Founder and president of Westbury’s Imperial Charity, David McCance, announced his sudden retirement from the charity on grounds of ill health, at the charity’s Annual General Meeting held at the Chalford House Hotel on Monday 3rd July.
Bob Summerfield of Imperial Charity said, “This sudden announcement shocked the assembled meeting who had no idea he was about to retire.
“David founded the charity nearly 28 years ago with the aim of supporting people with special needs and senior citizens, following his own retirement from business. He was spurred on by the fact that his own daughter, Ella, had Down’s Syndrome.
“David worked tirelessly to establish the charity as a fund raising vehicle to support his aims. From very humble beginnings of jumble sales, boot sales, raffles etc he went on to establish the Wiltshire County Shows which ran until 2005.
“He then hit on the idea of establishing a retail shop, specialising in donated furniture and electrical goods. It soon became so successful that a further shop was opened to cope with demand. With the opening of their shop in Westbury High Street, they have expanded their range of goods sold.
“Imperial Charity is now firmly established within the local community and throughout the county of Wiltshire.
“Through David’s drive and determination to make the charity a success, they have managed to expand their charitable activities quite considerably.
“From the funds raised through the retail shops, they now organise coach trips for seven months of the year, allowing up to 150 people a month to enjoy a day out.
“Grants are made to Special Needs schools throughout Wiltshire and entertainment is organised in care and nursing homes throughout the year, not forgetting David’s forte of organising up to four variety shows a year, which allows local people to see professional entertainers.
“The charity also makes donations to organisations such as Riding for the Disabled, Great Ormond Street Hospital and children’s cancer charities.
“At the same meeting, a further five long-serving trustees followed David’s lead and also announced their resignations. The charity is now actively seeking to recruit more trustees.
“The remaining trustees, all members of staff and volunteers in the shops, together with all members of the charity wish David well in his retirement and hope he can overcome his health issues and also thank the other retiring trustees for their contribution over the years.”
