Chair of the Avondale Grange Neighbourhood Board for £20million Pride in Place programme announced
02 June 2026
Giving to the community – both professionally and through volunteering – has been at the heart of Gail Lewis’s 45 years living in Kettering.
The former teacher has been selected as the Chair of Avondale Grange Neighbourhood Board, the body which will oversee the Government’s Pride in Place programme in that area.
The UK Government-led programme will see £20 million of investment over the next 10 years with the Chair playing a pivotal role in convening and overseeing the Board and working closely with the local MP, councillors, partners, community representatives and residents.
I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed to the role and relish the opportunity to raise the profile of the area alongside working with the community groups and residents to make a difference.Gail Lewis, Chair of the Avondale Grange Neighbourhood Board
I look forward to seeing the area thrive and be instrumental, alongside the board of fellow volunteers, in building a stronger, more resilient and more empowered community.
One of my priorities is advocating on behalf of all residents to ensure their voice is heard and their insights are reflected into a plan and project that is community led.
Initially qualifying as a dental therapist in 1980, Gail worked across Northamptonshire, eventually becoming the Chair of the British Association of Dental Therapists.
In 2003 she changed career to become a teacher, at first working in Corby before moving into special needs education at Kingsley Special School in Kettering and Kings Meadow school, Northampton.
Latterly she worked as a special needs co-ordinator at Thorplands Primary School, Northampton and Isebrook School, Kettering.
Gail now devotes her time to volunteering at Kettering Food Bank and previously volunteered at Kettering General Hospital during the pandemic, assisting with the vaccine rollout.
She has also been Chair of Rothwell Infant School Friends Association; chaired Bishop Stopford School Friends Association; and was Vice Chair of Governors at Rothwell Junior School.
This is such an important role for the Avondale Grange Pride in Place programme and Gail will bring so much valuable life experience to the Board which will work with the community to help the area thrive.Kettering MP, Rosie Wrighting
I’m delighted to be part of this initiative which is seeing record levels of UK Government investment right where residents need it most.
Gail’s commitment to her local community is absolutely outstanding and she’ll do a great job in leading the Neighbourhood Board which will play such a vital role in making a real difference to Avondale Grange.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
I very much look forward to seeing the community empowered to get involved, the plans for the area develop and then real results being delivered and the neighbourhood reaching its full potential.
Responsibilities of the Chair include championing community engagement, ensuring transparent governance, and helping to cocreate the 10-year Pride in Place vision and regeneration plan for Avondale Grange.
The Neighbourhood Board will shape a shared long-term programme and develop a regeneration plan for the area. This plan will identify local priorities and determine how the funding will be spent.
The voluntary position was open to individuals who live or work in North Northamptonshire and have strong connections to the Avondale Grange area.
Similar Pride in Place schemes are running in Queensway in Wellingborough and Kingswood, Hazel Leys and Exeter in Corby.