Goodbye and good luck, Walter! by Wignall, Rebecca (UK Region) https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7 Walter's leaving the British Council - leave your memories and good luck wishes for him below :) en-us 2022-01-11 16:18:25 UTC 2025-12-23 00:54:24 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f340.png https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1986484175 Annwyl Walter
Since I joined the British Council, I have felt so supported by you. Working with you on the Cerdd Iaith project first allowed me to see the passion you have for the work that we do. The example you set of working with partners- careful listening, understanding and gentle nudging towards a conclusion that benefits all was an art form in itself, and I see your influence in all the interactions I have now! 
You are most certainly the calm and rational voice within UKR Wales- you have an amazing ability to cut through the chaos. I'm 100% sure you will be missed in the education circles but you will be missed more by us than I think you realise.  If nothing else, I can now order wine and tapas in Spanish and am even more determined to get to Patagonia one day soon to test it out on the unsuspecting locals.
I wish you all the best in your new role- they have gained a very special colleague. Diolch o galon, Natasha  xxx]]> 2022-01-11 16:44:29 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1986484175 Goodbye and Good luck https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1986698557 FACT: My daughter bumped into Walter’s cousin in Patagonia! Small world!!

Walter, it was a privilege working with you, you are an inspiration!

I remember when I first met you, I could not believe I was actually working with someone from Patagonia – it was the promised land! I had heard so many stories of Patagonia that to meet someone from there was an absolute privilege and I was proud to work with you, my kindred! I told so many people I was working with a Patagonian I think I impressed everyone in the Valleys. Alas, I can’t say that anymore! Walter you are a gentleman and it has been an honour, hopefully our paths will cross again one day.  I hope you enjoy your new role I’m sure you will do great! 

Good luck!!

Diane

]]> 2022-01-11 18:21:22 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1986698557 Pob lwc, Walter. https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987749775 Pob dymuniadau da i ti Walter! Gobeithio cwrdd â thi eto yn y dyfodol. Pob lwc, Huw]]> 2022-01-12 08:21:48 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987749775 Tạm biệt Walter https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987750576 Hi Walter
It's sad to hear you leaving but I'd liike to wish you all the best with your new journey. Hope you have an opportunity to visit Viet Nam again and enjoy our cà phê sữa đá :-)
Tạm biệt
Phi]]> 2022-01-12 08:22:19 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987750576 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987769292 Hi Walter 
Very sad to hear you are leaving us.  You always had a smile on your face and such a lovely person to work with.  You will be amazing at whatever you do. Many congratulations on the new role and all the very best for the future  
Andrea 

]]> 2022-01-12 08:34:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987769292 Hi Walter https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987821730 It was a real pleasure to work with you and I wish you all the best at Cardiff University.  I'm sure you'll be brilliant.

Maddalaine]]> 2022-01-12 09:08:08 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987821730 ... Parting is such sweet sorrow firzanaperveen https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987842370 Dear Walter,
its been a pleasure to work with you.  Sad to see you leaving but I very much hope the new job is absolutely fab!  and it seems you will be in good company with other ex-BC colleagues!!
Goodbuy for now:-)
Firzana]]> 2022-01-12 09:21:35 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987842370 tanyaramone https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987954727 Its been genuinely lovely to work with you Walter and you will definitely leave a large gap to be filled! Having a genuine Welsh speaking Patagonian on WLP has been amazing and thank you for all your support on that over the years, particularly standing to shoulder to shoulder in the more "bumpier" times . You know what that is ..... :-) I hope our paths cross again somewhere. Tanya ]]> 2022-01-12 10:33:51 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1987954727 Good luck Walter! juliahandelmansmith1 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1988081166 It's been lovely to work with you,  all the best with your new adventure. 
Julia H-S]]> 2022-01-12 12:16:43 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1988081166 Best of luck! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990098803 Good luck with your new job, Walter! I am sure you'll be brilliant!
I will miss our chats about history and culture.

