THE co-founder of an internationally respected West Devon-based charity is to stand down as its director, to take on a new role working in Europe.
Oz Osborne helped set up WestDEN from his house in Brentor in 1994. He is to start a new job co-ordinating a trans-national team working across Europe to research and train others in community business.
Mr Osborne said: ?The time I have been involved with WestDEN has been challenging but very rewarding.
?I like to think that the organisation has delivered practical projects that have really made a difference to people?s lives in West Devon. This has been due to support from our community, local authorities, members and trustees but most of all, our committed and talented staff team.?
Elaine Bentley, chairman of WestDEN?s trustees, said: ?The trustees are very sorry to be saying goodbye to Oz after nine years with WestDEN.
?During this time, he has taken WestDEN from a small local organisation concerned about the environment, to a nationally known organisation leading the way in community-based sustainability.
?The organisation that Oz leaves is strong and flourishing and the trustees will be looking for the right person to carry on the work for which he and his team have such a high reputation.?
In recent years, WestDEN has run a variety of projects to help improve life for people living in West Devon and beyond, including transport schemes for young people, rural skills training for the over 30s and younger people and surveys indicating the changing quality of life in the borough. It has also worked with similar groups in India, Ireland and Eastern Europe.
The group?s next meeting will feature a presentation on the future of small-scale renewable energy in Devon by DARE ? Devon Association for Renewable Energy.
The meeting will be held in Bere Alston Parish Hall today (Thursday) at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.