TTBS marks end of era as Ivan Savage steps down

David Francis, past president and TTBS trustee, was joined by others at the AGM at the RAF Club in Piccadilly in paying tribute to Mr Savage’s hard work for the Society since he became general manager in 2011 and then subsequently CEO.

“We owe him a great debt of gratitude,” Mr Francis said, adding that it was “an end of an era”.

Mr Savage’s service in the UK timber industry has extended 62 years, starting in 1960. He was well known as the sales director for Wolverhampton-based Carvers Building Supplies.

Mr Savage thanked the trustees, regional committees, board of management and all in the timber sector for assisting him during his tenure, but he gave a special mention to the beneficiaries of the TTBS.

“Throughout the last 12 years, I have enjoyed all my conversations with them and to receive their telephone calls, letters, Christmas cards and emails thanking me and all the TTBS board and committee members for everything that we do to assist them,” he said.

“We owe it to them to continue and expand our work on their behalf and to continue to find new beneficiaries to assist.”

He said it had been a “privilege” to represent the society.

New TTBS general manager Christella Golby started out working for a family owned development and building company based in the Midlands before joining Wyckham Blackwell Ltd.

She has been involved with the TTBS for many years and in 2012 and 2013 was president of the Midlands Region.

John Taylor handed over the reins of president to Tony Shelton of Allwood Trading Ltd, with Paul Snape as the new vice-president.