Trustees

Cindy Brook

Chair

Cindy started volunteering with 'Deeds for Needs' when it was set up originally by PKVAS. She became chairman in 2017 when the organisation changed to become an independent local organisation and charity, known as 'Tay Valley Timebank'. Cindy is committed to community and like other Board members is involved with a number of local organisations.

Cindy's former life equipped her with a range of skills invaluable for the development of TVT. As a general practitioner she developed an affinity for people and communities, and insight into the struggles people can face in leading their lives. Her quest for doing things differently, led her into health service management, as a Director of Primary Care, and as one of the first GPs in Scotland to be on a Health Board. This together with the experience of working with the World Health Organisation furthered her experience in public health medicine and community development. She also chaired a local authority Sports and Leisure Trust (and charity) encouraging people to keep active and lead longer healthier lives.

Phil Richards

Secretary and Treasurer

Phil Richards was a volunteer broker with Deeds for Needs before Tay Valley Timebank (TVT) was formed in 2017. He became a founding Trustee of TVT and has served on the Board as secretary and treasurer.

Phil worked in different facets of education all his career, starting as a classroom teacher. He was Co-Principal of a residential school for children with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties in south west Scotland before illness led to a career break. Phil finished his career as a learning technology manager, working in both further and higher education settings. He was instrumental in championing significant changes in the use of technology, which benefitted learners and staff.

Phil is very involved in voluntary work in the local community. He became chair of the Breadalbane Men's Shed when it was constituted as a SCIO in 2016. He has led the development of this group from meeting in a local cafe to now having a workshop and social area, with toilet facilities.

Phil believes passionately in the power of collective support and that we are all better off if we help each other.

Peter Ely

Peter has an extensive background as an Audit Manager, working with the District Audit Service and Audit Commission in England. His expertise includes auditing accounts for Local and Health Authorities, conducting Value for Money projects, and leading fraud investigations.

Now retired and residing in Kenmore, Peter is a staunch advocate for community empowerment. He believes that fostering community strength is essential for creating a fairer society and transforming lives. As a dedicated volunteer, he actively supports local groups, with a primary focus on sustaining their operations. His philosophy, "Small is Beautiful," often guides his approach.

Peter currently serves as the Chair of the Kenmore & District Community Council and the Breadalbane Development Trust. He holds a trustee role at Tay Valley Connect and The Scottish Crannog Centre, is the Treasurer of the Breadalbane Reading Rooms, a member of the Loch Tay Association, and supports several other local groups.

Bill Muntus

Since joining our board around 2014, Bill has been a beacon of guidance and insight. With a robust background in retail trade and specialised qualifications in retail management, particularly in the textile sector, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.

Bill is renowned for his expertise in high-end carpet installations from London to New York. Following this career, he dedicated himself as a full-time carer for his late wife Nina. His diverse experiences have been instrumental in shaping our strategic direction and fostering innovation.

Deeply committed to charitable activities and volunteer work, such as the Men's Shed and the local repair café, Bill embodies our core values of community service and philanthropy. His efforts extend beyond the boardroom, actively participating in initiatives that drive social change and contribute to our mission.

Bill's leadership is marked by his visionary approach and dedication to our cause, making him an invaluable asset. His work not only propels our organisation forward but also inspires a culture of commitment and excellence.

Andy Pakula

Having moved to Scotland from London with his wife and large dog in 2021, Andy is a new TVC trustee. His background in community-building, leadership, fundraising, strategy, public speaking, and technology underlies his contributions to TVC.

As chair of the Newington Green Alliance, a community-building charity he co-founded in 2020, and minister of a non-religious London church focused on mutual support, love and social justice, Andy has dedicated years to fostering strong community. (Andy is a credentialed Unitarian minister and is authorised to officiate weddings in Scotland).

Before beginning ministerial and charitable work, Andy lived in the USA where his career in biotechnology, supported by a Ph.D. in Biology and a Master's in business, bridged research and business sectors.