Bushy Leaze Family Support
Providing vital family support and outreach to families with children aged 0-5
in Alton and the surrounding area
Meet the Team
Patti Snook - Chair
I have been a trustee since September 2020 but I have been associated with Bushy Leaze for much longer.
I was a teacher in early years for 30 years and had the privilege of being Head of Centre at Bushy Leaze from 2010.
I know how valuable the Family Support team is, and what a difference their support makes to the lives of very young children and their families, which is why I was instrumental in setting up the charity in 2016. We couldn’t stand by and let the Children’s Centre close.
I am delighted to see and support the team growing in strength and expertise. It is very satisfying to know we are helping to make a difference.
Dawn Murphy – Trustee
I have lived in Alton for nearly 40 years and been involved with Bushy Leaze for 30 of them, both in a professional as well as a voluntary role. I am passionate about keeping a Family Support service in Alton as I have seen the impact of timely Early Help and how it can change families lives.
Suzanna (Sue) Rustell – Trustee
I have been involved in early years for over 50 years and have managed nurseries, been a childminder, a tutor and assessor. I was a manager of a Sure Start centre for 8 years and am a true advocate for working with families making a difference to our youngest children’s lives.
Dan Read – Trustee
I have worked in the charity sector for 20 years, working in Partnership Management, Trust and Corporate Fundraising for national healthcare charities such as Diabetes UK and the National Autistic Society. More recently I worked for local Family Support Charities. I am a former beneficiary of the Family Support Team after my family received one-to-one support and attended family support groups from 2013-16. I have been a trustee for over six years after helping set up the charity when Hampshire’s Sure Start Centres were closed.
I live in Alton with my daughter, son and wife. In my spare time, I have run a programme of successful music events, have a published paper in the field of planetary science and enjoy mountain biking.
Lorraine Temple – Treasurer
My background is in education finance, and I worked as a school finance adviser for Hampshire County Council before joining Bushy Leaze Children and Families Centre as Business Manager in 2017. I am now retired and enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and working part time for a local estate agent.
Derek Gardner – Trustee
After 17 years in the Royal Air Force I arrived in Alton in 1996. I immediately got involved with Alton Rugby Club, and Alton Golf Club. I was elected Town Councillor for the ward of Wootey’s for 8 years, and was fortunate to serve as Alton Town Mayor twice. I have been heavily involved with Alton Victorian Cricket for over 15 years.
I am also married to Cathy.
Charitable Status
The Bushy Leaze Family Support Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity No: 1195659. You can view our details on the Charity Commission website by following this link: UK Charity Commission (Link opens in a new browser window).
Annual Report
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Next: What we do
Bushy Leaze Family Support thank our funders
