Freddy’s Leaving

Secretary and Head of Campaigns, Freddy Bowen-Bate is leaving for pastures new.

It is a bittersweet day for us all here at Animal Concern. Our Secretary, Head of Campaigns and friend Freddy is leaving us for pastures new. As much as we wish him well, he will be sorely missed for his leadership, work ethic, organisational flair, support, focus, conviction, sense of purpose, and his ability to keep morale high.

Normally we would pass a card around the office and throw a leaving do. However the staff at Animal Concern are dotted around the UK and so we aren’t able to take him to the pub and throw him in a taxi a few hours later with his address written on a card hung around his neck. Instead the team have chosen to say ‘bye for now’ by sharing some memories here:

“Freddy and I started on the same day, and first met at our predecessor’s home. We got on immediately something that never changed. Fred is more than the boss he’s a friend, and a good one. His support has been nothing short of extraordinary. I have the fondest memories of meeting up every week or two in a coffee shop in Stirling to co-locate and enjoying the connection everyone used to take for granted in an office environment. He made us better leading by example and he’s going to be great in his new role. Our loss is very much their significant gain. Who’s going to profread myh prose now?!?”.

Graeme Corbett

Campaigns Officer

“Working with Freddy has been a great benefit to all of us at Animal Concern and we will miss his enthusiasm, kindness and dedication to all things animal related. We are grateful for all he has brought to Animal Concern”.

Elena Edwards

Membership Secretary

Freddy came into Animal Concern at a time of great difficulty and yet navigated it not only himself but making sure to take us all with him with energy and dedication I never saw falter.

I will always appreciate your time with us man, wish you all the best in your next endeavour Freddy.

Phil Robins

Web and IT Services

“Freddy’s departure is a great loss to Animal Concern, and the animal welfare community in general. We have all benefitted from his time at Animal Concern; his exemplary leadership, his dedication to his role, his compassion for all animals … including his work colleagues! Always calm, always tactful, always supportive … a very special human being! He has done so much to bring Animal Concern into the 21st century and nurture us all through the transition. We are indebted to him.

Wishing you every success in your new role Freddy. You will be missed … enormously”.

Alison Brisby

Membership Assistant

It isn’t just the staff at Animal Concern who are sorry to see Fred go, a great relationship builder, here’s what some of the friends he made along way had to say as well.

“We just wanted to say that it has been a pleasure to work with you and will miss bumping into you at all the event meet ups! I remember at the For the Foxes celebration (when we first met), we practically spent the whole time having funny conversations about our obsessions with our dogs while drinking wine – this is a lovely memory for me. I will definitely miss these kinds of chats with you.  

Also well done for all of your fantastic work you have done on your Animal Concern journey.

We’re sad to see you go but wishing you the best of luck in your new endeavours”.

Eliza Chiswell

Campaigner, Scotland

League Against Cruel Sports

“Freddy has been a genuine delight to work with on our Unbound the Greyhound campaign this past year. 

He always brings a sense of humour, a friendly smile and an ‘up for anything’ attitude to events. You always need that person in your circle and Freddy’s that person.

We’ll miss you, Freddy! But we know we’ll see you at future demonstrations and I’m so excited to see you flourish in your next role”.

Eve Massie-Bishop

Campaigner and Press Officer

OneKind

“Freddy is a warm, switched-on, focused activist who is always eager to put his skills to good use for the animals. It’s been a joy to work with him.”

Abigail Penny

Executive Director

Animal Equality

Freddy, you go with love. Thank you!

The Team