Chris Booy, who has been chairman of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trustees for 26 years, is stepping down.
A born-and-bred Bristolian, he joined the trust in 1999 in what he describes as a “nano-second decision”. Since then he has overseen a vast programme of conservation work including a full repainting of the bridge and lighting scheme, major hanger inspections and replacements and conservation of the bridge’s stone towers.
Under Chris Booy’s leadership the bridge has become more community focused especially with the opening of the visitor centre and museum in 2015.
“My role as chair has always been to bring out the best in people and help shape ideas so we can achieve what we set out to do.
“I feel very reassured knowing I’m leaving the bridge in extremely capable hands. Our new Bridge Master, Tristan Ralph is excellent, and our new chairman, Brian McConnell is excellent too. And of course, our trustees remain in place, providing the stability and dedication that keep this bridge running so well.
“So I’m confident we’re in a really good place for the future. I’m naturally sad to be stepping down, but that’s probably on me for when I first arrived, many of the trustees were quite senior, and we agreed we needed to bring in younger trustees to keep things moving forward he said.”
The new chairman Dr Brian McConnell is an an engineering geologist who was educated at Bristol University. He joined the bridge trustees in 2024.