Volunteers of the Month - December 2022 - Bryan Richards & Terry Webb

Christmas is always such a wonderful time of the year, and to make this one even more special, we’d like to introduce not one, but TWO Volunteers of the Month!

This December we’d like to say a special thank you to two people who are very close to our hearts, and two treasured members of the Hearing Dogs family – namely, Bryan Richards and Terry Webb.

Bryan and Terry have individually, each been Chair and Treasurer of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s fundraising branch in Cheshire, during which time the branch has gone from strength to strength and significantly increased its presence at outdoor events. Amongst their many skills, Bryan and Terry have been amazing organisers and motivators for these numerous events, the flagship of which has always been the Woodland Walk at Arley which they have reliably led, publicised, and generated entry fees and sponsorship for well over a decade. The walk takes in Big Wood, an area not normally open to the public, the access to which is arranged thanks to the strong and friendly relationship the Branch has nurtured with Lord Ashbrook.

This year, the decision has sadly been taken to close the Branch, and keep lots of local activity going as a more informal fundraising group. It would be wrong to do this without marking the incredible contribution of the two individuals who have been most active in the Branch over the past few years, Terry and Bryan.

Margaret & Ken Ness joined Hearing Dogs as volunteers as a direct result of coming along to a volunteer recruitment event that was part of the Arley walk in 2015:

“We have learnt a lot about Hearing Dogs and been introduced to some wonderful partnerships since meeting Terry and Bryan. They have been stalwart members of the fundraising team since day one of our Hearing Dogs journey - we have been honoured to fundraise, with their help and guidance, alongside them. 

What they have done and the monies they’ve raised for Hearing Dogs over the years has been simply phenomenal; it is hard to separate the individual contributions they have made as, to us, the strength always been their great teamwork.”

Terry’s superb organisational ability, and Bryan’s strong directional skills, have been used to huge advantage many a time over the years. Never missing a trick for generating income, Bryan has always made certain of having a raffle at events, most times providing the prizes himself, in order to successfully draw in passers-by who otherwise would otherwise simply have walked past. 

Fellow volunteers Terry & Caroline Roeves recount: “They have always ensured that events such as the Sandbach Christmas Fayre were well stocked, set up and publicised to help spread positive awareness about Hearing Dogs across East Cheshire.

One of their weekly, winter duties is to supply Christmas cards to Wilmslow and Macclesfield volunteer-run charity Christmas card shops in order to ensure that they never ran out, as well as taking responsibility for opening, setting up and closing both shops.

Tombola and raffle events have also been plentiful, enthusiastically ensuring that all attendees had fantastic time. Even children who didn’t win in the draws would leave with enormous smiles on their faces, thanks to the thoughtfulness of both Bryan and Terry.”

Fiona Whitelaw, who has volunteered closely with both Bryan and Terry says: “I joined the Cheshire Fundraising Branch around 2011 and in time was asked to support as the Secretary, releasing Terry to become the Treasurer. What I remember most about fundraising with Terry was his forensic analysis of the events we supported, to determine where the successes and weaknesses were. None more so than the Arley Walk. He knew who the most successful fundraisers would be, as well as the most effective marketing approach, which enabled the Branch to develop and improve one of its flagship events of the fundraising calendar year upon year.

I first met Bryan at a volunteers’ conference, also around 2011, and I was immediately struck by his passion for the Charity and the success of the Cheshire Fundraising Branch. Bryan is an intrinsically compassionate human being, and Terry is kindness embodied. They both go many extra miles to ensure all of the Branch’s flock, especially the more senior ones, are included and kept in regular contact. I hold them both in very high esteem.”

Hilary Harris, a former Trustee of the Charity and member of the Branch, says: “It gives me great pleasure to write a few words about Terry and Bryan who have separately and together chaired the Cheshire Branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. They are true heroes and have inspired so many to follow in their footsteps and continue the work that they have put in over the years for Hearing Dogs.

Their enthusiasm and hard work over many years has contributed to the success of the Branch. They have publicised the work of the charity far and wide, and developed many contacts who have contributed not only financially but also at the coal face. Running events is a major undertaking and their forward planning has ensured success. Trying to erect an awning on a very wet and windy Knutsford Heath, was a challenge that almost literally engulfed myself and Terry one time.

Bryan and Terry, we will forever be grateful for the work you’ve each put in so selflessly, the time you’ve given up and the things you put yourselves through for the sake of our charity, almost being eaten by gazebos of course at the top of that list!

Most especially I have observed at first hand the care and compassion shown to branch members on many occasions, be it bereavement, hospital admission or family concerns. Both Bryan and Terry have shone a brilliant light on the charity in Cheshire and will be much missed as they step towards retirement.”

Community Fundraising Manager, Gaynor Cavanagh, explains: “Both Bryan and Terry have been an incredible support to me since I began my role in 2019. Sadly, the time has come that they have decided to step down as Branch Officers, however I am delighted that they will remain as volunteers so we all can look forward to working together for many further years.

Hearing Dogs’ strong presence in the Cheshire area, is thanks in no small part to these two amazing men.

Bryan is so positive about the Charity and a wonderful ambassador for our work. His tireless efforts have made a huge difference to deaf people over the years, and he has been supportive and helpful beyond ordinary friendship to several of the more veteran members of the Branch.

Terry is a superb volunteer, always with a twinkle in his eye and willing to turn his hand to anything. He is an excellent public speaker who uses his skills and knowledge of Hearing Dogs to deliver interesting and informative presentations, taking the time and care to carry out research to ensure all his delivery is correct and up to date.”

Both Terry and Bryan have developed a deep understanding of the challenges that deaf people and those with hearing loss face, something that they have been at pains to support by fundraising so energetically for Hearing Dogs. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave, and never afraid to get stuck into the less glamorous side of events. Superlatives are almost not enough to fully represent what Bryan and Terry have achieved over the years. May we wish each of these fine ambassadors a very Happy Christmas and an exceptionally well-deserved break.