TRIBUTES have been paid to BBC cameraman and founder of the Redditch charity Where Next?.
John Williams was one of the founding parents of Where Next? and, over the years, served as chairman, trustee and life president.
Where Next? was created by a group of parents, including John and his wife Pam, who saw that their children with learning disabilities had nowhere to go after leaving school.
They wanted to create a place where young people could learn skills, gain experience and be part of a community which valued them for who they were.
Where Next? trustees, staff and beneficiaries spoke to the Standard about the work John has done.
They said, with John’s support, the charity grew to become the largest day-service provider for adults with learning disabilities in Worcestershire.
“John was passionate, caring and endlessly generous with his time and energy.
“He never lost sight of what mattered most – the people.
“He celebrated their achievements, understood their frustrations and believed in their potential.
“Whether he was listening to a concern, sharing an idea or offering a helping hand, John made everyone feel heard and valued.”
Before his work with Where Next?, John had a long and respected career at the BBC as a cameraman and director of photography.
John had a 30-year career with the BBC where he travelled the world making programs.
He has been involved in creating several charities with a focus on supporting people with special needs and he was also on the board of a Grant Making Trust.
A spokesperson for the charity added: “Even in the final months of his life, John stayed involved, asking about new projects, offering ideas and encouraging others to keep pushing forward.
“To Pam and the whole Williams family, we send our deepest love and condolences.
“John’s loss is felt by us all, but so too is our gratitude for everything he gave, we will carry forward the values John helped to build – respect, opportunity, belonging and belief in every individual’s potential.
“Rest peacefully, John, and thank you for everything.”
Where Next runs a plant nursery in Redditch on Easemore Road and a garden centre in Studley where it provides work experience and training for people with learning disabilities or those disadvantaged in some way.
Visit: where-next.org.uk for more information.
