At the last Board meeting the members considered a proposal to employ a fundraiser. This is not a new concept and has been considered previously but although supported in principal there were many hurdles to overcome not least the acceptance of the funds we need to allocate to both secure and manage the post effectively. Notwithstanding the risk, raising money that allows it to deliver its objectives, is the lifeblood of any charity and many of you personally have experienced just how hard it can be.

An opportunity finally presented itself and we have appointed Cathy Clark. She has experience most recently with the Firefighters Charity so has knowledge of the fire and rescue service. She is on a year's trial and hopefully if we meet the targets we set for her the charity will be able to deliver its projects in Albania, Palestine, South America, Ukraine and Zimbabwe and complete outstanding projects in Mostar and Macedonia to mention but a few.

I am pleased to announce Cathy's appointment. Raising funds will be her prime objective but she will still need our collective support to make the most of the opportunity and I look forward to a successful partnership over the coming 12 months.

Cathy's 'curriculum vitae' and her contact details are on th Who's Who page.