TTVS is well governed by an experienced and active board of trustees with a range of valuable experience.
We are always on the lookout for new trustees, particularly from our under represented communities and from people who, in the past, have used our services. This represents a real opportunity to help develop and lead an incredible charity alongside providing personal reward and development. Interested? Or want to find out more then please contact our CEO [email protected]
The Board
Shirley Law Chair - Shirley has worked within the Voluntary sector since 1976 In 1976 she joined the Greenwich Volunteer Bureau, the sole employee with only 10 months of the grant left. By the time she left, there were 6 full time members of staff on stable funding. Later she was employed by Carers National to start a borough based carer’s organisation in Bromley. Delaying retirement Shirley became national director to the Children’s Heart Federation.
Shirley has also served on a number of committees, local, London wide and National, becoming Chair of a London wide organisation – Advance (Advise and development in Volunteering and Neighbourhood Care). Since finally retiring to Devon, she now has links with a number of local organisations, including Chivenor Air Training Squadron, Torridgeside Talking Newspaper and, of course, TTVS.
Nick Underwood Vice Chair/Temporary Treasuer - Nick Underwood spent 33 years in the Royal Marines, serving all round the world and ending his career at Chivenor. There, with a small staff, he was responsible for the infrastructure of the base and providing support to over 150 families. With close links to the local community, he acted as a local representative for the base. He then spent 6 years working for a national security provider responsible for national defence contracts, before retiring. He has been a Trustee since 2016 and also regularly volunteers for Carewise. He is married with 2 grown-up sons and has lived in Bideford for 20 years.
Ramin Shamsolahi - Ramin lives in Bideford with his wife and dogs. He is a practicing solicitor and equity partner at Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP in Barnstaple, a specialist family law practice where he runs the matrimonial/financial team. In his spare time Ramin enjoys squash, surfing, theatre and cinema.
Mike Teare Trustee - I have been living in Bideford for five years and am now retired. I trained as a marine biologist but for most of my career I worked in the international medical device industry, with sales and marketing roles in UK, Australia and France. I am chair the charity Way of the Wharves, researching and promoting the maritime history of the Torridge Estuary - currently focused on the wharves at East the Water.
Rose Young - My background is in catering, I have over 30+ years working in a variety of establishments. The two most important skills catering taught me was good management of my time and how to develop working with a diverse range of personalities, teamwork in this environment is essential. Although I no longer work in the catering industry, I still love to cook for my family and friends, I consider cooking and eating to be an integral part of sharing quality time together.
My passion for some 15 years in now community support and development. Over the years I have been involved with running community groups, organising community events and projects across both Wiltshire and since moving here several years ago Bideford. Celebrating and raising cultural awareness has played an important role in many of the projects and community work I have been involved in.
I am keen to be a part of the future of TTVS and share in it's legacy. It has always been important to me that organisations can more often than not benefit from working together, sharing resources, time and expertise. There is much scope for exploring collaborative ventures where new and dynamic ideas can seed. I feel where I can make a contribution as a Trustee is bringing my skills as an event organiser. Having run a few local events I have made many professional links with both individuals and organisations within the town I consider myself to be a great people person, welcoming and enjoy learning about others, I'm a great listener and love a smile! I have volunteered for most of my adult life and find it to be incredibly life-changing, fun and rewarding.
