Devon Diamond: Chris Coward
Devon Diamond: chris coward
Our sixteenth Devon Diamond is Chris Coward, who is a member of our Trustee Board AND Chair of LOVE Devon, working hard to fundraise for Devon Communities Together ...
"I was born and bred in Hull but through a career in Media and Management I moved gradually south, via a 4 year diversion to Eastern Europe, and moved to Newton Abbot in 2002 as part of a new team to run the Devon and Cornwall business for the then Northcliffe Newspapers. Although work has taken me to Bristol and London since then, discovering Devon meant that as a family we were never likely to leave and I was a commuting husband and father for a number of years, knowing every seat and carriage on the 6.30 from Newton Abbot to London on a Monday morning!
"In 2017 I left the direct media world to set up my own business advising clients in all elements of media. The travelling hasn’t stopped but generally I am seeing and appreciating more the glorious county I have been lucky enough to live in for 18 years.
"Without doubt, outside my family sport is my passion. As a young man it was all about participation but now that is limited to golf . I see the best of Devon, being able to play at Bigbury. I am an avid watcher of football and have brought my son up watching Torquay United at Plainmoor but still have a passion for my home town club, Hull City and my hometown’s Rugby League club, Hull Kingston Rovers. I also love a day at Exeter or Newton Abbot Races. Outside sport I revel in history and travelling to places to enjoy it. One of my delights is that both my children have chosen history degrees and enjoy visiting Devon’s ancient sites.
"It was current Chief Executive, Nora Corkery who first introduced me to DCT. We were colleagues as Governors at St Josephs RC School in Newton Abbot where our children studied. I was massively impressed by the passion Nora and her then CEO, Elaine Cook had for the communities in Devon. It really struck me that there were many individuals who for various reasons couldn’t enjoy this wonderful county as much as I could, and their enthusiasm really inspired me to want to help. In creating the Love Devon concept we were appealing to those, like me, who experience great joy everyday living in this county to give something back to an organisation whose whole purpose was to give others the best chance to do that.
"Before Covid Love Devon organised a whole range of events to increase DCT’s profile and raise much needed funds. Our intention in 2021 is to develop that as hopefully we get back on our feet after the terrible impact of 2020, and are able to contribute to DCT’s essential work in supporting those in need in our communities. If you Love Devon, come and join us in doing that."
Why I love devon ...
"I love Devon because of its people and its countryside and for what it has given my family . My wife will never leave Devon and we tell our children everyday that they were so fortunate to be brought up here. The approach to life here is refreshing and relaxed and there is a sense of community that would make other parts of the country very envious."
Watch Chris talk about his love for Devon here:
Chris' obvious passion for Devon is truly infectious and we're really pleased to have him on board to support us by raising much needed funds. Thanks for being a Devon Diamond, Chris!
Nominate your devon diamonds
Each week during our 60th anniversary year we will be sharing a story, profile or memory from one or more of our 'Devon Diamonds'. Devon Communities Together's Devon Diamonds are people who have played a part in our story since 1961. They could be ex (or current!) employees or trustees, people who have achieved amazing things in their own communities, representatives from partner organisations we've worked with over the years, village hall committee members, Councillors, and more ... the list is endless!
We plan to create 60 Devon Diamonds throughout the year! If you know of somebody who would make a great Devon Diamond profile, please get in touch by calling 01392 248919 or emailing info@devoncommunities.org.uk.