Trustees Week is an annual celebration of the vital role trustees play in supporting charities and making a difference in communities across the country. They are the backbone of countless organisations, working behind the scenes to ensure that services and support reach those who need them most.
This week shines a spotlight on these individuals, encouraging more people to consider becoming trustees and highlighting the incredible impact they have.
Nick, the Chair of Titchfield Village Trust CIO, has helped shape his local village into a thriving and welcoming community hub.
Nick became involved with Titchfield Village Trust around 12 years ago, shortly after moving from Southampton. He is also trustee of the Titchfield Community Centre and recently retired as Vice Chair of the Earl of Southampton Trust and alms house provider based in Titchfield.
Originally attending meetings as a member of the committee, Nick was eventually asked to take on the role of chair of Titchfield Village Trust, and he’s held the position ever since. The Trust, established 55 years ago, is dedicated to making Titchfield a great place to live, focusing on preserving the area and protecting its unique character.
Under Nick’s leadership, the Trust has spearheaded numerous initiatives, such as campaigning for the local bypass and preserving local green spaces from development.
One of its achievements has been transforming the Titchfield Village Hall. Over the past few years, the Trust raised £200,000, gathering funds from the local community, local authorities, and even the National Lottery. With these funds, the Trust reroofed the hall, installed solar panels, and led a full renovation of the interior and exterior, with volunteers pitching in to help.
The entire project, though complex, has breathed new life into the hall, making it a vibrant community centre that’s regularly used and managed by the Trust for local events and gatherings.
Nick finds his work with the Trust deeply satisfying, especially because he can see the immediate, lasting impact it has on the village he lives in. His background as a broadcaster has helped him skillfully manage grant applications, a crucial part of the Trust’s work, and something he enjoys doing for other community groups as well.
Over the years, he’s learned what makes an application successful and appreciates the opportunity to share this knowledge. He says “I’m always happy to help other groups apply for grants.”
As chair, Nick is also responsible for overseeing around three general meetings each year, ensuring that initiatives align with the community’s best interests. In recent years, Titchfield Village Trust has evolved to become an umbrella organisation, offering support to other local charity and volunteer groups. The Trust also offers small scale start up grants for local organisations and Village incentives.
The May Day Festival group, for instance, recently joined the Trust, expanding its influence and community connections. Nick views Titchfield Village Trust as the first point of contact for community groups in the area, providing them with the guidance and resources they need to keep their work going.
Reflecting on his time with the Trust, Nick says he would encourage anyone to consider becoming a trustee, emphasising how fulfilling it is to be part of something meaningful.
He says his work is “all about making the village a better place to live.” For Nick, it’s a role that combines his love for his community with the satisfaction of seeing real, positive change happen.