Ioana Pospisil]]> 2022-01-13 10:50:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990098803 All the best! 💐 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990576244 Wishing you all the best for all your future endeavours Walter! I know we have only had a few brief interactions but they have been wonderful. Thank you so much for everything!

Warmest,
Divya ]]> 2022-01-13 15:16:16 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990576244 Good luck Walter! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990596234 Walter,

It's been such a pleasure working with you over the past few years as a fellow linguist and all-round languages enthusiast. I have fond memories from our trip over to Cardiff and I'm just sorry we didn't get a chance to reciprocate in Belfast before Covid-19 took over. Wishing you all the very best with the new job - our loss is their gain!

Naomi]]> 2022-01-13 15:23:31 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990596234 All the best Walter jonathanstewart3 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990726736 Really sorry to see you leave the UKR team but sounds like a great opportunity for you. It has been great working with you over the past few years. Best wishes in the new role.
Jonathan]]> 2022-01-13 16:21:36 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1990726736 Chau chau Walter!! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1992021348 Thanks so much Walter for your wonderful support for our Vietnam / Wales HE partnerships, visits and all the rest.  We're really sorry to see you leave, but are delighted that you're moving on to such a fabulous career opportunity.  Huge congratulations and wishing you all the very best.

Donna   ]]> 2022-01-14 09:43:59 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1992021348 All the best https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1992219217 Sad that you are leaving! Thanks for all the interesting chats both about work and beyond! Wishing you all the best for the future. Brenda]]> 2022-01-14 12:42:35 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1992219217 Dear Walter, https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995049742 Walter, 
I met you first in 2019 when we'd sat down to discuss the possibilities for Indo-Welsh collaboration under the UK-India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI) and since then its been a great journey knowing you and working with you.
You are a gem of a person and exude warmth, generosity and a breadth of experience that I have learnt so much. I am sure your new role will be an interesting one and I particularly have mixed feeling that you're leaving us but on the other hand we have one of our best person joining the Welsh Government so we will certainly have a foot-in-the-door with you being there for future possibilities. 
Keep spreading your warmth and wisdom and hope the best for you. 

I'm sure our paths will cross again till then - hasta lavista 
regards
Raj (India)]]> 2022-01-17 04:08:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995049742 You will be missed at BC! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995522321 Walter, its been a pleasure working with you and knowing you, its been an amazing journey to work with you and achieve the historic bi-lateral between Telangana and Wales bi-lateral! Wishing you great times ahead and wishing you all the success in years to come! 

Best wishes
Sonu ]]> 2022-01-17 09:47:26 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995522321 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995955471 Wishing you happiness and success in your new adventure. BC will be the poorer for losing your knowledge and smile. Best, Norah x]]> 2022-01-17 14:11:22 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995955471 Best of luck! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995960185 Hi Walter! 
Good luck with your new job!
Laura]]> 2022-01-17 14:13:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995960185 Hwyl Walter! alisoncummins1 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995974717 Hi Walter - no one could want for a better colleague and I'm very sad that you are leaving, but thrilled for you of course : ) We've done some great work, I will always have proud and happy memories of Patagonia 150 - best campaign ever! Good luck in the new role, they are very, very lucky to have you.
Alison x]]> 2022-01-17 14:20:34 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995974717 Walter. Wishing you much happiness and success in your new role. They're very lucky to have you. Veronica. https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995985071 2022-01-17 14:25:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1995985071 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996013207 Hi Walter,
I'm so sad to hear you are leaving us! It was a pleasure working with you in the HE and Science global team - you brought great ideas, expertise and always a smile to every meeting! Good luck with your future adventures.
Kate J]]> 2022-01-17 14:38:17 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996013207 Pob lwc https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996030022 Helo Walter, jyst eisiau dweud pob hwyl a phob lwc gyda phopeth. Diolch am dy cymorth ar Cynllyn yr Iaith Gymraeg blynyddoedd yn ol! Dymuno pob llwyddiant i ti yn y swydd newydd.

