Andrew Deuchar, who was brought up in Aldbourne and still has relatives living in the Marlborough area, is to succeed Dr Nick Maurice who is retiring as director of BUILD the national charity he founded and which is based in Marlborough.
Since 2002, BUILD (which stands for “building understanding through international links for development”) has worked with government, schools, hospitals and faith groups to create and sustain links between communities in the United Kingdom and developing countries.
Andrew Deuchar will take up his post on October 1. His career in the diplomatic service has been followed by ministry in the Church of England. He has long experience in international development, communications, management and project management.
After working as a parish priest, from 1994 to 2000 Andrew Deuchar was the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Anglican Communion Affairs, managing the Archbishop’s work as leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. He returned to parish work in Nottingham and has most recently been working in the Highlands for the Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness.
The Archbishop of Canterbury for whom he worked, Lord Carey, said, “BUILD is looking for an outstanding leader. Andrew was one of my best officers. I have great confidence in him. He is a very wise and consensual leader.”
BUILD believes that global community partnerships make the world better. Working with community, national and global partners, BUILD promotes cross-cultural links and provides services to help communities to link and to develop their work in ways that increase global peace, prosperity and justice.
Andrew Deuchar spoke to Marlborough News Online about BUILD and his new role as leader of the organisation: “One thing I love about the potential for BUILD’s work is the possibility of people at each end of the linking process being able to tell their stories. These sort of linking projects should enable both sides to tell their own authentic stories.”
All too often, he says, stories and folk memories become obliterated or distorted by colonialism or local politics and giving people back their true identity is a worthy ideal. He has been most impressed by the practical moves in the Highlands of Scotland within schools and communities to bring alive the language, music and history of its people.
Andrew and his wife will be returning to live in the Marlborough area as soon aas they can find a suitable home.
