FiSH is recruiting for a new Director
FiSH is looking for a new Director to lead this highly regarded organisation into its 60th Anniversary year and beyond. To find out more about this important leadership opportunity, please click here. If you would like further information about the role of director or to apply, please get in touch with Liz Wall, Chair of trustees at chair@fishhelp.org.uk. Closing date for applications May 27th 2022.
Micky Forster, Director at FiSH to retire
FiSH Neighbourhood Care has announced that Micky Forster will be retiring later this summer. Micky joined as Director in early 2018. Later that year FiSH was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and in 2020 was a joint recipient of Richmond’s Community Heroes award for Community Group of the Year. Micky has had the challenging task of managing the organisation through two demanding years of the pandemic. She has now decided that the time is right to retire and to travel so will be leaving this busy role at the heart of the community this summer.
Micky says, ‘’I have been extremely privileged to be director of FiSH at a time when its work has never been more relevant. I’m very grateful to all the wonderful FiSH supporters I have met, including volunteers who give their time so generously and our incredibly hardworking, committed staff team who unhesitatingly go the extra mile week in, week out for our growing number of members and service users. I will really miss the amazing organisation that is FiSH and will always be a supporter. If I get the chance, I might even try to set one up in New Zealand where I am planning to spend the winters.’’
Liz Wall, the Chair of the Board of Trustees says, “We are very sorry to be saying goodbye to Micky. She has been a hardworking, dedicated Director of FiSH and she will be missed. We all wish her a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement. The search begins for a new Director to lead the team in its delivery of services to meet the needs, and challenges, of the elderly and vulnerable in our community.’’
Micky says, ‘’I have been extremely privileged to be director of FiSH at a time when its work has never been more relevant. I’m very grateful to all the wonderful FiSH supporters I have met, including volunteers who give their time so generously and our incredibly hardworking, committed staff team who unhesitatingly go the extra mile week in, week out for our growing number of members and service users. I will really miss the amazing organisation that is FiSH and will always be a supporter. If I get the chance, I might even try to set one up in New Zealand where I am planning to spend the winters.’’
Liz Wall, the Chair of the Board of Trustees says, “We are very sorry to be saying goodbye to Micky. She has been a hardworking, dedicated Director of FiSH and she will be missed. We all wish her a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement. The search begins for a new Director to lead the team in its delivery of services to meet the needs, and challenges, of the elderly and vulnerable in our community.’’
Charity work experience opportunity with FiSH in Barnes
Events and Administrative Support Assistant - part-time
FiSH Neighbourhood Care has a six-month part-time role for an events and administrative support assistant to join the team to help deliver its events and activities. Initially 10 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Hourly rate £11.05 per hour. To see the full job description please click here.
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter by Monday 16 May to director@fishhelp.org.uk
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter by Monday 16 May to director@fishhelp.org.uk
New Chair for FiSH
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Liz Wall has taken up the responsibility of Chair at FiSH Neighbourhood Care where she has served as a trustee since 2017.
Liz first volunteered for FiSH in 2001 when her children were at school. She then began a second career as a charity fundraiser and worked across several sectors including palliative care, environmental protection, education and heritage. As well as raising money for core work and new projects, Liz ran a variety of events, conferences and various forums where professionals could network and share information. Liz has lived in East Sheen with her husband and three daughters for 34 years, with a brief spell in the UAE from 2011-2013. She started volunteering for FiSH again in August 2016 and was appointed as a Trustee in 2017. Liz enjoys the theatre, cinema, sea swimming, gardening and spending time with family and friends, which includes regular trips back to Wales. Micky Forster, Director at FiSH commented, ‘We very much welcome the appointment of Liz as Chair at FiSH. Liz brings a wealth of highly relevant experience to the organisation. She knows the charity and its people really well having actively volunteered in a variety of roles for the last five years.’ Commented Liz, ’I am very much looking forward to leading and supporting FiSH trustees, staff and volunteers in the months ahead. Our task is to navigate our way towards the restoration of services, events and activities after such a difficult eighteen months.’ |
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Art teacher from St Paul's running the London Marathon to raise funds for FiSH
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On Sunday 3rd October, Tom Flint, an art teacher from St Paul’s School for Boys will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for FiSH. When St Paul’s selected FiSH as one of its chosen charities for 2021, we were delighted to award Tom our charity place in the marathon.
