Richard Williams has become the new Chair of Trustees for FiSH Neighbourhood Care and took up his role at the beginning of May 2023.

As he took up his post, the charity said goodbye and a heartfelt thank you to its former Chair, Liz Wall, who led  the Board of Trustees since 2021, having been a trustee since 2017.  She had been a sterling presence over the past few years and gave a huge amount of her time during a challenging period for all charities.

Liz said she found it a very rewarding experience. “I’m full of admiration for the team, the FiSH drivers and the volunteers who all work incredibly hard to support and enrich the lives of the elderly living independently in our community.  I will really miss being part of the FiSH family and although I will retire as a Trustee I will stay on as a volunteer.  I wish Richard and everyone at FiSH all the very best for the future, especially this year when we are celebrating 60 years of Friendship, Independence, Support and Help.  It’s a fantastic achievement”.

The new Chair, Richard, is also a FiSH volunteer driver as well as current Trustee.  He is a Chartered Accountant and retired banker.  Most of his career was spent in the city, with a three year stint in Hong Kong which included witnessing the historic handover to China.  He served for six years as a non-executive Director of a local sports club and in his spare time enjoys Golf, Padel Tennis and Bridge.  He and his wife Jennie (also a FiSH volunteer) have lived in Barnes for nearly 30 years.  As he took up his new role, he said    “I’m honoured to become the Chair of this amazing charity during this, its Diamond year.  I’m also very conscious that I’m following in the footsteps of someone who’s put her heart and soul into the role.  I only hope I can live up to expectations!”.   

FiSH Director, Arlene Coutts welcomed Richard as the new Chair and thanked Liz for her support.  “Liz will be very much missed.  It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside her and we are very happy that she will still be a familiar face as a FiSH volunteer”. 

April 17, 2023

Picture shows Liz Wall and Richard Williams outside the FiSH office in Barnes