Trustees’ Week Spotlight: Alistair Needler, The Beverley Minster Old Fund

As we celebrate Trustees’ Week, the HEY Smile Foundation is highlighting the people whose time and care support charities across our region.

This spotlight is on Alistair Needler, Chairman and Trustee of The Beverley Minster Old Fund, a charity which dates back to 1579, when it was established during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I specifically for the repair and maintenance of Beverley Minster’s historic building and fabric.

Family Tradition

“I became a trustee as part of a bit of a family tradition,” says Alistair. “My grandfather and two uncles have served as trustees in years gone by. My parents were married at Beverley Minster, and it’s a church that I have always admired, especially as it’s the first thing you see as you drive over Beverley Westwood. It was also my way of giving back. I have been fortunate to have had some relative success in owning and running businesses, and I wanted to give something back to a charity that the family had been involved in for over 60 years.”

Alistair highlights one moment of particular pride. “The highlight so far was when we were awarded a £450,000 development grant by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which will hopefully lead to a £6 million grant to repair the east end roofs and the east end window.”

Time to Spare

When asked what advice he would give to someone thinking of becoming a trustee, Alistair says, “You firstly need to have the time to give and secondly, need to care about the charity and have a real connection to it.”

Now semi-retired, he balances his charity commitments with other roles. “I’m fortunate that my time is my own as I no longer work full time and have a number of non-executive business roles and three charity trustee roles.”

The HEY Smile Foundation thanks Alistair and all trustees for the dedication and experience they bring to the local charity sector.