Woody’s Lodge is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is governed by its constitution dated 1 February 2017. The CIO is managed by the Woody’s Lodge Management Board, which must have a minimum of five and a maximum of nine charity trustees at any time.
The trustees are legally responsible for directing the affairs of the charity. Each trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of Woody’s Lodge Management Board. The charity trustees may delegate any of their powers or functions to a committee or committees, and, if they do, they shall determine the terms and conditions on which the delegation is made
The Woody’s Lodge Management Board have appointed a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board currently meet on a monthly basis to regularly review the performance of the charity, monitor its budgets and guide strategic direction.
In addition, the Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ annual report as well as the annual financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Meet our Trustees!
David Trotman – Co-Chair of the Management Board
David gained a senior management position with Barnardos Wales, before moving to London, where he undertook Directorships with The Parkinsons’ Disease Society and Stroke Association UK. Next, he gained a CEO position at Action on Addiction, funding research and treatment into narcotic and alcohol addictions. In 2000, David returned to Wales and became Head of Marketing for RSPB Cymru, specialising in accessing European funding for the development of nature reserves and sustainable public and educational access to the Welsh environment. In 2011, he then took on the Directorship of Penarth Pier Pavilion Project, ensuring its’ multimillion-pound refurbishment was completed to time and on budget. His team worked to introduce community activities into the Pavilion, as well as to help veterans obtain access to utilise the facilities.
Since 2014, David has worked with veterans and like-minded people in order to establish Woody’s Lodge as a sustainable, functioning and growing charity in Wales.
Outside of his work, David lives with his family in Penarth, he is an Ambassador for Girlguiding Wales and member of the Captain Scott Society. David enjoys Art, Gardening, restoring old furniture and has been a season ticket holder that has supported Cardiff City FC since 1968!
Clive Hamilton – Co-Chair of the Management Board
Clive is the Managing Director of Pinnacle Document Solutions Group, where he has been working for over 25 years. Prior to this, he worked in the North Sea, North Africa and in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (MOD) where he served in the Falklands. Over the past fifteen years, Clive has been the Sales Director and now Group Managing Director as well as becoming the owner after a successful MBO in 2015 while following that through to successfully selling the shares of the business and merging with a larger Group in 2020.
Clive’s experience in business covers all areas of B2B sales in most sectors, working and controlling all aspects of the Business from Operations, Marketing, Financials, Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, business Direction, Sales, Support and Man Management.
Both Clive’s and the Company’s social responsibility have stretched over the same said period where they have engaged and supported many Charity Organisations in Wales and across the UK. We have taken part in many challenges and organised many challenges also. He’s now hoping to share his huge wealth of skills in supporting Woody’s Lodge!
Owen James- Treasurer
Owen James is the new Treasurer for Woody’s Lodge. He currently serves as the Head of Corporate Finance at Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board.
Owen has worked in the public sector since graduating in 2002 and became a qualified accountant (CIPFA) in 2007. His experience includes roles at Cardiff Council, Newport Council, and the NHS. Owen’s responsibilities at the Health Board include overseeing financial statements and governance, as well as the Health Board’s charity.
Introduced to Woody’s Lodge through Clive Hamilton, Owen felt his expertise in charity accounts and general finance could benefit the charity, and he is proud to be part of the team.
Kath Fisher – Trustee to the Management Board
Kath has been with Woody’s Lodge from the beginning and is a Trustee to the Management Board, as well as volunteering her time with us. She served for six years in the Royal Air Force as an Air Traffic Control Officer, serving at RAF Odiham as well as undertaking a tour of active service in Basrah in Iraq in 2004.
Woody’s Lodge is a keen interest of Kath’s, especially as she has the unique insight of what it means to be a veteran herself.
In addition to her time here with us at Woody’s, Kath works with the National Police Air Service flying out of St. Athan after 5 years working with the South Wales Police Force, as well as volunteering at the RNLI.As well as all of her work and volunteering, Kath also spends her free time organising fundraisers to raise money for us here at Woody’s Lodge as well as for veterans locally.
Ian Price – Trustee to the Management Board
After serving in the Welsh Guard, deployed in Berlin, Northern Ireland and the Falklands, Ian joined the Welsh Ambulance Service in 1992. He started out as part of the patient transport service, before qualifying as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1997, Ian has had a 27-year career with the ambulance service!
As well as being a Trustee with us at Woody’s, Ian, otherwise known as ‘Sarge’, also represents the Welsh Ambulance Trust at Cardiff’s annual Remembrance Day parade and also works with a local golf club to organise and deliver free Christmas lunches for his colleagues. He’s also a keen fundraiser and has raised thousands of pounds over the years for the Velindre Cancer Centre and Wales Air Ambulance charity!
Ian was also recognised in the Queen’ Birthday Honours List in 2020, where he awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal!
Jim Pirrie – Trustee to the Management Board
Jim is currently employed as Deputy Head of Projects, Programme and Portfolios at Engage Technical Solutions Ltd with their Head Office located in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Having left Inverness to join the Royal Navy at the age of 16, Jim retired as a Commissioned Officer in April 2012 having served nearly 30 years in the Armed Forces. A Communications Specialist and Operational Planner, he has supported Maritime, Joint Service Command and NATO Operations in varying managerial roles while deployed all over the world including the Middle East region, Afghanistan, West Africa and the Falkland Islands.
