Charity begins in the trade

The Timber Trades' Benevolent Society (TTBS), founded in 1897, assists past and present members of the timber trade and their dependants, and also some much younger traders who have fallen ill, become severely handicapped or have lost their partners and are still caring for their children.

The TTBS has nine regional committees, made up of volunteers, and a UK central office in Staffordshire where I, as general manager, co-ordinate the society's work and administer the day-to-day financial support to the beneficiaries.

In addition to the general administration and accounting functions, the general manager acts as PA to the trustees and board of management, organising the quarterly and annual general meetings, and representing the TTBS at the Association of Charitable Organisations.

The general manager is also responsible for promoting the TTBS to increase support and recruit on behalf of the regional committees and, most critically, to get the TTBS message out to the next generation of beneficiaries. The general manager is also secretary of the Midlands region.

The board of management comprises four trustees, the national president and vice-president, investment managers, past presidents, the general manager and representatives from the regions.

Assistance to beneficiaries includes quarterly payments, TV licences, an allowance towards telephone rental, Christmas hampers, payments at Christmas and in the spring and help with winter fuel bills. The TTBS also makes one-off grants for the replacement of domestic appliances, property repairs, respite breaks and to assist with funeral costs. It also makes contributions towards equipment for the disabled, often in conjunction with other organisations such as Royal British Legion and SSAFA.

The TTBS welcomes additional support from members of the timber and associated trades who might wish to serve on a regional committee or support the national social events - details of which are on www.ttbs.org.uk.

The website also gives details of how the TTBS is funded, the governing criteria and how new applications are assessed.

? Industry Update is a forum for trade bodies to address key issues.