Championing the role of all SAIF members
After a successful SAIF AGM, new President Paul Bowley is preparing for a busy and productive year. Here, Paul praises the AGM organising committee and looks ahead to the next 12 months:
“My thanks go to past President Paul Allcock and your compère for the Sunday morning Mark Woollard. If you were not at the ceremony Sunday morning you will have no idea what I am on about, so thank you Mark!
“And thank you to Paul for the work he has done in the past year and the work you will carry on doing for the independent funeral director.
“I would also like to thank Alun Tucker for his years of service to SAIF and Chris Parker who has done so much that I would run out of paper if I tried to mention it all. Of course, not forgetting Linda Jones and staff at head office. Have a great retirement Linda, it’s certainly well deserved.
“I look forward to working alongside Chief Executive Terry Tennens and welcome the new members on to the executive committee.
“A big thank you to our associate members, especially those who sponsor events, and my fellow directors and partner Davina for their support. It’s always good to come together at these events to meet old friends, make new ones and share ideas.
“I have been a member of SAIF for many years and am proud and honoured to be representing not only the members of SAIF, but all independent funeral directors across the country.
“Many things have been discussed throughout the year on your behalf, from the regulation of funeral directors to social fund payments and the proposed reforms to death certification. Training and education have always been important in all industries so, for those of you who have not put yourself or your staff through the IFD College, I urge you to do so.
“I look forward to meeting many of you at the regional meetings and hope they will be informative as well as social.
“Every year the new president chooses a charity to support. My charity will be the British Heart Foundation. In 2015, I suffered a heart attack and was taken to the hospital where I had two stents inserted into my artery. I am one of the lucky ones still to be alive. Throughout the year there will be events to support the British Heart Foundation, where I hope you will give generously.
“Once again I thank you for this honour and hope to represent you to the best of my ability.”
Tags: AGM, Alun Tucker, Bowley, British Heart Foundation, charity, Harrogate, Linda Jones, Mark Woollard, Paul Allcock, Paul Bowley, Presidnet, SAIF, Terry Tennens