Volunteers 2010
Andy Nicklin
I graduated from Loughborough University in 1995 with a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering and worked for a chemical company, ICI, in design then manufacturing and finally supply chain before leaving in 2008 to complete an MBA at Durham.
Having taken part in the 2009 cinnamon fact-finding visit, I am excited about returning to Sri Lanka to deliver tangible benefits making use of the opportunities identified during our first visit.
I am married and have a beautiful 2 year old daughter.
Richard Welton
Richard Welton is studying for a MBA at the Durham business school and is a member of the MCR at Castle (University College). Richard was also an undergraduate at Durham reading law before a career in Banking and Financial Services took him to the Far East for a number of years including Thailand.
I had often visited and enjoyed the hospitalty found in Fishing Villages in Thailand and throughout Asia in my career. I remember leaving Thailand on the day of Tsunami and being saddened at not only the loss of life but the devastation of so many livelihoods, I am delighted to be involved with the Sri Lanka Project and in a country of so much future potential.
Nik Wood
Nik qualified as an Accountant, has good experience in the motor trade and now works for Northgate plc based in Darlington. He is married with three daughters and enjoys music, reading, running and improving his French after getting involved in a twinning association. Nik visited Sri Lanka in 2009 on the first trip to research the cinnamon industry.
Nik said: “The fact is that Sri Lanka has a unique product in cinnamon that is rooted in both tradition and history. The skills and experience I have from both my professional career and my recently completed MBA enable me to identify and undertake projects as part of a multi disciplinary team that will enhance the industry and help to improve the communities wealth and economy that has been damaged by both war and a Tsunami in recent times.”
Nik returns to Sri Lanka in 2010 with a much clearer idea of potential projects that can be undertaken after last year’s fact finding mission, and commented: “What is encouraging, is that 80% of the 2009 group are returning to continue what we started plus four or five talented new additions to the team. This demonstrates the emotional effect upon us of the people we met over there last year since; despite all their recent troubles, they still have beautiful souls that shine through”.