The People

Regulated by the Charity Commission the management of the Friends is in the hands of trustees who meet approximately every six weeks. The Treasurer produces a monthly financial report and at the end of the Friends’ Financial year in December annual accounts are prepared. These are examined by a professional chartered accountant before submission to the Charity Commission. The Annual General Meeting is normally held in October and is open to the public.

All the Trustees are volunteers. To ensure the shop provides an effective and reliable service, as well as meeting all legal requirements, we employ a shop manager and a relief manager.

The only other employee is a part-time secretary who supports the Trustees in meeting their commitments. Being a volunteer based organisation ensures that our administrative costs are kept to the absolute minimum.

It is the policy of the Trustees that all the funds received are used to enhance the facilities of the Hospitals and do all that is possible to ensure that the quality of patient care is of the highest standard. We want the money raised to be working to the benefit of the local community. To achieve this we work closely with the Health Service professionals and respond to their frequent requests for support.

Patron

The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, The Bishop of St Albans

Trustees

  • Marianne Hawes (Chair)
  • Simon Whitworth (Treasurer)
  • Greg Ainscough
  • Julia Oliver
  • Anthony Stowe
  • Joy Wearing
  • Debbie Oldham
  • Jennifer Fowler
  • Jill Conium
Secretary

Val Holland

 

Marianne Hawes – Chairperson

”We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give” Winston Churchill

Simon Whitworth – Treasurer

Greg Ainscough

Julia Oliver

Began as a volunteer in 2007 later invited to be a trustee. It’s a pleasure to see how much of a difference our Charity brings to the staff,  patients and their families – from fish and chip suppers  to specialist equipment to help recovery.

Tony Stowe

I have had the pleasure of being a Trustee for Danesbury & QVM Hospital for about 7 years and every minute has been a real privilege. Sometimes we are working together on projects at the Hospitals or projects at our Charity Shop in Welwyn High Street. But the best thing about being involved is when we can buy some special equipment the make the life for the Patients and Staff just a little better.

Joy Wearing

I used to run Nearly New Sales at the Civic Centre on behalf of the village schools way back and it seemed a natural progression to join the Charity Shop as a volunteer when that came to an end.  I have worked at all three shops, joining in its first year. I became a Trustee several years ago and have very much enjoyed the involvement and camaraderie of people with a common purpose.

Debbie Oldham

Having worked in the healthcare business for many years, it was a natural progression to then become a Trustee of a local charity that makes a meaningful difference to patient health and wellbeing.

Jennifer Fowler