by Chair Mike Williams (BA Hons), an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and former HSBC banker. Born in Amlwch, Mike’s connection to the industrial history of Parys Mountain began in his childhood. With decades of experience in succession planning, community council leadership, and social enterprise management, Mike provides the strategic oversight necessary to protect local heritage and jobs.
In early 2025, the Trust appointed Lucy Dusgate as Project Director to lead the development of our new Visitor and Learning Centre. Lucy is an established cultural producer and curator with a proven track record in capital venue projects, regeneration, and tourism development. Having recently moved to Anglesey full-time, she has stepped down from her former role as a Trustee to focus entirely on reconnecting the public with the remarkable legacy of copper mining.
Our Expert Board of Trustees
The Trust is supported by a dedicated board of professionals who ensure the highest standards of management:
- Neil Summers (BSc, MA) – Treasurer: A recently retired Head of IT and former Chartered Chemist/Chemical Engineer, Neil now runs his own computer consultancy business. He has held various roles with AIHT and Parys Underground Group for the last 25 years. A former chair of the PTA and a governor at Ysgol Rhosybol. He is a volunteer client advisor with the local Citizens Advice and currently a Trustee and Treasurer of the Trust
- Trevor EversA communications professional with more than 20 years’ experience gained in the aviation, tourism, culture and rail industries. Trevor has a proven track record in creating and executing communications campaigns to local, regional, national and international media outlets.
- Kate Fitzgerald: Kate runs a UK cultural consultancy specializing in data privacy, compliance, and audience evaluation. With over 15 years’ venue-based experience, she has an in depth understanding of how organisations work and what their needs and challenges are. Her clients include Royal Shakespeare Company, the Lowry, Motorsport Tickets, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Mansfield District Council and Manchester Jewish Museum.
- Lisa Cardy: An information professional with 30 years of experience in research-intensive libraries, including the Natural History Museum and the British Library, Lisa oversees our digital innovation and user-centered services.
- David Wagstaff:Past director of an Engineering Company and proprietor of an engineering business concerned with the manufacture of special purpose machinery for the textile and chemical industries. Part time Patrol Ranger in the Peak District National Park following a course in training by the Peak Park Ranger Service. Holder of the British Mountain Leadership Certificate. Organiser of the Trust’s volunteer warden service. Currently a blue badge Tourist Guide in North Wales and professional tourist guide. Member of the Parys Underground Group.
- Alys Williams: A professional barrister and native Welsh speaker, Alys brings specialized knowledge in public law and commercial property, ensuring our project meets all legal and regulatory standards.
Patrons and Legacy
We remain deeply grateful to our Founder and Honorary Life President, Bryan Hope, whose vision established the Trust in 1997. Our work is further championed by our esteemed patrons, Ieuan Wyn Jones and Siân Lloyd, and supported by members Dr. Denise Wallis, Ruth Thompson, and Steve Jones. Together, this team is building something truly special for the community of Amlwch and the future of Welsh industrial heritage.