Sion]]> 2022-01-17 14:46:28 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996030022 New adventures colettenorwood https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996048925 Dear Walter 
I was so sorry to hear you are leaving but a new year and a new job sounds like a perfect idea.  Keep being amazing and pints of Guinness one day (on me) in Belfast hopefully! 
Much love, Colette xxx
]]> 2022-01-17 14:55:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996048925 Best of luck, Walter! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996056314 Wishing you all the best in your new job, Walter - I'm sure you'll be a great success!  

Will miss not seeing you in the Cardiff office.

Best wishes, Caroline x]]> 2022-01-17 14:58:56 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996056314 Lastima que te vayas! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996213862 Estimado, Sorry to hear you're leaving, but congratulations on the new job. It's been a pleasure working with you. If I remain connected to outward mobility, you may well not escape me for long! All the best, Andrew]]> 2022-01-17 16:19:57 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1996213862 Raising a toast to Walter Ariel Brooks 🥂 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1997178630
Here’s wishing you a wonderful journey ahead and best wishes for your exciting new role! Dearest Walter, my team and I will miss you, and will cherish always, the beautiful memories of working with you and Jenny on that historic Wales-Telangana education bilateral. I do hope we will be able to meet you soon at Cardiff or better still,  let’s meet in India :) Sending big hugs your way and hats off to you for being a terrific colleague! 

Warmth
Janaka 

PS: I loved reading what other colleagues have shared about you. Wow! ✊🏾🙇🏽‍♀️]]> 2022-01-18 06:32:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1997178630 Adios and hwyl fawr Walter https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1997530661 Sad to hear you're leaving Walter, but happy for the new opportunities you'll have in what will be an exciting job I'm sure. Hope to bump into you around town, if you're not pedalling too fast! Congrats and good luck Love Jude xx]]> 2022-01-18 10:06:08 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1997530661 All the best https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1997755676 Hi Walter - I would have loved to have got to know you better and worked with you for longer, but I'm so pleased for you to be moving on to an exciting new opportunity. Good luck! Mathilda :) ]]> 2022-01-18 12:29:27 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1997755676 Good bye and see you soon https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1999837681 Hi Walter
Credit to your work to establish the strong connection between British Council in Viet Nam and the Global Wales Initiative.  It had made Wales closer to Viet Nam ever.  And now with your new journey, you wont stay far - we hope to see an increasing collaboration with Wales in TVET and am sure it will, with your presence there.  Good bye, good luck and see you again soon.
hwyl fawr, pob lwc a gweld chi eto yn fuan ( i hope i get it right)

