At the end of Trustees Week 2023 we would like to say a massive THANK YOU to our wonderful Board of Trustees who bring so much to our organisation, and help us meet our objectives at Ability Shetland or those we support. Find out more about our fantastic board below.
First up for Trustee Week introductions is our Chairperson Davie!
"My name is Davie Gardner and I’m the new Chairperson at Ability Shetland – having just been elected to that position a couple of months ago now.
As such my role – together with my fellow trustees - is to ensure the smooth and effective running of the organisation in both an operational and fiscal sense. Perhaps our key role however is to provide support to our staff and volunteers who actually deliver this hugely important and clearly valued local service.
Highlights for me are witnessing the benefits and sheer enjoyment the organisations efforts bring to our many service users throughout Shetland as a whole".
Next up is our Vice-Chairperson - May Macdonald!
"I have been a Trustee of Ability Shetland for a few years now. I became involved because as a family, we have benefitted from the many activities and groups that Ability Shetland offer to our disabled community. These have enhanced Dylan’s life, and are an integral part of his week.
A highlight for me this year, was seeing the joy on the faces of all those who took part in the accessible canoeing, many for the first time! This is also a great example of successful partnership working and the continuing promotion of inclusion, which is at the heart of everything Ability Shetland and their fantastic team do".
Trustees Week 2023 - next up is John!
"My name is John Keppie, I became a trustee of Ability Shetland in December 2022 and was asked to take on the role as Treasurer.
My role is to keep the finances in check and assist with budgeting and forward planning to the organisation.
Highlights for me are seeing how well Ability Shetland includes everyone in their activities, with the focus being on what someone can do, this applies to the staff, participants and volunteers".
Next introduction for Trustees Week 2023 is Sophie!
"My name is Sophie Moar and I have been the minute taker for 3 years and trustee for 2 years. I joined the board as I have a passion for supporting others and promoting inclusion and equal opportunities across our society. I am responsible for recording notes during meetings and producing this into a formal document, alongside the agenda, that is then shared with fellow trustees and staff.
A personal highlight of mine is seeing sports clubs across Shetland becoming inclusive for all and it’s fantastic to see this recognised in the Inclusivity Award at the Shetland Sports Awards. The Winter Ball is always a brilliant night too!"
A bit of a local celebrity is next up for us to introduce you to!
"My name is Brynn Hauxwell and I’m the youngest trustee at Ability Shetland.
I started off attending clubs in the Northern Isles 13 years ago and then becoming a volunteer myself and fundraising to help keep the clubs going. My role as a trustee is helping to provide support to the staff and volunteers at Ability Shetland.
Highlights has been helping Ability Shetland to bring more accessible sports to Shetland and watching them develop and still being a part of it all".
Ability Shetland's newest trustee is Anita Sinclair! Here she tells us a little about why she came on board.
"I joined the Ability Shetland board as a trustee this year. As an Additional Support Needs Teacher I hopefully bring knowledge which is beneficial to the board. Also being a trustee has made me more aware of all the accessible activities available for children outwith school.
A highlight for me this year has been seeing the accessible play equipment become available".
Another trustee to introduce you to - Dougie!
"My name is Dougie Leask and I became a trustee in 2022 to help Ability Shetland in whatever way I can and encourage others to join the groups and activities to get out and enjoy themselves. I helped arrange some dancing sessions which were enjoyed by all.
My highlight was arranging maintenance for the Wootton Lass in preparation for taking folk out on enjoyable boat trips during the summer".
And we are so grateful to have Dougie's boat skills and knowledge!
Here's Jack McEvoy!
“Shetland has always been very good to me, and I had been searching for a way to give something back to our community.
Ability Shetland was the perfect fit, and working with them this past couple of years has been a thoroughly rewarding experience. The staff & volunteers are some of the kindest, most generous and dedicated people you could ever hope to meet. I look forward to continuing to supporting the team at their various events".
Last, but certainly by no means least, is trustee Ivanna!
"Hi! My name is Ivanna Brown and I became a trustee in 2022. I originally came to volunteer because Ability Shetland has helped me SO much since moving back to Shetland and I wanted to give back. Being a trustee and volunteer gives me purpose and so much joy! I get to see huge smiles and have fun with club participants. I recently helped organise Ability Shetland’s Beach Day which was quite meaningful to families who were able to enjoy St Ninian’s Beach together.
Without a doubt - my highlight is witnessing the sheer willpower and dedication of the Ability Shetland staff! They are a powerful group who, along with volunteers, work tirelessly to include everyone in activities, clubs, sports and more!"
