Annual General Meeting 18th April 2026
The PVCG flag welcomed everyone to the meeting
We were so pleased that 30 members and guests attended this year’s AGM. Our guests included the Mayor (Cllr Chris Paige), PCSO Tanya Manns and Trustees and volunteers from Winton House Centre (WHC).
Tanya Manns gave an interesting and helpful presentation on policing in Petersfield as well as some useful advice about avoiding scams.
Sarah Moss (Manager at WHC) spoke about the special partnership between WHC and PVCG
The Mayor expressed his appreciation for all the voluntary work carried out by the PVCG volunteers.
This was a very special AGM as it marked the 50th anniversary of PVCG and also Good Neighbours Network (our umbrella organisation) and Hattie Hughes (one of our trusteed) made a beautiful celebration cake to mark the occasion, which the Mayor very kindly agreed to cut. Alison Gauld (past Chairman) gave a brief talk on the history and development of PVCG over the last 50 years.
Left – Mary Fair – chairperson – addressed the meeting.
The committee were in attendance
Top l-r Roy Knight, Sarah Thomas, Christine Traynier, Ian Traynier, Hattie Hughes
Below l-r Mary Evans, Martin Knapp, Ric Flatt
PCSO Tanya Manns and Mayor Chris Paige both spoke at the meeting
Alison Gauld (Left) who is stepping down from the committee reminisced of her time with the group. Sarah Moss (above) gave an update from Winton House
Above -The cake to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Above right – cake being cut by the mayor
Personnel Changes
Jim Cleverly has been our Finance Manager since 1999. He has been struggling recently with mobility issues and is due to have a hip operation shortly. We wish him well and convey our thanks for all he has done over the last 25+ years.
Finance matters will be dealt with, in future, by Ian Traynier (Treasurer) Christine Traynier (IT tasks) and Mary Evans (Secretary). The finance team will be supported by a group of volunteers involved with counting the money each week.
Alison Gauld, our previous Chair, who has been with the organisation for many years has decided to step down from the committee for personal reasons. She will continue to drive and help out with coordinating on a relief basis, whenever necessary
We would like to thank Alison for all she has done and wish her well.
We would also like to welcome Sarah Thomas, our marketing manager, to our team of coordinators as Alison’s replacement.
A New Look For Our Drivers
New Lanyards For Volunteer Drivers – Reassuring for All
Our Marketing Manager has created a new lanyard design, which will be introduced for all drivers over the coming weeks. This simple step is part of our commitment to making journeys smoother, safer, and more reassuring for everyone involved.
For volunteer drivers: The lanyards help present a more professional image and may make it easier to access hospital services such as parking and wheelchairs when accompanying clients to appointments.
For clients: Seeing a lanyard gives peace of mind that you are travelling with a bona fide Petersfield Voluntary Care Group driver.
Information At Your Fingertips
We have produced cards containing all our contact information. You can keep them safe in your handbag, wallet or by your phone
On the reverse is information for prospective drivers. If you know anybody who might be interested then take one and give it to them.
Cards are available in Winton House or from any driver.
Summer Social 2025
About 30 members and their partners attended this event, which was held in the Church Family Centre of the United Reformed Church in College Street. Drinks and canapes were provided, and it was a chance to meet with friends old and new. During the evening, Mary Fair, the Chairman, thanked everyone for their continuing help and support. Earlier in the year, Mike Waddington from Shine Radio had interviewed Alison Gauld, one of the trustees, and the recording of this interview was played and a photo shown of Alison with two of our blind clients. Here is a group photo from that evening
L-r Pam Knight, Roy Knight, Lucy Spooner, Philip Poulter, Jim Gauld (partly hidden), Christine Poulter, Alison Gauld, Mary Evans, Alex Gersbach, Sarah Thomas, Kate Perry, Patrick Heath, Mary Fair, Mike White, Hattie Hughes, Sheila Wright, Christine Traynier, Ian Traynier, Jane Gunning, Martin Knapp, Ginny Knapp, Elaine Ballantine, Lynne Burge, Alan Fair
Veterans Festival January 2025
PVCG had a table at the Veterans Festival, held in the Festival Hall, Petersfield. The new pull-up banner was eye-catching and informative. A number of the visitors expressed an interest in our work. Damian Hinds, our local MP, was in attendance and visited the PVCG table, which was a good opportunity for him to discover and understand how we help members of the local community.
Pictures –
Above – Damian Hinds, Brian Burgess, Alison Gauld and a visitor to the stand.
Below – Left – Robert Venables, Mary Evans and Mary Fair
Below – Right – Hattie Hughes and Kate Perry
