IMPERIAL Charity’s business manager, Bob Summerfield, says he has “loved every single minute” of his time overseeing the two Westbury shops but is stepping down, saying that now is the time to focus on spending time with family.
Bob will be replaced by Steven Pope at the end of this month saying that he will miss the hustle and bustle of the shops but he has left them in “very capable hands”.
“I’m retiring for the fifth time at the age of 78,” he explained. “I think it’s finally time to take a breather and step back so I can focus more on my family.
“When I first got involved with the charity all those years ago I was only supposed to stay a fortnight to lend a hand but I soon found myself working behind the scenes and I haven’t looked back since!
“The incoming business manager Steven is a lovely man and far more intelligent than myself so I’m totally confident that Imperial will be left in the most capable hands. What he’ll realise fairly quick is just how great the team we have here truly are and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff, drivers and volunteers who have helped the charity in my time here – they do all the hard work! Thank you also to everyone who buys from our shops and also for everyone donating.”
Proceeds from Imperial Charity support local charities, people with special needs, and care homes in the local area. The charity organises entertainment to come into care homes to entertain guests, holds a variety of different coach trips for local senior citizens and those with special needs, and also provides support for special needs schools.
In January earlier this year the charity revealed that it funded £12,000 in grants for special needs schools as well as taking over 1,000 people to their popular monthly seaside excursions in 2022.
“I’ve loved every single minute of it,” Bob continued. “We’ve had our ups and downs in my time here but I spent 35 years in the army so I know about ups and downs all too well! The last ten years have been brilliant and I like to think that the whole team here has helped secure the future of the charity as we’ve certainly felt the effects of the pandemic.
“I think I’ve completed my time here now – my wife certainly thinks so anyway and she says I’ve been working non-stop for the past 63 years! We’ve got family all over the country so stepping back gives me the opportunity to see them more as well as just getting out and about.”
Imperial Charity’s furniture shop can be found on Warminster Road and the charity shop can be found in the High Street. For more information visit: www.imperialcharity.co.uk
