Farewell to SSIA Trustee Bruce Woodhouse

All of us at SSIA are very sad to see our excellent Trustee Bruce Woodhouse’s time with us come to an end. Bruce commented “I am stepping down from my role as an SSIA Trustee with very mixed feelings. In over three years I’ve seen the organisation change in so many ways; we have new projects such as the Wellbeing Cafe and the transport service that have become core activities whilst other groups and services have continued to thrive. We have won awards and funding grants and added to our excellent staff group. All through this we have retained the volunteers without whom none of it happens. In that time we’ve also seen a completely new Trustee group in place, one that has a real breadth of skills and experience. So the next part of the journey for SSIA will be an exciting one. Unfortunately my other volunteering commitments and responsibilities have expanded and it is time to step aside rather than be unable to give SSIA the time and energy it deserves.

It has been great to be along during this period of huge change with a charity that no longer feels ‘new’ but that has established itself as an important part of the voluntary sector in Skipton and the surrounding area. I can’t wait to see what they do next, and maybe be able to contribute again in the future.”

Fellow SSIA Trustees and staff have paid tribute to Bruce’s time with the charity:

“Bruce has contributed so much to SSIA and everyone involved with the organisation. His wealth of knowledge and expertise, especially in the area of health & wellbeing, has helped to inform project ideas and shape our future as a local charity committed to supporting people to live happier and healthier lives.
All the very best in your future endeavours, Bruce!”
– Charlotte McKeown, Founder & CEO

“Bruce joined the board of SSIA at a critical time for the charity, when we were making the step from being a small community group to developing longer-term projects and services. His extensive knowledge of and background in the health sector was absolutely invaluable but, more than this, his intelligence, decisiveness and his willingness to ‘muck in’ brought a real energy to the team of trustees. As chair, I was always grateful for his input and his wisdom, as well as his sense of humour! I know SSIA will miss having him on the board, but he has played a big role in getting the charity to where it is today. Best of luck with whatever is next, Bruce!”
– Hannah Crabtree, Honorary President

“I’ve very much enjoyed working with Bruce since becoming a trustee of SSIA. He has been dependable, wise and committed, and he will be a hard act to follow in terms of the responsibilities he held. We will definitely miss him, but know that he continues to give to the community in many other ways. Thanks, Bruce!”
– Marion Tweed-Rycroft, Chair of Trustees

“Bruce has been a constant source of support since I joined the Trustee Board and I have appreciated his intelligence and insight delivered with humour and kindness at all times. Specifically we will miss his calm management of our safeguarding processes and issues. I am sad to see him depart the board but wish him all the best in what he chooses to do next knowing he will not lose touch with SSIA completely.”
– Peter Hartley, Treasurer

“Working with Bruce as a fellow trustee has been a real privilege. His background brought a unique and thoughtful perspective to our discussions, and his dedication to safeguarding was invaluable. He’ll definitely be missed on the team, but I’m looking forward to seeing him shine on stage again soon!”
– Jo Whitehead, Trustee

“Working with Bruce as a fellow Trustee has been a pleasure. His logical thinking and humour will be greatly missed.”
– Sarah Seastron, Trustee

“I have really appreciated Bruce’s support over the last 3 years with his experience and knowledge to help with training and safeguarding concerns with his quick responses and guidance to reassure me in the role I play supporting our Friends of SSIA. I will miss him but wish him well for the future. Thank you, Bruce!”
– Sarah Wilson, Key Worker & Project Coordinator

“Bruce has been a proactive and reliable source of support and advice to the staff team over the years. His commitment to the charity and generosity in sharing his skills and expertise will be sorely missed, along with his sense of humour. Wishing you all the best for the future, Bruce!”
– Teri Gribbin, Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator