We are very happy to welcome two new Trustees to the River Thames Boat Project Board.  Chris Deavin and Steven Wibberley are both river enthusiasts, live locally and between them bring excellent commercial, business planning, charity sector and health sector experience to RTBP.  Trustee meetings are still via Zoom at the moment but when it is possible, Chris and Steven are both keen to get out on the boats and meet volunteers, Friends and supporters. 

Chris has a background in the City and significant experience of leading the commercial growth of financial research and ratings businesses. He led sales teams at S&P Investment Services, Morningstar and TS Lombard and is currently a Director at Defaqto. For many years he was the Chair of the European Independent Research Providers Association (Euro IRP) and has an MBA from Imperial College.

Chris lives in East Twickenham and has lived close to the River Thames for most of his life. He has spent many hours on the river, boating and supporting his children’s sailing and rowing. He is passionate about the river, its history and in helping to make it more accessible to those who can learn and benefit from it most, but who do not have the opportunity. He has a Level 2 Boat License and is looking forward to getting his hands on some ropes and helping with some of the trips, meeting both volunteers and passengers. He is also looking forward to using his sales and commercial experience to help the charity raise funds for its wonderful work.

Steven spent the first twenty years of his working career as a general manger in the NHS.  Twelve years ago, he moved to the charity sector, initially working at Macmillan Cancer Support and then at the British Lung Foundation.  For the past three years he has been Chief Executive at Cruse Bereavement Support, the UK’s largest bereavement charity.  Steven moved to Ham in the late 1990s and tries to make the most of living by the river, walking his dog along the tow path, pottering around in his aging and unreliable cabin cruiser or occasionally paddling a kayak.  He is delighted to be appointed as Trustee and hopes to bring his experience from working in other charities to the River Thames Boat Project.

Welcome Chris and Steven!