CHILTERN TOY BANK

info@chilterntoybank.org

CHILTERN TOY BANK

info@chilterntoybank.org

Reindeer - Chiltern Toy Bank - making Christmas a little more special
Reindeer - Chiltern Toy Bank - making Christmas a little more special

Trustees

Here at Chiltern Toy Bank there must always be at least 3 Trustees to make sure we’re running smoothly and effectively. These Trustees are voluntary (so aren’t paid) and are voted into their role on a yearly basis.

The role of Trustee is varied! Ranging from organising stalls at Fairs, training volunteers, applying for funding grants, filling out formal Charity Commission documentation and accounts, checking and cleaning toys, delivering to families and looking after all the IT. There’s a role for anyone!

We currently have 4 Trustees and below you’ll find out a bit more about them:

Samantha Horsman - Chairperson

Samantha Horsman

ROLE: Chairperson

Sam moved to Chesham in 2018 and joined Chiltern Toy Bank as a volunteer in September 2020, then became Chairperson for Christmas 2021. She works full time as an IT Manager for another Charitable Foundation, so of course ends up doing a bit of the IT for Chiltern Toy Bank! Sam’s hobbies include arts and crafts and she’s a big lover of Marvel and DC Comics, so tends to be the resident expert when random comic book toys come through the door!

“I joined Chiltern Toy Bank when I could see how hard the pandemic had hit local communities and I wanted to try and help somehow. The way the Charity was run by the previous Trustees; Frances, Jenny R and Liz, was phenomenal and just being a part of it was very special. I had the opportunity to step up to Chairperson when the existing Trustees wanted to take a step down and it’s been a privilege to work with all of the Elves and local communities to keep this charity going. The difference it makes every year to families across Buckinghamshire is humbling and I just hope the toys I pick and pack go down well!”
Sam Horsman

Chairperson, Chiltern Toy Bank

Julia Freeman - Treasurer

Julia Freeman

ROLE: Treasurer

Julia and her husband moved to Chesham in 1986 with their first daughter. Another daughter followed shortly after and then a son. She is now a proud grandmother of 2 granddaughters. She has always been involved in local communities such as PTA’s and other various charities, including fundraising and organising the annual Cancer Research Relay for Life for the last 10 years.

Julia retired in 2020 after 29 years working at a local secondary school doing various roles which included a 10 year spell as Clerk to the Governors and the last 10 years as Data Manager.

“I joined Chiltern Toy Bank as a volunteer in 2021 and took up the role as Treasurer and Trustee in 2022. I hope, when picking and packing toys for each individual child that my experience with my own children and grandchildren, accompanied by the brief information of likes and dislikes provided by parents/guardians, I choose the right toys which will make a child very happy on Christmas Day.”
Julia Freeman

Treasurer, Chiltern Toy Bank

white snowflake
Jenny Bettridge - Secretary

Jenny Bettridge

ROLE: Secretary

Jenny moved to the area in 2002 when the 2nd, of her 4 boys, was born and has enjoyed the sense of community that living in The Chilterns has given her and her family ever since. As her children started school she became the secretary of the PTA and enjoyed many years working with parents and staff trying to fund the little extras that the school budgets were not able to cover. She is also a volunteer with the charity SchoolReaders and part of the team of volunteers at her local library, including leading the Baby Rhyme Time sessions, that makes sure this facility remains accessible to more families like it was to hers.

“I joined Chiltern Toy Bank as a volunteer with a friend from our local church who was lending them tables to work off in 2020. I was really impressed with the concept of local people helping out within the community and soon found myself, with 4 kids of my own, being asked about some of the more ‘niche’ toys & books that were donated. I enjoy the opportunity to help other parents out as they try to look after their families the best they can and delight in being able to match a child’s list of things they like with what we have in stock. I became a Trustee in 2023 as some of the original Trustees needed to step back for personal reasons and wanted to make sure the great work that all the volunteers do every year is carried on for many years to come.”
Jenny Bettridge

Secretary, Chiltern Toy Bank

Giles Harvey - Trustee

Giles Harvey

ROLE: Trustee

Giles has lived in Amersham for 25 years and joined the Toy Bank as a volunteer in 2022, and became a Trustee the following year. Both his children have grown up so he enjoys spending some of his time helping other kids that are less fortunate have a better Christmas than they normally would. He has worked in supply chain and logistics for most of his career so, whilst he is no Father Christmas, he’s pretty good at getting the deliveries out the door.

“Having volunteered when I was younger I was looking for an opportunity now that my kids are grown. I found the Toy Bank after wanting to donate some of the girls’ toys that were still in the loft. I loved what they were doing so I decided to stay and help out with sorting and picking. And then the following year I volunteered to become a Trustee. I love it; it’s a local charity where the positive impact it has is really clear to see.”
Giles Harvey

Trustee, Chiltern Toy Bank