Improving engagement with the community and raising greater awareness of the Town and Manor of Hungerford’s work are just some of the top priorities of its five newest Trustees.
As they settle into their new roles, the Trustees have shared their views on the community issues they’re focused on and voiced their support for upholding the historical traditions of the charity.
Working more closely with the town council to promote Hungerford and its unique heritage and traditions, as well as making the Town Hall Complex the ‘go to’ place for events, are also high on the agenda.
The five new Trustees – Alistair Fyfe, Geordie Taylor, Julian Dickins, Kate Edwards and Simon Lee-Smith – are joined by Jon Dennis, who’s been co-opted to the board as Finance Trustee, which will enable the Town and Manor to benefit from the Chartered Accountant’s financial expertise.
We are pleased to welcome all of our new trustees to the board and the fresh ideas they will bring to our important community agenda.
PETER JOSEPH, THE CONSTABLE OF THE TOWN AND MANOR
“I am sure they will each have a unique, individual perspective on the issues we are addressing, but what I do know for certain is that like our existing Trustees and administrative support staff, they will speak with one voice when it comes to upholding the history, traditions and values we stand for.
“It’s a busy time for the Town and Manor and our new Trustees are having an immediate impact. The recent launch of the Constable’s Hungerford Fund, to support local families who are struggling with the cost of living, has been driven forward by Geordie Taylor, amongst others, since he was elected and has already raised more than £14,000 for the community. It’s fantastic to have our new members on board.”
Guardian for more than 700 years
Dating back as early as the 13th Century, the charity is steeped in history, with ancient grazing and market rights granted to the Commoners of Hungerford by King Edward I in 1296. His grandson John O’Gaunt, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, later went on to also grant the permission to fish in the River Kennet, to the town’s Commoners.
Now, more than 700 years on, the board is busier than ever delivering the charity’s Mission Statement to manage its assets, both now and in the future, for the benefit of its residents.
The new Trustees are ready to play their part
The new Trustees say they are more than ready to play their part and look forward to getting to work on behalf of local residents.
Geordie Taylor, a Hungerford resident for 35 years and a former chairman of the town’s cricket club, is looking forward to the challenges ahead. Geordie said:
“I feel that the wonderful work done by The Town and Manor goes largely unrecognised by the majority of Hungerford’s residents who benefit from that work. My role as a new Trustee is to change that perception and improve our engagement with the town it serves.”
As the board’s Finance Trustee, Jon Dennis is focused on providing the board with strong fiscal advice. He said:
“I am looking forward to hearing lots of wonderful ideas on how we can support the community through our programme of donations. It’s what makes the charity so special – that, and the depth of history and tradition.”
Recently retired teacher Kate Edwards is excited to be part of something that contributes so much to the life of Hungerford and the role she can play in moving that forward.
“The work the Town and Manor does in maintaining and protecting the rare natural and historical aspects of Hungerford, alongside the open common land areas, is vital in this rapidly changing world,” said Kate.
Simon Lee-Smith, who works in the telecoms industry and has a passion to support smaller businesses, is looking forward to the challenges ahead. Simon said:
“I am keen to leverage my experience and the unique heritage of the Town and Manor of Hungerford to support the continued development of Hungerford for the benefit of the local community.”
Julian Dickins, a solicitor who previously served as Buildings Secretary on the board of Trustees, is focused on making the Town Hall the ‘go to’ venue of Hungerford, following repairs to flood damage caused to the building last year. Julian said:
“We have refurbished the building, which now looks in superb condition, and I’m looking forward to the board promoting it as a great venue for weddings, meetings and events of all kinds.”
Alistair Fyfe, is hoping his existing role as a councillor with Hungerford Town Council will benefit the board. Alistair said:
“I am seeking to help both organisations work more closely, as we continue to promote Hungerford, its unique heritage and traditions, as well as protecting the surrounding countryside.”
If you’d like to contribute to the Constable’s Hungerford Fund, you can donate at The Good Exchange project 19668.
You can find out more about the Constable’s Hungerford Fund, and how to apply, as both donor and recipient, on our dedicated Constable’s Hungerford Fund page.
