Meet your SSF Trustees Committee - Sutton Seniors' Forum

R.I.P YOUR MAJESTY

We were very sorry to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11

Nina Amin, SSF Treasurer, had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty the Queen at a reception at Windsor Castle on 2nd April 2019. Nina was grateful to have been accepted by the NCVO to stand in place of SSF Chair, Barry Todman, who was unable to attend. Nina said she felt proud, and an honour to represent SSF, particularly as she learnt that, from a total of some 14,000 charities, 200 charities had been selected and SSF was one of them. Each representative were presented to Her Majesty. Whilst waiting in the reception room, Nina had the opportunity to mingle with others representing a variety of charities from across the UK.

Her Majesty was supported at the Reception by other members of the Royal Family, including The Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Nina had the pleasure of being introduced to The Duchess of Gloucester, who was very keen to know about SSF, particularly why she became involved with it. She was interested to hear that, having cared for her aunt and parents in the past, it seemed like a natural progression.

TRUSTEE

Marilyn Gordon-Jones

I have lived and worked in the London Borough of Sutton most of my life. For many years, I have been interested in looking at the services available for residents growing older and finding life a little more difficult! This has led to my involvement as a volunteer for charities such as Sutton Old People’s Welfare Committee (Sutton Lodge Day Centre), AgeUK Sutton, Sutton Nursing Association and, more recently, Sutton Seniors' Forum.

CHAIR

Barry Todman

Following early retirement in 2000, I spent a couple of years taking holidays and generally doing nothing. I then became very involved with the National Pensioners Convention, and have subsequently been active in other like-minded organisations, including of course Sutton Seniors Forum, where I am currently the Chairman. I believe there are so many campaigning issues we should be involved in, for example protecting our NHS and Social Care, improving the state pension, retaining the freedom pass, reducing fuel poverty etc.

Finally, I hope we can build the SSF membership, and ensure that we are campaigning for both todays and tomorrows pensioners, but at the same time recognise the problems facing younger people. So, let’s build bridges-not barriers between the generations.

TRUSTEE

Clive Orton

Clive Orton is Professor Emeritus of Quantitative Archaeology at University College London (he retired in 2008). He now works as a volunteer in Sutton Archives and as a Sutton Street Pastor. He is also Treasurer of the Carshalton Water Tower and Historic Garden Trust, and a Vice-President of the Carshalton and District History and Archaeology Society (usually known as CADHAS). In the past he has been a churchwarden at St Nicholas Church Sutton, and has lived in Sutton for over 50 years.

ADVISOR

Joan Bridge

My former role at SSF was Secretary, as well as outings organiser. I recently retired as SSF Secretary in 2021. For over 30 years, I was employed as Office Administrator and Events Organiser for the British Clothing industry’s Trade Association. I am also a Trustee of Sutton Vision, a charity working to help people with sight loss.

TRUSTEE

Mary Steensma

Member of SSF for 15 years after retiring from secondary school Teaching and Civil Service professions. On comimttee for at least 10 years as Events Officer. Have organised exchange with German pensioners from Berlin and speakers on a wide variety of topics. Responsible for overall organisation of Sunday Brunches for lonely and disabled members.

TREASURER

Nina Amin

I retired from a career in Pharmacy in 2014 and since then I have been actively involved in a variety of charity works. Currently I am the Treasurer for Sutton Seniors Forum. I am also a trustee for both the Wallington Community Wellbeing Charity and Sutton Nursing Association.

I enjoy walking and started a walking group about a year ago and we do the walk every Wednesday.

When not working with Charities I love volunteering. I have been a volunteer with AGE UK Sutton since 2014. During Covid period I volunteered through Sutton Volunteers at Vaccination Centres. I am also an active volunteer with London Mayor Volunteers.

My Other passion is travelling and I have been able to travel to destinations all over the World and still continue.

TRUSTEE

Pamela Lyn

Having been an actress for the last 30+ years, I am getting used to being asked for a 'Selfie' instead of an autograph now. Most of my roles are for 'elderly lady', but one must be thankful for being able to do it. I am also grateful to be able to be involved with SSF, going right back to its very early days. Having served on the Committee in various roles, now I do the odd jobs, like taking the wonderful knitting and quilts made by members to the Neuro Baby Unit at St Helier Hospital every month: collecting postage stamps and jewellery for charity. I organise and welcome members new and old to our monthly lunches. I also enjoy hosting and helping at the Forum's Brunches held for the more isolated members of the Forum.