Although he is not complaining (much!) Bob Summerfield, the charity and business manager for Imperial Charity has said that since the new board of trustees were appointed in July of last year, his workload has increased considerably.
The new board is also working at a pace to ensure the funds raised by the charity are correctly spent within the local community and indeed within the county of Wiltshire. Bob said the extra work that the charity can carry out is due to the continued success of their two shops in Westbury and of course to the continuing generosity of people who donate their unwanted items to us and the hard work of all members of staff and volunteers who sort and sell the items.
The monthly coach trips, organised by the charity throughout the summer months, are always oversubscribed and this year to date, a total of 1,072 people have been given a day out. The season finally ends with a trip to Gloucester Quays Christmas Market in early December. The itinerary for this year has been finalised and will be publicised early this year.
The entertainment, organised and funded by the charity in care and nursing homes throughout Wiltshire, is in ever-increasing demand due to the beneficial effect it has on residents. Bob said it is nearly a full-time job just managing the bookings for the entertainers. Last year, Imperial Charity had organised and funded 222 sessions, with lots more in the pipeline. Bookings for this year already exceed this number! The charity is always looking for new entertainers to spread the workload, so if there are any singers or musicians who would like to join their existing little group of five, to go round the homes in Wiltshire, then please get in touch with Imperial Charity.
Since July, the trustees have approved grants to six special needs schools and organisations. The infants of Crowdys Hill Special School got to ride on Santa’s train and receive a gift from him. There was also a grant of £1,000 to the Alzheimer’s Society to help with the refurbishment of the kitchen in their new centre to be opened in Warminster this New Year. The list goes on and Bob has been out and about presenting the cheques to all concerned.
Preparations for the annual New Year Party are well advanced and again trustees have been generous with the budget to ensure that local residents get to watch high class entertainers and enjoy a quality buffet. Look out for the adverts and posters.
The trustees, all members of staff and volunteers of Imperial Charity are so grateful to the residents of Westbury and surrounding areas for their continuing loyal support, both in their donations and purchasing from the shops, which enables us to help others and we would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
Bob Summerfield
