When I retired from full-time work at Christmas 2012, I said that I would do anything for anyone as long as I didn’t have to think. I joined the Society as a volunteer in Spring 2013. I was told where to go, what time, who to pick up, who to visit, etc. – ideal for someone who was weary of making decisions every day.
This easy life of doing what I was told lasted until March 2016 when I was co-opted onto the Society’s Board of Trustees – I had to start using my brain again! Then, in 2022, I was persuaded to take on the role of Chair after my predecessor stood down. I wasn’t sure that I was suited to this role but it wasn’t so much that I was the best candidate – it seemed that I was the only candidate!
After 3½ years as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Hunts Blind & Vision Impaired Society, it is time for me to step down. At our April board meeting, I handed over ‘the reins’ to Declan Flanaghan who takes over as Chair with immediate effect. Some of you will have met Declan but, for those who haven’t, he is a recently retired Ophthalmic Surgeon from Moorfields Eye Hospital. His specialist knowledge and experience make him the ideal Chair to take the Society forward.
I am stepping down at a time that the Society is in very good shape. Of course, we are short of volunteers and ‘balancing the books’ needs tight control of our costs and a lot of enthusiastic fundraising. However, with Declan at the head of a committed, skilled and experienced board of trustees and with Beccy leading our wonderful team of staff, we are well-set for the future. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the trustees and staff – you have all made my time as Chair fairly straightforward. It has been a pleasure to work with you all.
Stepping down as Chair does not signal the end of my association with the Society. I remain on the board of trustees and I will still be driving and attending the various social clubs. This engagement with our members is the part of my involvement that I enjoy most. It is very inspiring to see how courageously our members deal with sight impairment. Loss of sight is life changing but, of the several hundred members I have met since 2013, I have scarcely heard a single moan or ‘poor me’ comment. It is probably this upbeat attitude that has made my work with the Society the most enjoyable and rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
I look forward to catching up with you all in the coming months – thank you all.
Best Wishes
Nick Ruston