Jim is a qualified Teacher in Further Education, Vocational Qualification Assessor and Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management. He has recently undertaken training as a Mental Health First Aid Champion.
Now living in Penarth, Jim is involved in Penarth Remembrance Society, The Royal British Legion, Penarth Ex Serviceman’s Club and is a member of the Captain Scott Society.
A keen golfer and singer/songwriter, he is married to Jane and is ‘kept on his toes’ sharing a house with their two large ‘Dogue de Bordeaux’ French Mastiffs, Nelson and Moose.
Raymond Earls- Trustee
Raymond Earls is the HR Director for Innovate Trust, a Welsh charity dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently. With extensive experience in human resources and charity governance, Raymond brings invaluable expertise to the board of Woody’s Lodge.
As the uncle of Deputy CEO and Co-founder Sian Woodland, Raymond shares a deep personal connection to Woody’s Lodge and its mission. Paul Woodland was his family, and he is honoured to play a role in continuing his legacy of supporting veterans, emergency service personnel, and their families.
Beyond his professional commitments, Raymond enjoys going to gigs and music festivals, embracing his love for music. He also treasures spending time with his family.
Raymond is proud to be a trustee of Woody’s Lodge, helping to shape its future and ensure it continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who have served.
Nigel Adams- Trustee
Trustee Nigel is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Severn Bay Corporate Solutions, a business providing Corporate Continuity, Insurance and Risk Management solutions, to businesses, charities and organisations across the UK. He has 43 years’ experience in the financial services industry at senior board level. He has a separate consultancy advising and supporting organisations at all stages of their development.
Nigel joined the Royal Regiment of Wales in 1984 as a private soldier, was commissioned in 1993, and retired after 30 years as a Major in the Brigade Headquarters in Brecon. During that time, he commanded at all levels, served in most of Western Europe, USA & Canada and deployed on several NATO outreach missions in Eastern Europe. He holds the Territorial Decoration (TD) and the Volunteer Reserves Services Medal (VRSM).
Nigel is involved with the Penarth Remembrance Society, The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and Penarth Ex. Serviceman’s Club. He is also a keen runner and undertakes ultra marathons, regularly raising money for charities, including Woody’s Lodge. Nigel is married to Karen; they have three adult daughters and live in Sully.
Patrons
Our Patrons are highly respected individuals who lends their name, influence, and support to the charity’s mission. They serve as a public figurehead, helping to raise awareness and generate interest in the charity’s work. Our Patrons act as a champion for our cause, supporting events, engaging with the community, and encouraging others to get involved. While not involved in day-to-day operations, their role is vital in enhancing the charity’s credibility and visibility, and they often use their profile to advocate for the charity, bringing greater recognition and support to its work with veterans and their families.
Meet Our Patrons!
Carole Alexander
Carole was born and brought up in Port Talbot. She served in the WRNS from 1971-1973 and worked most of her time in the Navy at the Royal Marines Barracks, Eastney and HMS Centurion, Gosport.
She has over 23 years of local government experience, working as PA to the Chief Executive and then 15 years as PA to the Mayor.
She retired in 2015 and now works part time as Clerk to a local Community Council.
Alicia Woodland
Alicia was born in Cardiff and was brought up in Penarth where she still lives in her childhood home. Her dad was Polish, and he came to Wales after fighting for the Polish Army in the Second World War.
Alicia is Paul Woodland’s (Woody) mother and as well as bringing up Jamie and Paul, she has been a childminder and carer.
Since Paul’s passing she has raised lots of money for military charities, including taking part in a sky dive. She has contributed locally to military organisations by organising coffee mornings and raffles. Alicia has been with Woody’s Lodge from the beginning and is a Trustee to the Management Board.
She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, shopping, cooking, baking and walking.
Karen Hughes
Karen was born in Castleford, West Yorkshire. Her father was in the Royal Navy so she grew up moving from one end of the country to the other. She moved to Wales after a varied career including window display and running her own model agency.
Seventeen years ago, she married Nigel who was serving in South Wales Police Force. They have a daughter who is now studying for her G.C.S.Es. Nigel was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 8 years ago.
Karen was introduced to Woody’s Lodge in January 2017 after searching for somewhere that Nigel could go where he wouldn’t feel judged and could relate to friends from a similar background.
Karen became a Woody’s Lodge Trustee to the management board in November 2017. She enjoys art, particularly ceramics, gardening, walking, yoga and spending time with her daughter.
Howard Davies
Howard was born in the Rhondda, South Wales in the mid 1950’s and spent the majority of his adult life from leaving school in England from University in Birmingham to a career of nearly 40 years in the IT Industry involving extensive worldwide travel in Technical ,Sales and Management eventually heading up European Operations for several USA based IT companies in the Berkshire area.
Through many years of associating with veterans with his late father, who was a veteran of the Normandy and European Allied Campaigns in 1944, Howard has appreciated and developed a keen interest in helping in the welfare of Armed Forces Veterans young and old, and enjoys the banter and camaraderie Woody’s has to offer within its veteran social community .
After moving back to his Welsh Homeland in 2016, he joined Woody’s Lodge as a Volunteer in May 2019, and shortly thereafter moved to Trustee and Treasurer. After stepping down as Treasurer Howard has now excepted a position of Patron. Howard has an interest in History in general and specifically Military History of the WW1 and WW2 periods, Aviation , Boating and Sailing, and is a keen cyclist and walker.
