Name?
Dave Henderson FRSA
Position at Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund CIC?
Director
Job History (you want to tell us about)?
Various retail/commercial sector roles from shop assistant to store manager. 3 Years out, self-funded, to study computing and then “fell” into Further education lecturing by chance. I then spent 35yrs in various lecturing and management roles within Further Education, all the while starting, running and selling various enterprises. I am now joint director of a company that facilitates training in prisons, right across England, as well as offering apprenticeships and professional development courses.
A bit about you?
I left school at 15, well 14 really as I mitched off the last year, after being told I was “thick” by every teacher except my economics one, Mr Cousins. Matured late and went back to education aged around 30, gaining an HNC, MBA and various other qualifications to do with youth work and motivation. Married, divorced but three lovely children from the marriage, dog and countryside lover who is passionate about positivity bringing positive results.
What made you want to apply to the PyC Board?
The opportunity to work with others to help restore the latent oomph!! to communities by not necessarily doing things as they have been done in the past.
What skills do you think you offer to the PyC Board?
I have lived my life, and encouraged others to as well, by the philosophy that if you always do what you did before you’ll always get what you got before, so if you don’t like what you get then change what you do. So my skills are a sound knowledge of enterprise, business, training and the power of a positive approach.
What most excites you about the PyC Community Fund?
The fact that the community have shaped the fund’s priorities, the money is clean, non-government or Europe dictated and the fund will last for years allowing a continuity of approach and planning. The excitement of working with likeminded individuals who want to do things differently to achieve change.
What do you think are the threats or risks to the success of this fund?
Getting bogged down in doing the same because it is safe, being hijacked by bidders who wish to continue doing the same projects despite poor results, again because it is safe. Not being entrepreneurial and enterprising in its approach, which will ensure a true legacy long after the turbines stop turning.
If you woke up tomorrow as an animal, what animal would you choose to be and why?
A large dog as all the dogs we have rescued have had the epitome of a dog’s life l would want. I could be the faithful friend if I had a heated kennel, full access to the furniture, if allowed or not, and regular meals and sleeps in front of the fire. Besides if I was unlucky enough to have rubbish owners I’d move on and find a softy!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?
A good machete, some good books and a crate of good Irish whiskey (to disinfect wounds of course)
Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself with our communities!