Meet the trustees of Okehampton United Charity

There are 13 trustees of Okehampton United Charity, each of them working hard to support residents from the town and its hamlets.

Three such trustees are the focus of the March/April Oke Links’ Local People section, putting faces to an organisation dedicated to the community.

The trustees provide support by awarding grants to local organisations and individuals - with £357,399 awarded in 2021 alone - and by managing land including the allotments, the Community Garden (including the Men in Sheds project), Ball Hill and the recently acquired Tramlines Meadow. They meet monthly, considering grants and agreeing the ongoing management of the charity.

Allenton Fisher has lived in Okehampton with his wife, Jean, for 17 years with Jean. Allenton said: ‘I have fallen in love with the town and surrounding area. After retiring as a Naval Officer, I was a Postmaster culminating in running the Okehampton branch for 10 years. We have 8 children, 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.’ 

Allenton is also involved with the Rotary and Everything Okehampton, and considers it an honour to be a trustee of Okehampton United Charity.

Jenny Gibbons retired from her university teaching career in 2017 and decided to stay in the local area, exploring the moorland by foot and on horseback. ‘I am privileged to have been able to join Okehampton United Charity. My role has taught me so much about Okehampton and its people. I am very grateful to have been able to learn so much from my hardworking colleagues and from the people who volunteer in the many organisations which help us in our effort to improve things for everyone who lives and works around Okehampton’.

Last but not least, Philip Davies worked as a veterinary surgeon in Okehampton and Chagford until recently retiring. Philip has been the President of the Western Countries Veterinary Association and President of Okehampton and District Agricultural Show. He was a first team member and is now a Vice President of Okehampton Rugby Football Club, together with being a previous Treasurer of Okehampton and District Round Table. Philip has three daughters - Amelia, Harriet and Lily. He was nominated to become a trustee by Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council in 2021 and quickly immersed himself in the charity, joining the property sub-committee and visiting local organisations who have received grants from the trustees in 2021. 

Trustees are looking forward to an exciting and challenging 2022, anticipating getting out and about more than they were able in the last two years, meeting many of the organisations and individuals they support. If you would like to know more about the charity, please visit the website www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk or call 07715 621480.  

• A special highlight for the charity has been the successful securing of more than 33 acres of land in Okehampton. This land includes the beautiful Tramlines Bridleway and three other parcels of land. Some of the land will be used to enhance life in Okehampton by providing green space and routes from Okehampton to Dartmoor. The trustees will look to work with other local organisations to ensure the land is preserved for the benefit of residents, to develop the environmental features and enhance educational opportunities.