Wimborne Wagtails
Swimming Club for the Disabled
The Club currently has 4 trustees who run Wagtails and meet regularly.
Chairperson - Julian Vernon
Experience and skills
Julian was a social worker for 25 years before he retired. His work in childcare and adult mental health has given him an appreciation of how difficult life can be for anyone with a disability and that their carers often need support too. His son has been swimming with Wagtails for over 12 years.
Club work undertaken
As Chairman Julian is now involved in all areas of the Club. Before this he helped with the Galas - preparing the Wagtails teams and providing support at the Galas.
Treasurer & Secretary - Alexandra Tuckey
Experience and skills
Alexandra works for the local Accountancy firm Hill Osborne in Wimborne. She has good accounting, computer, database and admin skills. Having an autistic daughter (who has been swimming with Wagtails for 8 years) she has first-hand experience of autism and learning disabilities.
Club work undertaken
Alexandra organises and updates members’ data, takes committee meeting minutes and is involved with many other admin tasks. She produces the Club’s accounts and deals with all financial tasks. She is also involved with fundraising, organising social events and keeping the website updated.
Public Relations Officer - David Allen
Experience and skills
David has previously been Chairman of Broadstone Chamber of Trade & Commerce from 2002-2004. He helped to set up Broadstone Access Group in 2003. He has extensive knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act after becoming disabled following a stroke in 2008. This resulted in spending 10 months in wheelchair, so he has plenty of first-hand knowledge of disability issues.
Club work undertaken
David is responsible for public relations helping to build a strong image for the club. He is involved with promoting the Club, fundraising, networking with other charities and attending meetings relevant to the operating of the Club.
Safeguarding Officer - Rosalind Barton
Experience and skills
Ros works for 2 other charities – matchmothers.org and prodisability.org.uk. She has had experience as a teaching assistant at a local special school and has worked in sales. Having multiple sclerosis herself she understands the practical everyday issues of disablilty.
Club work undertaken
Ros is responsible for child and vulnerable adults safeguarding, DBS's and also organises the taxi transport.