A NEW CHAIRMAN FOR THE TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST
The Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Aisher as our new Chairman. David will take up the post at the charity’s Annual General Meeting on the 24th of July. He will replace Jock Lennox, who will step down after 9 years as the Chairman.
David began his professional life at the Marley Tile Company working in a number of different parts of the company finishing up in their merchanting operation from where he went on to found Drakes Plumbing Supplies, a business he started in 1983. He is now Chairman of the company which currently employs 56 staff in eight different locations in the South East of England. His other business leadership roles included Director of a builders’ merchants, of which he was a majority shareholder until 2006. He is also currently a Director of a company involved with medical devices.
When away from work David spends much of his time on board his classic 1888 Gaff Cutter Thalia. During his long sailing life, David has been actively involved with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) becoming their Commodore and latterly the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) where he progressed from the sailing committee to Rear Commodore Yachting.
Jock Lennox reflecting on his time with the TSYT said:
My time with the trust has been hugely rewarding in the knowledge that the impact we have on the lives of young people is transformational; I have seen it at first hand. And it is this that has kept me going through the challenges we have had. I am grateful to those who have supported our plans – and they have been many – and to the staff so ably led by our CEO, Richard Leaman-Grey, who have always been good humoured and determined. I am delighted that David is stepping into the role and I am sure he will provide excellent oversight for the trust’s next phase – transforming the lives of even more young people!
Commenting on the handover, the CEO, Richard, said:
We are incredibly grateful to Jock for the huge impact he has had on the Trust since joining. Jock is a tough act to follow, but we are thrilled to welcome David to build on Jock’s legacy and lead the charity to the next level.
David added:
It is a huge privilege to lead the Tall Ships Youth Trust at such a critical time for the charity’s development. When the challenges young people face are getting tougher and more complex, the need for our work has never been more relevant. I look forward to working with everyone at Tall Ships to ensure that as many young people as possible are able to make the most of this life-changing experience.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST
At the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), our mission is to enable young people to fulfil their life potential through experiences at sea, and by breaking down the barriers they face in society. The charity operates nationally all year round to provide a safe and exciting residential learning environment for young people to develop independent living skills, social skills and to improve their life aspirations. TSYT takes around 1,200 crew members to sea for an average of 7 nights each year, over two-thirds of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds or have a disability. Over 90% of those who sail with the Trust say they believe the voyages help develop their team working, communication and problem-solving skills and the same number believe they increase their long-term life opportunities. Around 20% of young people who sail with us receive a recommendation to return and sail as a member of the Volunteer Crew which provides them with the opportunity to work towards nationally accredited maritime qualifications and could lead to a career at sea.
For further information please visit www.tallships.org or contact Alicia Burnett, Tall Ships Youth Trust Communications and PR Officer:
02392 382055
