Day to day running of Khandel light is carried out by its management team of volunteer trustees:
Dr Peter Gough (Chairman of Trustees)
Peter has been a Family Doctor at the Barley Practice since 1985. He visited India for the first time in 1996 and was moved by the extreme poverty, especially in the cities. He found a possible solution to this in Rajasthan where he met Rameshwar lal Verma, founder and director of the NGO Nirman Sanstha Khandel (NSK). NSK was working to improve the lives of the rural poor with the aim of reducing migration to even greater poverty in the cities. Peter believed that by harnessing his patients’ talents, generosity and influence in a model of community to community aid, the projects of NSK could be expanded, sustained and possibly replicated. With the support and expertise of his fellow trustees, Khandel light was created in 2000.
Yvonne McPartland (Vice Chair of Trustees)
With a degree in Economics and Economic and Social History, Yvonne has experience of working in financial services and education. In 2008 she qualified as a Counsellor and now practises in this field. Her interest in education continues within the remit of Khandel light through forging links with Schools and making presentations about the Charity’s work. Yvonne also writes the copy for the web site, newsletters and other publicity.
Theresa Bland (Trustee)
Theresa trained as a graphic artist at Loughborough University. She is currently employed as an office co-ordinator for a manufacturing and distribution company. Having experience in advertising and marketing, Theresa has brought her skills to local charities including Friends of Barley School, Friends of Greneway School and the Barley Plaistow Committee.
Richard Bland (Trustee)
As the creative director of a regional, integrated marketing agency, Richard has both the skills and experience to manage the communication needs of Khandel light. Working for local, national and international clients he understands the varying issues involved and can readily tap into the resources necessary to fulfil the Charity’s wide range of communications.
Bridget Gough (Trustee)
Bridget has worked as a Registered General Nurse both before and since raising her four sons. In addition to her work with Khandel light, Bridget has been an active fundraiser for a number of causes through sponsored runs and cycle rides. She also works as a volunteer for the hospice movement. Bridget is a familiar face at Khandel light events, and also maintains the Charity’s data base.
Michelle Marriott (Trustee)
Michelle was born in Australia and has been living in the UK since 1986. She currently works for the Vice President of a global manufacturer of advanced structural materials based in Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Michelle’s key strengths include her organisational skills, multi-tasking ability, problem solving and “can do” approach. Her previous charity experience includes seven years with Save The Children Fund, the Barley Plaistow Committee and Barley School.
David Marriott (Trustee)
David obtained a degree in law at Oxford University and then qualified as a solicitor. He has worked as a solicitor from that time, almost exclusively in London, and is currently a partner in a firm in the West End. David served as a trustee of Friends of Barley School and for nine years he was a trustee of The Handel House Museum. In relation to both charities David has been actively involved both in the administration of the affairs of the trust and in fundraising.
Theresa Mudie (Trustee)
Since leaving college Theresa has gained valuable knowledge through running her own businesses. She is currently a foster carer and child minder and recently achieved her NVQ3 in health and social care. Her insight into the importance of the family unit is continued in her support of Khandel Light, and her business background has proved invaluable for Khandel Light fundraising as have her multi cultural connections.
Helen Melville Smith (Trustee and Treasurer)
Helen is Practice Manager for a firm of Solicitors in Cambridge and has had a career in accounts, administration and personnel within the legal profession. She has been chairman of her professional body and has served on various local committees for her village and other organisations. Helen carries out the vital role of Treasurer for Khandel light.
Natalie Carrick (Trustee)
Natalie has a background in biomedical sciences. Following 12 years working in commercial roles in the life sciences industry, she retrained as an executive coach and now runs a people and business development company from home. Natalie has sales and marketing skills, together with prior experience of fundraising for leukaemia research, through energetic events such as sponsored endurance rides with her horse and running the Great North Run. Natalie has visited India a number of times on business and on holiday, witnessing the devastating effects of poverty and drought in Rajasthan.
Non-Trustee Support
Publicity
Jim Fookes
Now retired but previously with the Press Association, Jim prepares and circulates all of the Charity’s press releases.
Geoff Cash
Geoff and his company Black Dog Design and Production make an enormous contribution through, among other projects, printing the Charity’s newsletters.
Ralph Watson
Ralph and his company Storm also supports the Charity in its publicity needs, and designs the layout for the newsletters.
Fundraising
Friends
Khandel light enjoys the loyal backing of a great number of additional supporters who organise fundraising events, independently from Trustees, for the Charity’s benefit. Others have shared their talents headlining or participating at events. In addition, Friends have worked closely with us in many areas, including administration, publicity, helping out at fundraising events, technical support, preparing business reports, specialist services and loaning equipment.
Schools and other organisations
We are privileged to have the support of many schools. These schools help the Charity to fulfil its educational aim of spreading awareness of the plight of the region in which we work. In addition, schools’ involvement has facilitated a two way communication, in which the Charity learns even from its youngest, extraordinarily insightful supporters. Khandel light hopes to encourage young people to become involved in charitable endeavour. This has certainly been the case for Khandel light, as schools have become increasingly important fundraisers, by their own highly imaginative means.
