Kathi Bauer
I am standing again as a trustee this year as I feel increasingly committed and able to support BPCG in a challenging period. The last year, the first time I have been a trustee, has presented many expected and unexpected challenges but has also given me new skills and experience as well as friendships with some amazing, capable and committed people. It has allowed me to develop personally and use my management and leadership skills, creativity and knowledge of the charity sector to support a cause and team I believe in and want to succeed. The next year will no doubt continue to challenge us, but putting a focus on developing a new long-term plan, increasing income for the charity and widening our reach will help us to build on the achievements of BPCG so far.
Ian Brotherston
I’m a chartered accountant with 6 years’ experience gained across a range of industries. I’ve worked closely with several large charity clients in their annual accounts process, in particular review of their payroll, VAT and accounting for restricted and unrestricted grants. My passion for the Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses comes from my Grandfather and Mother who introduced me to gardening and the outdoors. I hope to use this passion to help BPCG further their aims and transition through its exciting new era following the barn opening. I live just on the edge of Brockwell Park and I look forward to seeing many of you in person around the gardens soon.
Earline Hilda Castillo-Binger
After nearly nine months as a co-opted trustee, I have been overwhelmed by the change management and the resignation of two to three long term members.
In spite of all the efforts of the remaining trustees trying to delegate their time and efforts to fulfil the aims and objectives and short and long term plans of BPCG, my desire to continue has been unwavering.
I have learnt new skills including fire duties for the pizza days, sales and customer awareness at the recent Lambeth Country Show and working with the composting team.
I have also been able to improve my listening skills, and transferable skills in management such as planning, negotiating and conflict management.
I do believe with a new management structure BPCG has a future and as a local resident, I would like to be a part of the organisation.
Jo David
Gardening has been my main activity since I stopped full time work about 6 years ago. Though not formally trained I am now very experienced and fairly knowledgeable. I am also a strong advocate of the significant and wide ranging health benefits that gardening brings.
I hope that the experience and skills gained during my paid employment, as well as many years of involvement in the community and voluntary sectors, would be useful in supporting the future of BPCG. I have a good understanding of the functions and governance of local government and plenty of experience of working in partnership across public services and the community and voluntary sectors, as well as of managing and chairing partnership Boards.
I would love to offer my support to BPCG as a Trustee and as Chair. It’s a community project of great value to the local community, providing much needed opportunities for local people to care for, learn about and enjoy our natural world – topics very close to my heart.
Verena Kotonski
I’ve been volunteering with BPCG for about 10 years, and the gardens with its wonderful community of volunteers and staff have been a real refuge. Initially chipping in with whatever task needed doing around the garden, I was instrumental in re-planting the herb garden in 2015 and have been looking after this area ever since, for the benefit and enjoyment of our visitors. I am so grateful to staff, fellow volunteers and visitors for generously sharing their knowledge about growing things and the many friendships which have been struck up over the years.
Keen to support the charity and its community at this critical moment, I would like to stand for the role of trustee. Besides contributing to the development of a new five-year plan and improving relationships with other park stakeholders, I hope to assist fellow trustees and staff in dealing with administrative tasks such as record keeping, ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g. H&S) as well as fundraising, drawing on my experience as manager at a large national museum. As volunteer, I hope to continue developing the herb garden and unlocking its potential by promoting the use of herbs in BPCG educational sessions, at events and for sale.
Larry Osei-Kwaku
I would like to stand for re-election as a trustee and secretary for the coming year. I want to continue working with fellow trustees towards BGCP becoming more inclusive,diverse and also accessible to the underprivileged in the local community, not just those who can afford to hire our facilities or pay for our workshops. As secretary, I will continue to act as custodian of our governing document, making sure our activities are in line with our objectives and that we meet the relevant statutory obligations.
David Roy
I am standing for re-election as trustee for my fourth and final year. Thanks to the vision and sheer hard work of volunteers, staff and my fellow trustees, the charity has not only survived the pandemic, but thrived, finding creative ways to meet its objectives and become an important community resource. It has proven its resilience in the face of extreme challenges. With the construction work completed, I will continue to apply my technical expertise to ensure the Barn can reach its full potential. Together with my fellow trustees, I look forward to the next phase of our work and delivering exciting opportunities for all stakeholders as we work towards becoming more self-sufficient while maintaining our core values. Undoubtedly there will be challenging times ahead.
Lucie Russell
I am standing for election as a BPCG Trustee because as a committed volunteer and a former Trustee I have seen the organisation go through many changes and challenges, and I think it is currently at a pivotal point in its evolution. BPCG is such a precious resource for so many reasons, and I would very much like to rejoin the Board to contribute my many years of expertise and skills to supporting its stability and growth. The staff team also needs to be fully supported, and BPCG needs to develop its focus on reaching out to local communities to enable them to utilise its treasure trove of resources, especially during the really challenging and uncertain times we are living in.
I have a proven track record of highly effective leadership in a range of third sector organisations as a CEO, Senior Leader and a Trustee. Through these roles I have gained extensive experience and skills in strategy creation and implementation, service delivery, Governance, fundraising, partnership work, strategic communications, campaigning and research. I am an effective influencer, communicator and compassionate leader who excels in maximising staff talent, delivering high quality services, and driving forward challenging organisational change.
Janet Worth
I have been a trustee since the end of 2019 (just before the pandemic) so initially couldn’t volunteer much. I am a lawyer by profession and initially got involved in legal type issues and funding applications. This forthcoming year is a crucial year for the Charity. We need to build our reserves, ensure the smooth running and development of the kitchen, and start to deliver all of the objectives set us by the GLA as a condition of our funding. I am standing again this year because I believe that I have the time, experience and enthusiasm and drive to help deliver all of these things.
