Friday, 26 November 2021

At the Trust AGM we said goodbye to Jillian Barclay, Chris Finlay, Russell Bain and Frank Ellam.  Frank has been looking after the finances of the Trust for many years (and now Carlene Vincent is in his place) and Jillian Barclay said goodbye on behalf of the Board and the Community.  

"Well, everyone, on behalf of the Board of the Trust and I’m sure most of the people around us, I’d like to say a few words about Frank.

I first met Frank when he ‘talked through’ the accounts of the Trust at an AGM 2 years ago.  That was the first time that I have ever understood what the figures meant, and what they showed. Frank was in fact the one person who I would go to over the last couple of years if I felt I didn’t understand something or felt ’stupid’. He would clearly explain to me with no judgement and his true purpose was to support me which is something I will miss massively, and I am sure the current directors will agree.

Frank and I have struck up a good friendship with our love of Winter Wonderland and my constant, underhanded ways of trying to find extra pots of money to make these events bigger and better every year for the community. Frank is very good at saying no in a very polite manner but he usually always helps me find a way, now I will have to transfer my skills to Carlene for the future, I am pretty sure she has been warned of me by Frank already!

More than that, having Frank on board meant the Trust Directors were certain that the books were done, and that there was no excuse for the windfarm companies to stop making their payments.  Frank provided the stability and accounting knowledge that meant they were content to fund the Trust with regular payments of hard cash, and sign up to the Trust Board’s investment plan.  Very few other communities have a ‘legacy fund’ which will continue to fund community activities once the wind farm payments cease.  We have - and it's thnaks to Frank.  

Frank has stuck it out on the Board for many years and I know he has enjoyed it immensely, and he has patiently held on this year until we had someone else who can look after the Trust’s finances, this is something myself and all the current directors are extremely grateful for!

So Frank, a massive thank you from me, and probably thanks from everyone in Stratherrick and Foyers area.  Your contribution has been immense and can never be repaid and I know if the current and incoming directors have any questions you will be the first person to get a wee call!  Keep in touch!"

2026

February (2 stories)

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January (12 stories)

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