“I am really proud that I am running the London Marathon 2021 for FiSH" says Tom. "For nearly 60 years FiSH has been providing practical help and support for older and vulnerable people in Barnes, Mortlake and Sheen. Throughout the pandemic with their army of volunteers they’ve organised essential shopping for those shielding and provided transport for medical appointments for hundreds of local people. Through their befriending, social and therapeutic activities they seek to combat loneliness and help people live happier and more independent lives. I hope to raise a massive amount for this charity, so any donation is amazing and it will bring happiness, love and support to people who need it most at this time in their lives.” Micky Forster, Director FiSH: ‘’We wish Tom all the very best in this gruelling but uplifting event. Tom is one in a million and has been training for this all year. Running a marathon is a huge commitment calling for dedication, stamina and determination. In a year when fundraising is down from all the events that have not happened, we are really grateful to Tom and St Paul’s Boys for supporting FiSH in this way.’’ To support Tom’s run for FiSH, please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ThomasFlint2 |
MeetUpMondays
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Are you feeling a bit like a hermit? You’ve stayed home to stay safe and now the thought of going out and mingling feels a bit daunting? Or perhaps you feel you’ve lost your social skills? Maybe you’ve been widowed during lockdown and socialising on your own is not something you’ve ever needed to do? Or maybe you’re still working from home and would welcome an hour away from the desk and some face-to-face company? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then MeetUpMondays is for you!
Join us on Monday mornings at the Hare and Hounds in East Sheen between 11:00-13:00. The coffee and the company are free! No matter whether you are 92 or 22, you will be most welcome! Call 020 8876 3336 for further details or if you need transport. |
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Ned & Will Battersby walk the Pennine Way for FiSH
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Ned and Will Battersby are on the final day of their sponsored walk along the Pennine Way to raise money for FiSH. Together with their Dad, James, they began the 435km walk from Edale in Derbyshire on August the 2nd and today (August 18th 2021) will reach their final destination, Kirt Yetholm on the Scottish borders. Along the way they have seen stunning scenery but have battled rain, thunder, lightning, gale force winds and lots of mud! They’ve even seen Christmas trees, prompting them to think about their plans to sell even more trees for FiSH later in the year!
We are so grateful to the Battersby Boys for every step they have taken on our behalf, and also that they have remained safe despite the challenging weather conditions. Thanks to James Battersby for the great photos. You can read more about their travel via their blog. So far they have raised £3836.96 during this walk but there is still time to support them! |
More volunteers needed
At a time when the NHS and Social Services are depending more and more on support from the voluntary sector, we are receiving unprecedented numbers of requests for help with medical transport and shopping. Ironically, this also comes at a time when the anti-car lobby in London and Richmond upon Thames has never been stronger and it is therefore getting far more difficult to recruit volunteers with cars.
Last year, our volunteer drivers drove over 12,500 miles on behalf of FiSH, dropping off shopping and taking clients to appointments at hospitals, GPs, dentists and podiatrists, opticians, therapists and hairdressers! In the first quarter of this year, they have already driven over 4,300 miles.
In October the ULEZ will impact our area, and many older members of the community are realising that their cars will not be compliant and that reaching local shops, GPs and services, including the local crematorium, will become prohibitively expensive. We anticipate this will further increase the demands on our service.
Meanwhile, our ongoing need for more volunteers continues and applications are always welcomed.
Last year, our volunteer drivers drove over 12,500 miles on behalf of FiSH, dropping off shopping and taking clients to appointments at hospitals, GPs, dentists and podiatrists, opticians, therapists and hairdressers! In the first quarter of this year, they have already driven over 4,300 miles.
In October the ULEZ will impact our area, and many older members of the community are realising that their cars will not be compliant and that reaching local shops, GPs and services, including the local crematorium, will become prohibitively expensive. We anticipate this will further increase the demands on our service.
Meanwhile, our ongoing need for more volunteers continues and applications are always welcomed.
Barnes Collectors' Market
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On Saturday June 5th, Paula Mortimer and friends, who for years have run Daisy’s Den at the Barnes Jumble Sales, got up at the crack of dawn to set up a stall at the popular open air Saturday Collectors’ Market to sell bric a brac in aid of FiSH. Their hard work was rewarded and they raised an amazing £209.59. Many thanks to these ladies and to all who came to buy!
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Garden Teas
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During the latter part of May, we have held several of our fast-becoming-famous Garden Teas at Walsingham Lodge, St Michael's Vicarage and other beautiful local gardens. After weeks of soggy weather, the sun finally returned and on two occasions we were honoured to enjoy a pop-up concert by musicians from Barnes Music Festival. Tea, cake, company, sun, live music... a real treat for everyone who attended!
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Community Heroes Awards
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We are thrilled that FiSH and the other seven Neighbourhood Care Groups within Richmond upon Thames have been announced as joint winners of the Community Group of the Year award!
The past year has been extremely challenging for us all, so to have our small staff teams and truly amazing volunteers recognised in this way is very special! Well done all!
