New Year, New Chair

A few words from our new Chair and long-standing TFN Member, Michael Maynard. 

Many of you will know me as the guy at the front of the room encouraging you to pledge just a little bit more than you intended. However on 1st December formally, and then publicly with the anointing of the Christmas Hat at the December funding event, I took over from Fred Mulder as Chair. As an ex-actor and performer, I know what it’s like when people say “Fred’s a hard act to follow”. You bet.

I’ve been around TFN too long to be considered a new broom. And there’s not much sweeping up to do given the healthy state of TFN. But there are loads of initiatives underway and I’m rather relishing the challenge.

The last funding evening was a heady affair, a riotous celebration of Fred’s legacy, festive spirit and the serious work of raising bags of money for fantastic social change projects. Fortunately, we were able to confirm a couple of official titles – Jon Snow is our new Patron and Fred as our official Founder, (thanks to Sue, Polly and Paul for that solution). Whilst Jon couldn’t be there (and sent a fantastic message,) I look forward to welcoming him at a future event. One of the nicest comments made to me on that fateful evening, was from a member who said “Fred leaves big shoes to fill. But fortunately you’ve got big feet”. How did she know?? I was very grateful for the acknowledgement. And I’m very inspired to take the helm.

I’m really looking forward to the years ahead and particularly 2012 as it is the official 10th anniversary of the organisation – a time to celebrate and also to focus on what we do best – social giving for social change. And I think we do our best to make that process sexy as well as worthy. Let the fun begin.