An Easter message from our Chairman, John Williams
It has been over a year now since the first lockdown in the UK and what a year it has been. Our lifestyles have changed so dramatically, bringing many challenges along the way and sadly for some, this has almost meant enduring personal loss.
However, with the arrival of Spring and Easter upon us, we can look towards new beginnings with fresh hope for the future.
We look forward to the re-opening of our holiday homes from 16 April and welcoming guests back to our properties in Dartmouth and Weymouth. Interest in our holiday ballot has been exceptionally high this year and we’re confident members will enjoy finally getting away for a well-earned break and a change of scenery.
I’m pleased to announce that if the Government’s roadmap remains on track, convalescence and rehabilitation breaks at the treatment and well-being centre, St Michael’s Lodge will resume at the end of May. If you require treatment including physiotherapy or hydrotherapy or would benefit from a short break to convalescence please get in touch. Full details about the re-opening of St Michael’s will be posted here on our website soon.
As we take tentative steps out of lockdown it’s difficult to plan too far in advance, however we are fairly confident that our family fun day at Blackwell Adventure on Wednesday 25 August, will go ahead in a Covid secure way.
We have received lots of interest from members wishing to take part with their families, so much so, we have taken the decision to host an additional Adventure Day the following day, (Thursday 26 August) in order to offer more places. For more about these thrilling adventure days, please visit https://wmpben.co.uk/2021/03/free-family-adventure-day-this-august-register-now/
With shops, restaurants and outdoor attractions re-opening soon I hope members will be taking advantage of our new Rewards Scheme that offers a variety of discounts on family days out, health and beauty, travel, holidays and retail.
The Reward Scheme can be accessed via our ‘Members Area’ (found on the dropdown menu of our website www.wmpben.co.uk ). Click on ‘Your Rewards’ and enter the password, WMPBENCHARITY.
This will take you to the ‘Your Rewards’ page, where you can follow instructions on how to enter The Your Rewards site.
I’m delighted to announce that Deb Ferris, our new Finance Manager has joined us and is now learning all about what we do and how we help our members. A massive thank you to Jan Burchell for agreeing to postpone her retirement (by a month or two) to train Deb and ensure a smooth transition takes place. We’re really going to miss Jan but I know she already has lots of wonderful things planned for when she finally leaves the Ben Fund office for the last time.
We are also saying farewell to one of our Trustees, Derek Ridgeway. Derek is moving up North with his family. I would like to personally thank him for the many hours and expertise he has given us over the years. Derek’s knowledge of charity work and his contribution to the Fund, as a trustee, has been really appreciated. We wish him all the best with his move and his retirement.
Our charity work continues to benefit from a steady growth in membership. We’ve welcomed over 300 new joiners in the first three months of this year and word is getting around what fantastic value it really is. As well as lots of benefits we’re committed to offering vital support to those who need it and that, of course would not be possible without the regular subscriptions from members.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for the donations we receive.
I’d like to wish our members all the best for a peaceful and happy Easter.
John
Chairman of West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund
