Chairmans Introduction

I have served as a member of the Focal Executive since February 2014 and was elected as Chairman following the AGM on 26-Sep-18.

I succeed Keith Mitchell who was the first Chairman when Focal prevented the closure of the library and raised £70,000 to move the library from its previous home in an unsatisfactory building to a refurbished Church House.  He was succeeded as Chairman by Pat Cox and then by John Harper and then by Gail Cripps and all led Focal magnificently and maintained the funding for Saturday opening as well as encouraging use of the library and providing additional books and equipment when needed.  John Cordingly served as Vice Chairman since the inception of  Focal, providing wise counsel and continuity until finally resigning in 2016. Keith remained a member of the Executive but his other responsibilities, particularly as Leader of the County Council from 2001 to 2012, meant that he took a back seat during that time. He returned to the role of Chairman in 2012 when Focal had to raise its game in terms of fund raising to replace funding cuts made by the County Council.  He served until 2018 during which time, Focal has successfully met its funding targets and maintained library  opening hours.

My aim is to raise the profile of the library and of Church House as a community hub and to increase our membership as well as to maintain our fund raising capacity.

Our registered charity no is 1070930.