Introducing our new chair of trustees Joseph Bannister – pictured with our CEO Ruth Lambert at our AGM.
He claimed to be nervous but had a very warm welcome from fellow trustees, members, staff, volunteers and others who have the interests of the charity to heart and, far more importantly, those the charity serves, within the Princess Alexandra Home, and the sight loss community within our three local boroughs.
Mr Bannister made his debut as chair with “a very big thank you to everyone involved in the charity without whom we’d struggle to exist, really.”
He’s also a champion of technology. “I’d like to highlight the technological side in which we are investing. The world is getting more advanced all the time and we need to embrace technology where we can.
“It’s good to see we continue to grow and develop the assistive technology department, we are holding regular workshops, and our clients access the integrated case systems in use.
“I’d also like to highlight the social centre and activity groups and cafe clubs – these groups continue to thrive and provide clients with community based interaction and activities.
“I’d also pay tribute to our volunteers without whom we would really struggle to run our charity. Again this year they have provided approximately 16,000 hours of service and supported the charity. On behalf of the trustee a very big thank you.
“A big thank you too to everyone involved in the visit by The Countess of Wessex. It was a great success and we were honoured she saw fit to pay us a visit.”
Joe’s profile on our website reveals: “I am the owner and managing director of Nathans Chartered Certified Accountants. Born and bred in Lytham St. Annes I have lived on the Fylde coast all my life and worked most of it there also. I live in Blackpool with my wife Kate while my daughters are studying in Huddersfield and London. I am a keen golfer and enjoy squash, taekwondo (2nd Dan Black Belt), travel, literature and art.”
Our thanks to Michelle Stevenson who took on the role last year from Clive Hirst. Clive, who attended the meeting, was at the helm of the charity for three years, and a tough act to follow. Our very best wishes to them both – and to Joe as our new chairman of trustees.
Being a trustee is the ultimate voluntary role. Our sincere gratitude to those who continue to act as guiding lights to the charity in terms of their own personal and professional integrity, commitment and drive, and service before self.
We couldn’t do it without them, either.