Organisation
The Polehampton Charity is managed by a group of up to 12 trustees – one ex-officio trustee, one nominated trustee, and up to 10 appointed trustees. In addition, there may are be associate trustees.
The ex-officio trustee is the vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Twyford and St James the Great, Ruscombe. The nominated trustee is appointed by Wokingham Borough Council.
Appointed and nominated trustees all serve for a term of four years, the ex-officio trustee serves as long as they're the vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Twyford and St James the Great, Ruscombe.
The trustees meet four times a year on the 2nd Tuesday in March, June, September and December. The Polehampton Charity also has a clerk and an applications coordinator.
Trustees
Amy Goodall-Smith (Chair), Julia Bishop (Vice Chair), Fiona Price, Rosemary Chapman, James Fort, James Pennington, John March, Revd Mark Gould (ex-officio) and Prof Stephen Conway (nominated).
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.
Julia Bishop, Vice-Chair of Trustees, Marketing Lead
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 and a full trustee in 2024. 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.
Rosemary Chapman
I moved to Twyford in 1977 and practiced as an optometrist in the village for 36 years until my 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, Ruscombe and Charvil for over 40 years.
Mark Gould
I worked for many years as a science teacher in several local secondary schools. I enjoyed the challenge of communicating science to all ages, from year 7 up to A-level Physics. I was also involved in initial teacher training and professional development. I moved to Twyford and Ruscombe for my first parish as vicar after completing my curacy in Marlow. I am excited by the opportunities The Polehampton Charity offers to invest in local community activities and support local families in times of particular need.
John March, Property Lead
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 The 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.
James Pennington, Governance & Finance
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.
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 supports 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.
Stephen Conway, Wokingham Borough Councillor
I have lived in Twyford since 1984. I was first elected to Wokingham Borough 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.