Revd Mervyn Terrett, our first Chairperson and one of the founding Trustees, has decided to stand down. He is going to put his feet up, relax and take a well-earned rest for the first time. We will miss him enormously but wish him all the very best as he eases up, has more leisure opportunities and spends some time, at last, with his wife and family. We are so grateful for everything that Mervyn has done for the Trust throughout the last fifteen years.
From its beginning in 2009, Mervyn helped Margaret Ashby to realise her vision of setting up a charity that would support learners who were returning to education in later life. This was to be in remembrance of Betty Game who had done exactly this herself. What better legacy to remember Betty than to provide learning opportunities for others living in Stevenage. Our thanks go to Mervyn as he was instrumental in setting this up and registering the charity.
As our first chairman, Mervyn, together with the other Trustees launched the charity and recruited supporters. They undertook all kinds of fund raising to help the Betty Game Opportunities Trust get off to a good start. Mervyn became legendary as a Quiz Master and as an MC for various events undertaken by the Trust. Moreover, Mervyn provided the guidance needed to ensure that the stated objectives of the Trust were achieved.
As we enter the Trusts fifteenth year we are treading in Mervyn’s footprints. Learners returning to education in later life are finding support for their studies, perhaps for books, a new laptop, travel or parking, printer ink and so forth. Currently students from the post code areas of SG1 and SG2 are being supported by the Trust for courses in Civil Engineering, Midwifery, Adult Nursing, Counselling, English Literature, Diagnostic Radiography, and Graduate Entry Medicine.
Thank you Mervyn, these great outcomes, together with those across the years is testimony to your tireless work for the Betty Game Opportunities Trust.
Rev Mervyn Terrett