The Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society – Supporting the Timber Industry since 1897
The Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society (TTBS), was founded in 1897, originally in London and thereafter with voluntary Regional Committees covering London, Home Counties & East Anglia, Southern, West & Wales, Midlands, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, North West, North East & Cumbria and Scotland.
The Society is an active member of the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) www.aco.uk.net, which is the national umbrella body for Trusts & Foundations that give grants and welfare support to individuals in need.
The Society is funded by annual dividends from a well-managed Investment portfolio, built up since the 1897 formation, together with National and Regional fundraising activities, which provide a calendar of social events for the timber trade throughout the year, donations from companies and individuals connected to the timber trade and also, over the years, from some extremely generous legacies from past members of the timber trade.
We have four Trustees and eight regional volunteer committees. Representatives from these committees, together with the President, Vice President, Past-Presidents of the Society and the Trustees and General Manager, make up our Board of Management.
Representatives of the regional committees visit existing and new beneficiaries regularly to ensure that we are providing the most appropriate help. New volunteers are always welcome.
The regional committees also organise a number of fundraising events ranging from golf to river cruises and clay pigeon shooting as well as seasonal lunches and dinners.
National President – James Southern
The timber trade was a compulsory career for me and has become a defining part of my life.
I consider myself both fortunate and privileged to have found my place in such a rewarding profession.
I formally joined my family business, MH Southern and Company Limited, in 1992, becoming the first member of the fourth generation of my family to do so. At that time, I worked alongside my father, uncle, and great-uncle, as well as many valued colleagues within the firm. My family has a long-standing connection with TTBS, and even before joining full-time, I spent time gaining experience during holidays prior to studying at St Andrews University.
Through my involvement with TTBS, I have had the privilege of meeting many of our beneficiaries, often visiting them in their own homes. These encounters are always enjoyable and insightful, frequently accompanied by fond recollections of bygone days.
The gratitude they express for the support we provide is deeply humbling. It serves as a powerful reminder of why TTBS exists, why it deserves our continued support and care and why it is so important to ensure it can continue offering assistance for many years to come.
TTBS General Manager -Christella Golby
It is a great honour for me to be taking on the role of General Manager of the Timber Trades Benevolent Society.
I started out working for a family-owned development and building company based in the Midlands before joining Wyckham Blackwell Ltd, Hampton in Arden, another family owned company and great supporters of the TTBS, where I became a director involved in many aspects of the business.
It was during my time at Wyckham Blackwell that I joined the TTBS Midlands Committee as a volunteer, as part of a great team, organising various events and raising much needed funds.
In 2012 and 2013 I had the honour of being elected President of the Midlands Region, so have been involved with the TTBS for many years.
I am looking forward to my new role and hope to be able to offer support to the various regions and our beneficiaries.
I would particularly like to take this opportunity to thank Ivan Savage for his kindness and support to me personally during my years with TTBS and wish him a long and happy retirement.
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