AFTER 17 and a half years as a trustee of Wokingham United Charities (WUC), Gordon Veitch is stepping down.
He has seen significant changes at the charity which exists to help alleviate poverty in the borough.
“When I first joined things were much less formal,” he said.
“Meetings were still recorded on paper, so with my IT background I was able to help set up computerised records and accounting systems.
“And the only full-time member of staff was Lynda Rowe, manager of Westende.”
Lynda is still responsible for running the charity’s Westende almshouse flats, but has now been joined by three more full-time members of staff; charity manager Amy Garstang, and Susanna Jennings and Michelle McCane who deal with the distribution of grants.
The charity has grown in other ways, too.
“At first, the charity’s area of responsibility was limited to Wokingham, Hurst and half of Finchampstead – now it includes the whole of Wokingham Borough,” he said.
“At that time the organisation’s main focus was on its almshouses, with very little grant giving.
“Now we distribute significant amounts of money each year to charities and individuals, and the focus has switched completely.
“But Westende continues to provide a thriving community and comfortable homes for people who need them.”
At Westende Gordon has helped with the installation of lifts, an outdoor cover to store and charge mobility scooters , fire doors, a defibrillator, and accessible toilets.
“The quality of residents’ flats has improved, too,” he said.
“Westende remains an important, well managed facility.
“Being awarded an almshouse flat can be life changing for some people, and it has been very rewarding to be able to help give people somewhere safe to call home.
“During meetings with Amy and Lynda to assess potential Westende residents I’ve met lots of desperate people in serious need.
“I remember one lady in a very difficult situation, who we were able to house.
“A year later, when we were carrying out annual checks on the flats, I met her again – and she was completely changed.
“She was thriving, and continues to thrive.
“So, I have found being a trustee very rewarding, and I absolutely recommend it.”
Gordon knew nothing about the charity sector when he joined WUC.
“You don’t need to be an expert, but what you do need is common sense and some life experience,” he said.
Like many volunteers, Gordon serves a number of other groups too.
A Finchampstead Parish Councillor for 20 years, he is also a trustee of Finchampstead and Barkham Relief in Sickness Fund, and a member of WDVTA (Wokingham District Veteran Trees Association).
“I’ve been able to connect the Relief in Sickness Fund with WUC, to help both groups support people struggling due to illness,” he said.
As a tree assessor with WDVTA, Gordon helped set up the charity’s online database of significant veteran trees in the borough, and as a councillor, he will also be helping to set up new community allotments in Finchwood Park, Finchampstead.
As he steps down at WUC his other commitments will continue, at least for a while.
“I’ll no longer be a trustee there, “he said, “But I’m not walking away – I’ll continue to volunteer at Westende.
“It’s a thriving, well-managed, and important asset to Wokingham Borough, and I wish the charity well.”
Westende manager Lynda Rowe said: “I, and all the residents, extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gordon for his years of dedicated service, kindness, and unwavering support to the Westende Almshouse community.
“His commitment has profoundly impacted countless lives, and we are thrilled that he will continue to contribute as a committee member.”
Chair of Board, David Auger agreed.
“As Chair of the Board, I am honoured to celebrate Gordon’s remarkable 17 years of service as a trustee,” he said.
“His dedication, kindness, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on our community.
“Gordon’s contributions have enriched countless lives, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment.
“While we will miss his presence in his role as trustee, we are delighted that he will continue to serve as a committee member, ensuring his legacy of compassion and excellence continues for longer.”
For information, visit: wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk wdvta.org.uk, directory.wokingham.gov.uk (search for Finchampstead and Barkham Relief in sickness) and finchampstead-pc.gov.uk