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Tuesday Horizons
The FiSH Tuesday Talks have been one of the most-missed activities during lockdown. The chance to learn something new, broaden our horizons, and meet with friends old and new was a weekly highlight for many. Sadly, we are still not able to restart talks at Barnes Green Centre but we are going to begin a series of bi-weekly online Tuesday walks, discussions and talks via Zoom. Most will run from 11am-12noon and everyone is welcome! Click here for details of the programme. Call 020 8876 3336 if you would like to be added to the circulation list.
Christmas Lunches
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Sadly, due to COVID, the traditional Christmas events like the Barnes Community Association Lunch at Barnes Green Centre and the community lunch at St Mary’s Mortlake were unable to take place this year. However, FiSH volunteer cooks and helpers, supported by generous local businesses and St Paul’s Boys Junior School, ensured that if people couldn't come to lunch, lunch could be taken to them! 120 meals were delivered on Christmas morning throughout Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen.
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Thank you!The lovely team at FocalPoint Opticians in Barnes held a Christmas raffle for a gorgeous Chloe Drew handbag and we have received £312 as a share of the proceeds! Thank you so much to all at FocalPoint and to all who participated in the raffle. We really appreciate how the local communities that we serve get behind us in so many ways!
Huge thanks to Ned and Will Battersby of Castelnau Services who raised £1700 for FiSH by selling Christmas Trees throughout Barnes and East Sheen. An amazing effort... and this donation comes in addition to the £300 they raised in the summer by pressure washing many of the patios of Barnes! We are very grateful to Ned and Will, who both attend the Harrodian School, and understand the boys have lots of happy customers.
If you bought your Christmas Tree from them, thank you for your support. We will be using the money to start a new exercise class in the new year! Very grateful to all those who supported Barnes Charity Fashion Show this year. We have received a donation of £1500, which is amazing in this extraordinary year and so much appreciated! Thank you!
We are very grateful to Robyn Gilbert who has been raising money for FiSH and the NHS by holding a bring-and-buy sale in her front garden! She has raised £600 to be divided 50/50. What an amazing effort! Thanks Robyn!
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Patchwork Project
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Early in the pandemic we came up with a little creative challenge for those who like sewing etc and had a few hours to spare! The idea originally came from Adrienne, one of our FiSH volunteers, who suggested we could sew masks, but it developed into a project that was a little less useful but hopefully a bit more fun! The result was some very attractive patchwork squares which are now in the process of being made into a wall hanging.
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Crispin O'Brien to step down as Chair at FiSH
FiSH Neighbourhood Care has announced that Crispin O’Brien has stepped down as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Crispin has decided to stand down after four years as Chair during which the charity has developed and grown significantly. Amongst the many achievements during this time were the appointment of a new director, a successful fundraising campaign for a third FiSH bus, the granting of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, and the successful response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Crispin said: “It has been a huge honour to serve as Chair. FiSH is entering a new phase of its development and planning. The Board will soon begin work on the next three-year strategic plan; it is right that a new Chair will lead on this. I am very proud of the work we continue to do to support and cherish elderly and isolated people in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen. I will continue to volunteer and be a passionate supporter of FiSH.”
Peter Anderson, on behalf of the Board added, “We would like to thank Crispin publicly for his commitment and tireless enthusiasm. Trustees, staff and the wider FiSH community have all benefitted from his leadership. Crispin has achieved an enormous amount over the past four years, and we wish him well when he steps down”.
Crispin has decided to stand down after four years as Chair during which the charity has developed and grown significantly. Amongst the many achievements during this time were the appointment of a new director, a successful fundraising campaign for a third FiSH bus, the granting of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, and the successful response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Crispin said: “It has been a huge honour to serve as Chair. FiSH is entering a new phase of its development and planning. The Board will soon begin work on the next three-year strategic plan; it is right that a new Chair will lead on this. I am very proud of the work we continue to do to support and cherish elderly and isolated people in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen. I will continue to volunteer and be a passionate supporter of FiSH.”
Peter Anderson, on behalf of the Board added, “We would like to thank Crispin publicly for his commitment and tireless enthusiasm. Trustees, staff and the wider FiSH community have all benefitted from his leadership. Crispin has achieved an enormous amount over the past four years, and we wish him well when he steps down”.
Anyone got a sweet tooth?
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Desserts are always hugely popular at any lunch arranged by FiSH and volunteers, Penny and Faith, were kept very busy in the Barnes Green kitchen during the summer whipping up mouthwatering roulades and crumbles! They also produced a variety of savoury dishes and during the first lockdown these edible delights, along with meals kindly donated by COOK in Barnes and East Sheen and also meals from the OSO Community Kitchen, were distributed weekly to vulnerable people in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen. Amazingly over 1,400 meals were delivered!
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