This summer we say a warm and heartfelt thank you to Tom Johnston as he steps down from his role as Community Led Housing Coordinator for Communities CAN to retire.
Tom joined the team four years ago, bringing with him decades of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to rural communities in Northumberland. His working life has been, in his own words, “diverse, challenging, stimulating and unconventional.”
From a mechanic in the coal industry, to hands-on work in Wooler, and eventually to leading the Glendale Gateway Trust through major growth, Tom’s journey has always been about making a difference.
After leaving school at 16, Tom began as an apprentice mechanic at Ashington Colliery Workshops, working on the heavy machinery used underground. Later, determined to live and work rurally, he moved to Wooler and made a living through a patchwork of roles – from youth hostel work to bike sales and plumbing – before becoming the first project manager, then CEO, of the Glendale Gateway Trust, a role he held for over 20 years.
At Communities CAN, Tom played a vital role in supporting local people to explore and develop community-led housing initiatives – often complex projects that benefit from exactly the kind of steady, thoughtful guidance Tom is known for. His contributions have helped lay the foundations for a stronger network of rural communities across our county.
As the Chair of Communities CAN Yvonne Probert said:
“Your dedication, insight, and positivity have made a lasting impact, and you will certainly be missed in your day-to-day role.”
Thankfully, this isn’t goodbye entirely. We are delighted to welcome Tom back in a new capacity, as a Director on the Communities CAN Board.
Thank you, Tom, for everything you’ve done and for continuing to champion the voluntary and community sector across the North East.
For all future Community Led Housing enquiries, please contact info@communitiescan.org.uk
