A new change for CPRE Staffordshire

In late March, Mohammed Khuram announced he will be stepping down as Chairman of CPRE Staffordshire.

Mohammed has served as our Chair since 2022 and dedicated incredible time and energy to support CPRE Staffordshire and ensure we see our centenary in 2036. We want to thank Mohammed for his work over the last 4 years, and we are glad to continue working together in his role as trustee. In our recent Newsletter he shared the news with our members:

“Since taking on this role in 2022, this time gives me a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together. I am deeply proud of the commitment shown by our volunteers, members, partners, and supporters; all have given their support to ensure our countryside is protected, promoted and enhanced for generations to come. During my tenure as Chair, I have been particularly proud of having strengthened our voice on planning issues with a growing number of responses enabled by an increase in Planning Volunteers and championed the importance of green spaces for our visually impaired community through a series of guided walks. I am also pleased that we have enhanced our countryside through a series of planting events, our annual Green School Trophy and celebrating the unsung work of our wider community with our Annual Awards held alongside the Staffordshire Best Kept Village Competition. Our Branch governance has developed too; with a larger Board of Trustees, a calendar of twelve regular annual events, and much more stabilised finances, we can all look back on our significant and tangible progress together. With us celebrating our 90th anniversary
this year, I am very confident the Branch will reach its centenary in 2036. Although I am stepping down from the role of Chairman, I will remain as a Trustee and continue my support.

I would never consider stepping down if we had not already identified a capable and committed successor to lead our Branch. Knowing that the charity will be in safe hands makes this decision possible. Fresh energy and ideas from a new leader is always a good thing. I am pleased to announce that our Trustee, Sarah Cooke, has been elected
Chair. She is already leading on the AGM and our 90th Year Anniversary events and other matters. I have every confidence that the Branch will continue to thrive under her leadership, and advance our shared mission to ‘promote, protect, and enhance the Staffordshire countryside’. Many thanks to all of you, our Members, for your trust, your encouragement and your support. It has been a privilege to serve.”

Mohammed Khuram.
Chairman, CPRE Staffordshire 2022-2026.

Sarah Cooke has been voted Acting Chair by the executive committee, and is excited to take on the new role:

“I’ve lived in Staffordshire for most of my life so my heart is most definitely here. Coming back to the area after living elsewhere for work, I now appreciate the diversity, culture and landscape that Staffordshire offers. Having been a Trustee for CPRE Staffordshire for almost a year, it felt a natural step up to take over from Mohammed. I’m delighted to be Acting Chair and even more delighted that Mohammed is staying on as a Trustee.
I hope to build on all the excellent work Mohammed and the Trustees have delivered over the past four years, with a focus on inclusion, collaboration and community. We’re starting to work with other charities in the area, supporting community groups and raising awareness of CPRE with a wider audience. We will continue to work tirelessly in our planning activities to protect our county and support its communities, and deliver our established events such as the forthcoming litter pick and visually impaired walks.

As this is our Centenary year we are already planning our AGM meeting in September. I look forward to meeting some of our members at this event if not before.”

Sarah Cooke.

Acting chair, CPRE Staffordshire 2026.