Blog

Message from David Black (ex-Chair of LARG, 2022–Feb 2025)

“Leaving the Board after three wonderful years isn’t easy. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with you all and I wanted to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you.

The Trustees bring a real commitment to LARG/Poplar Union and it’s been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group, and I know that it is their generosity of spirit that has helped Poplar Union grow and will continue to guide it forward.

The staff, under Momtaz’s leadership, bring great energy to their work. You bring so much skill and creativity to everything you do, and it’s been brilliant to see the impact you’re making. Poplar Union’s mission is so important, and you deliver it with such heart and ability.

With Safia stepping into the role of Interim Chair, Poplar Union’s future is bright. Her vision and steady leadership will support the organisation with strength and compassion.

I want to say a special thank you to Christine and Brian whose insight, drive and devotion to their local community created LARG in the first place.

Thank you, too, for the lovely presents at the Board meeting last Friday, the picture will be framed and on my wall, wherever that wall may be!

LARG/Poplar Union will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines and looking forward to hearing all about your future successes and hopefully catching up in person before too long.”

— David Black

David has been a director for many years and has experience working for SMEs as well as running his own company. Passionate about supporting communities and creating places, he has been deeply involved in social and economic, as well as physical regeneration within Tower Hamlets for the last 25 years. As a result, David has built a strong working relationship with the many individuals and groups involved in the physical and social regeneration of the area. He has a background in urban regeneration, town planning, urban design, and project management.