Caring Community head retires as charity reports healthy finances

Margaret von Speyr, the driving force behind the charity for the last five years, announced she would be retiring in September.

The multi-faceted Queen's Award charity helps 4,000 Bexhill people every year, especially the elderly and the needy.

Speaking in the new 30,000 meeting room behind the Caring Community's Sackville Road offices, Margaret said: "I actually always wanted to go to work. I enjoyed making contact with all the churches, schools, organisations, etc, and particularly going out and giving the talks on the charity, basically spreading the word but, more to the point, ensuring that the people of Bexhill know that we are there to help if needs be."

She added: "I think this is a good time for me to go. There's a lot of new legislation coming in and I think it's right to hand over to a younger person."

Myrtle Bagnall, the charity's president, told Margaret: "We are hugely grateful for all you have done in the last five years. You have re-organised the office, computerised it, raised our profile and led from the front with energy, enterprise and far-sightedness."

Margaret's work was warmly applauded by the packed meeting.

Finance trustee David Sellwood unveiled a healthy budget sheet but reminded volunteers and supporters that the Caring Community received no government aid, relying upon donations, legacies and return on investments.

Funds were boosted on the day when ex-Bexhill Rotary Club president Roger Batey presented a cheque for 967 on the club's behalf.

The Caring Community has operated in the town since 1965. Its many services include hospital transport, gardening, providing Christmas hampers and running the Dial-A-Ride bus. It is currently seeking additional volunteers to deliver library books to housebound people.

Call 215116 (mornings) if you can help.