Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a thriving community powered by people. This series of interviews aims to highlight some of the people of Wellington Place, share their inspirational stories and find out why Wellington Place is much more than just a place to work…
Interview with Richard Warren, Wellington Pacers running group leader
Wellington Pacers running group leader
Richard leads the Wellington Pacers running group. Prioritising a relaxed, social opportunity for occupiers of all abilities at Wellington Place. Every run is led by Richard and his team of qualified run leaders allowing local discovery and to encourage self-progression. Wellington Pacers meet every Thursday lunchtime at 12:15pm, the meeting point is Wellington Central at 6 Wellington Place.
What is your job role and day-to-day tasks?
Outside of Wellington Place, I deviated my long IT Consultancy career to focus on people and planet. I’ve enveloped myself in community projects such as Farsley Festival, Farsley Flyers, deaf children’s projects, burial ground reclamation, park playground building, green social providing, workplace cycle encouragement and much more. I’ve led thousands on discovery walks, rides and runs over the last few years.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
In my charity work, I’ve raised thousands to support deaf children by progressing and pushing my limits through increasing challenges.
Noting that I didn’t even start being active until reaching 40, I’ve cycled solo to London in a day (plus London Nightrider and return), I completed a November run-till-you-drop (480 running miles in the month), matched primary school day bus trip to the coast by cycling to show the kids it’s possible, cycled down the canal to Liverpool in a day (plus Nightrider and home), cycled to/from my first marathon (in York) and much more.
Tell us something exciting that most people don’t know about you?
When I look back at some of my photos, I always remember the London Nightrider event (60 miles cycling around London starting at midnight). The theme was ‘film’ and they encouraged joining in, so I constructed a full body cycle-friendly Shaun the Sheep costume (since the film had just been released and this was for National Deaf Children’s Society).
However, upon arriving in full costume, I discovered I was the only person (out of thousands) in any fancy dress.
So, yes, London experienced a seemingly random sheep cycling the streets after midnight – Shaun the Sheep did Tweet me, so that was OK!
What is your favourite thing about working at Wellington Place and why?
Seeing all the events, activities and inclusivity workshops really resonates with my principles. The balancing people, planet and profit is the rational future I want my son to experience.
Which community events do you take part in at Wellington Place and why?
Clearly the running club is fantastic! However, I do love to drop in at festival events and check out street food vendors – though admittedly it’s a little spy-gate as being one of the organisers of Farsley Festival, we’re always looking out for ideas.
What three words sum up Wellington Place to you?
OK, I’m a geek (self-taught ZX Basic when 11yo and Amiga 68000 assembler at 15yo) therefore I’m going for a literal what3words.com answer based on where to meet for the Wellington Pacers!
- Lively; the varied provisions on site give great choice for everyone working here plus acts as a magnet for the surrounding businesses.
- Plus; through IT Consultancy I’ve visited many office developments, but the Wellington Place provision is a business park “++”.
- Penny; the value of building a community based view provides so much more than numbers represent.
Remember, Wellington Pacers meet here, Thursdays 12:15 – https://what3words.com/lively.plus.penny
Thanks to Richard for taking part in the interview.
If you would like to tell your story or wish to nominate someone to take part in the People of Wellington Place series please email info@wellingtonplace.co.uk