Van Anh (Viet Nam)]]> 2022-01-19 08:20:31 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1999837681 Say it ain't so ... https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1999908421 BC's loss is the Uni's gain ... I recall meeting you on  UK region post event team meal, I think in London, many moons ago. There were many belly laughs and my first impression of you stood the test of time. A kind, thoughtful and warmly human way of working has been characteristic of any work we've had together and lately when joining shared online meetings it's been a joy to see you there. I'll miss you Walter and I hope you enjoy your new role and challenges. I look forward to seeing you down the road sometime soon. All the best, Kate ]]> 2022-01-19 09:00:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1999908421 Good luck Walter https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1999917052 Walter, I'm so pleased for you but obviously sad we'll be losing you. You have always been such a friendly and welcoming colleague in the Cardiff office, thank you for the interesting chats and just being you. Good luck in the new job, they are so lucky to have you. Anne x]]> 2022-01-19 09:05:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/1999917052 Looking forward to catching up soon! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000108608 Helo Walter,
As you know, I am extremely sad to see you go but very excited on your behalf for this fantastic new opportunity. I will miss you so much as a friend, colleague and a manager. You have always been so caring, kind and understanding that I feel very privileged to have worked with you. Your heart is always in the right place but you are also a great laugh and such a joy to be around. You have also been an integral part of my career at British Council Wales, helping me find my way to the UKR team. Thank you for everything, diolch yn fawr. You will be hugely missed by all of us in the team but also by all the internal and external stakeholders we work with. A huge loss to us is a great gain for the ILEP programme. Let's stay in touch and all the best for your exciting new role!
Take care, Maija xx]]> 2022-01-19 10:54:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000108608 All the very best to our wonderful Walter! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000154123 ...good luck and all very best wishes Walter! You will be great at your new adventures with the Welsh Government!...always fantastic to work with you and to learn from your great commitment and skills! Many thanks and it's never the end, only the beginning!....Cheers John ]]> 2022-01-19 11:26:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000154123 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000510181 Walter, congratulations sounds like a great role. We will miss you and you will leave a big gap in our UKR Education Team! Best of luck and hope our path cross again. Lucy ]]> 2022-01-19 14:20:57 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000510181 lyndseyhalliday1 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000599321 Wishing you all the very best Walter. It has been a joy, and I'm so glad to be both your colleague and friend. I have so many happy memories of working with you, especially on Patagonia 150 (which will probably remain as one of my favourite projects ever!) And I loved learning about your own personal experiences, as well as learning more about the culture of Patagonia and the important historical links as well as emotional connections between people in Wales and Patagonia. I still remain hopeful that one day I will visit Patagonia. It was also a lot of fun doing school workshops together: the quiz and the inflatable globe were always popular, and they always liked your prizes! I'm sad that you're leaving and will miss you a lot, but also I'm very excited for your new venture: it sounds like such a great role for you. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to work with you, and thank you for all your support. Well done for all that you've achieved. Let's stay in touch. Love Lyndsey ]]> 2022-01-19 14:51:21 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000599321 ¡Adiós y buena suerte, Walter! rebeccawignall https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000683216 Walter, we may have only worked together for a few months in total, but it has been an absolute pleasure. You made an impression on me first in my interview - calm, thoughtful and an attentive listener, and that's how I'll remember you as a colleague. It's clear to see how much you will be missed at the British Council; more so in our team. Wishing you all the very best for this next chapter. Rebecca]]> 2022-01-19 15:20:28 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000683216 Keep in touch... jennyscott4 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000804175  
Dear Walter, I think I’m still in denial about you leaving.  When we first met in 2014 on the Patagonia 150 committee I don’t think either of us expected to be here in 2022!  I was so lucky to poach you from the Wales-Argentina Society and it’s been brilliant having you as our Education Manager and Head of Education.  
 
There are so many things I will miss – your amazing patience, kindness and ability to see the best in everyone, as well as your passion for our work in Wales.  You have been the calm voice of reason in a sometimes mad world, though I still find your love of heavy metal a bit odd 😊.  I will also miss sharing some of the more unusual English language idioms with you.   
 
Cardiff University’s gain is our loss, and while I’m gutted that your leaving, I know that this is a fantastic opportunity for you, and you will do a brilliant job!  I count myself lucky to have been your colleague and hope we can continue to be friends.  Take care and keep in touch, Jenny xx
 
]]> 2022-01-19 16:03:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2000804175 Best of luck stevejwoodfield https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2002840286 Very sorry to see you go, Walter. I've enjoyed our monthly chats, and it's a great shame that we never got the chance to meet in person and get to know each other better 'offline'. Maybe one day! I'm sure that you'll be a massive success in your new role as a British Council secret agent, and I look forward to hearing about how it goes (and pumping you for information about the scheme!). Enjoy your break (if you're having one - I hope that you are) and all the best for your future endeavours. Steve W]]> 2022-01-20 13:37:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2002840286 https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2003313502 I'm sad for us that you're leaving, but happy for you that it's for a great, new opportunity. Thank you on behalf of the British Council for everything you've achieved and contributed to our organisation. Diolch yn fawr iawn a pob lwc!! Best wishes, James H]]> 2022-01-20 16:38:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2003313502 Good luck Walter! https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2004738942 Congratulations on this next step in your career. May it bring you new, exciting opportunities. You will be very much missed in the UKR team.
Best wishes

Louise]]> 2022-01-21 10:11:54 UTC https://padlet.com/rebeccawignall/f63cckgnuttfuik7/wish/2004738942