Message from Pauline Heffernan
Hello everyone, I am writing to let you know that, having been privileged to serve as a Beacon Trustee since 2010 and Chair since 2015, I have decided to stand down with effect from 30th June, 2020.
Whilst it has been a difficult decision, given my long association with Beacon, it is part of a planned hand over, as Beacon Trustees should only serve for a maximum of nine years. I’m glad I stayed the extra year to settle Lisa in as our new CEO: I have very much enjoyed working with her and have every confidence in her leadership. She has led by example over these recent weeks.
I’m delighted to say Kathy Roper has been elected as the new Chair of Beacon. Many of you will know Kathy as she has volunteered for Beacon for some time and became a Trustee in 2019.
These strange times have given us all much to reflect upon, and the time seems right to hand over now, at this early point in this delivery year, rather than wait until January 2021.
Kathy brings new energy, undoubted expertise and insight to support Lisa in the years to come. I have very much enjoyed my time as a Trustee and will continue to volunteer for Beacon, reading funding bids or anything else as required, to support the team.
Any time I have ever visited the Centre, it serves as a wonderful reminder of the very real impact our charity has on those living with sight loss, as well as a chance to witness first-hand the dedication of the team at Beacon who I am sure have made a remarkable difference to the lives of many visually impaired people.
It has been my pleasure to meet many of you, personally, over the years and to those who I never had chance to meet – my apologies. However, I hope at some point, when safe to do, I will have chance to revisit the Centre – and offer thanks in person.
In the meantime, please accept my grateful thanks for your contribution to Beacon; your hard work has always been very much appreciated. Take good care and stay safe in these extraordinary times.
All good wishes
Pauline Heffernan