Trustees
Organisation
The body of the trustees consists of twelve competent persons being one ex-officio trustee, one nominated trustee and ten co-opted trustees. The ex-officio trustee is the vicar, for the time being, of St Mary the Virgin, Twyford and St James the Great, Ruscombe. The nominated trustee is appointed by Wokingham Borough Council to serve for 4 years and the co-opted trustees also serve for a term of four years. There are also associate trustees. The trustees meet four times a year: March, June, September and December. There is a clerk and an applications coordinator.
Trustees
Ms A Goodall-Smith (Chair), Mrs K Clarke (Vice Chair), Mr R J Fort, Mrs R Chapman,
Mr S Conway (nominated), Mr J March, Mr A Cardy, Ms J Jones, Mr D Cox, Mr J Pennington, Mrs F Price, Vicar (currently vacant)
Associate Trustees
Mrs J Bishop
Amy Goodall-Smith, Chair of Trustees
I am an experienced Financial Adviser and business owner, with my company based in the centre of Twyford. I joined the charity in October 2019 and was appointed the first female Chair of The Polehampton Charity in its 300-year history, in October 2022. I am focused on bringing the Charity back into the forefront of people’s minds to help those in need or in times of hardship.
Karen Clarke, Vice-Chair of Trustees, People Lead
I have been a Trustee with the Polehampton Charity for over 10 years. I work locally as a Chiropodist/Podiatrist, and I have had my own business for over 25 years; treating many people from all age groups in the local area throughout this time. I moved to Twyford on my first birthday and I have remained in the area for the rest of my life. I feel very honoured to be a trustee and proud that Edward Polehampton’s legacy continues to help the local people and various groups in the community.
Stephen Conway, Wokingham Borough Councillor
I have lived in Twyford since 1984. I was first elected to the Council in 1994 and served until 2012, when I stood down on becoming head of my university department. I returned to the Council in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023. Over many years of service to the local community, I have come to know the village and its people very well. I am a trustee of the Twyford Snooker Club and patron of the Twyford Bowls Club. I chair Twyford Together’s Christmas Fayre committee.
Andy Cardy, Lead
I have lived in the area all my life. I have four children all who have attended local schools. In 2013 I was honoured to become a trustee, and I served as Chair of the Charity for 5 years until 2022. I am a local farmer and enjoying being part of the local community.
David Cox
I am very proud to be a Trustee with the Polehampton Charity. I have lived with my family in Twyford since 2007. With over 25 years’ experience as an Electrician, running my own business, I am very lucky to get to meet so many of the residents of Twyford and the surrounding areas. Over the years I have been involved with the Twyford Together Partnership and the Twyford Together Community Awards.
Julie Jones, Marketing Lead
I have worked in Accounts Administration for over 25 years and now run my own small business. I have a young family and my children all attend the local schools and make use of the local amenities. I am very proud to have been appointed a Trustee in 2022, having been a resident of Twyford and Ruscombe for all of my life and been witness to the support the Charity has provided to residents over the years.
James Pennington, Governance & Finance Lead
I have lived in Twyford for the past 13 years with my family. We believe in the tenet of “if you want to live in a nice place you need to make it nice” and have actively involved ourselves in the community. I am currently Chair of the Twyford Youth Centre and a trustee of the 1st Twyford Scouts.
I currently work as a CFO, and I am a member of the ICAEW.
Rosemary Chapman
I moved to Twyford in 1977 and practiced as an Optometrist in the village for 36 years until retirement in 2015. I became a Trustee in 2008. My interests and hobbies involve me in several village organisations and my grandchildren maintain my contact with the local schools they attend. I feel The Charity provides valuable educational sponsorship and financial support for the community.
James Fort
I am a life-long resident of Twyford and have been a Trustee of the Polehampton Charity since 1981, as well as Chair between 1998 and 2018. I have worked for many years as a solicitor in the area and have always been ready to use my legal knowledge in connection with the Charity’s affairs. I am proud of my involvement with the Charity and of its contributions to the benefit of the residents of Twyford and Ruscombe for over 40 years.
Fiona Price, Grant Applications Lead
I am an experienced charity professional, with a background in retail, fundraising and strategic development. I am currently the CEO of Age UK Berkshire which support over 15,000 older people each year. I have been a resident of Twyford for 20+ years, my other trustee roles include Twyford Snooker club and Age Concern Windsor. I am delighted to be part of The Polehampton Charity to support local residents and learn more about how different charities work.
Julia Bishop
Over the last 28 years I have raised a family and worked for large technology companies in the local area, becoming an Associate Trustee of the Polehampton Charity in 2023. Previously, I have been the Chair of the Primary School PTA, a school governor and raised funds for local causes through sponsored activities. As a Trustee I am now looking to use my skills to raise awareness of the charity to help local people and good causes in our area.
John March
I am a chartered Electrical engineer. From 1985 to 2003 I was Secretary of Twyford Comets football club. I became Chairman of Twyford Scouts in 1995 and still carry out that role. From 2003 to 2011 I was Parish Clerk for Twyford Parish Council. In 2013 I became Secretary of Twyford Village Partnership. In 2015 I became a Trustee of Polehampton Charity. Since moving to Twyford I have always taken an interest in the life of the village. By serving both youth and adult organisations I have obtained a feel for the needs of the various age groups within the village.