Mr Alan Toon
President/Chair of Trustees
I AM A TOTAL ABSTAINER
The above statement I have been able to make since I attended the YBHU summer camp at the age of 10yrs when I signed the pledge to abstain from all alcoholic beverages.
When I was 14yrs old I joined the Barnsley Youth Temperance Council and helped with the portable temperance bar that we took to a variety of functions across the county and also further afield.
My next contact with YBHU was when Rosemary and myself were ask to help at the summer camp, which we did for a number of years. I was then asked to attend the executive council and then appointed to the General Purposes Committee which led to me becoming the YBHU treasurer a position I held for 18yrs. Shortly after retiring from this position I left the union for pastures new.
After a 10yr break I am very pleased to be asked to join the Trustees and become involved in the exciting things the union are involved in.
Mrs Joan Forrester
VICE-CHAIR
I worked in fashion most of my working life first has a machinist then technician at Dewsbury collage which I loved, doing fashion show in London and more locally, also helping student solving problems, and end of year shows . I also worked in a hostel for the mentally handicapped which was very rewarding.
I became involved with The Band of Hope 25yrs ago with my husband Antony Forrester making all the costumes and outfits for the children who was on the floats and shows at New Road Sunday school. I helped at the Band of Hope in the fortnightly meetings and at the annual children’s camp which was near Derbyshire.
I am now a member and Trustee of the Yorkshire Band of Hope and take great interest in all our work with the schools and clubs. I hope that the young people will benefit from the knowledge we teach them and enable them to face the future with confidence.
Mrs Kim Willis
HONORARY SECRETARY
Kim was born in Bristol but moved to Kent at a young age, growing up in Bromley and very active at Bromley Baptist Church. Progressed through the 3rd. Bromley Girls Brigade, achieving many awards, including the Brigader Badge, Queens Award and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Whilst in the South, Kim worked mainly in bookkeeping, accounts and banking.
After marrying, a move to Hampshire was made, where the first 2 of 4 boys were born. Involvement at Cove Baptist Church, which was a church plant from Camberley.
Later, a move to Berkshire and involvement at Thatcham Baptist Church, again a Church plant, which we saw through from meeting in a community hall, to the construction of a new Church building. The third of our boys was born whilst here.
In 1990 a move to Yorkshire took place.
The 4th. of the boys was born here, so is officially a Yorkshireman!
Over many years Kim has made cakes as a hobby and sung in choirs. Since 1999 a big involvement with Wakefield Community Gospel Choir, for which she has been the Administrator/Director since 2005, a big commitment.
Kim runs a very large toddler group at Wakefield Baptist Church, seeing up to 45 little ones each week.
6 Grandchildren keep Kim busy in any spare time that there is!
Kim’s connection with the Temperance movement began back at the age of 11, when a close friend got her involved. Through the national organisations, Band of Hope Union and The National Youth Temperance Council, Kim made many close friends and met her husband. For many years Kim served on the Trust for The Band of Hope Union which later became Hope UK. Living in Yorkshire, a re-connection with YBHU happened, where Kim worked for a period of time in the office. Kim has served as a trustee for YBHU for many years now.
Mrs Helen Shackleton
Staff
I started being involved with Yorkshire Band of Hope Union at the end of 2006 when our breaking the cycle programme was first being introduced into schools. I helped when needed to deliver the programme in primary school. In addition I helped in high schools, youth clubs and parent sessions.
In June 2010 I started working part time as I really enjoyed the opportunities I had to talk to children, young people and adults about alcohol and other drugs. I hope by giving information in a fun and interactive way while talking and listening I will help them make informed choices. The correct information is key so that people don’t make choices out of ignorance. I want to make a difference in the lives of children and young people as they grow up and help add to the skills they have. I am also passionate about speaking to adults so that they are knowledgeable about the issues surrounding all types of drugs.
In June 2013 I became a working trustee so I am able to work more closely with the trustees and together we are able to continue the work.
In what spare time I have I enjoy spending it with my family and days out in the countryside. I attend Huddersfield Elim Church and have in the past worked in the Sunday school.
Miss Gecil William
Staff
It is a privilege working for the Yorkshire Band of Hope Union as an Educator working with schools, youth and children clubs to develop and deliver a range of educational resources to help children and young people acquire and use the knowledge, understanding and skills that equip them to live safe, healthy and productive lives in a world where drugs are common place.
I have a passion to see children and young people make good choices in life and grow to fulfil their dreams and passion.
I am a member of the Elim Church Huddersfield, where I lead the 7-11 year old children’s midweek club I am also involved in prayer ministry.
In the past I have worked in the youth department of the church as a member of the youth leadership team and I have been a member of the church outreach team who work with the alcohol and drug addicts.
My interests are arts and crafts. In my spare time I make felt which I use to make felt art and cards.