Our Trustees

Age UK Bury is governed by an Executive Committee Board of Trustees, who generously volunteer their time and commitment to us.  We benefit greatly from their experience, knowledge and skills. 

The Trustees ensure that there is a clear strategy, that the charity is sustainable for the future and that decisions are made in the interest of our beneficiaries.

Joan Rees – Chair

Following early retirement in 1995, I became a volunteer for Age Concern Bury, as it was known then. This led to becoming a Trustee, followed by Deputy Chair then on finally to Chair of Age UK Bury.

I believed then, as I do now, in the ethics, values and beliefs that both indoor and outdoor activities and socializing with peers lead to improved mental and physical health for people over 50. Looking now at many of our members, who are well above the age 50, continuing to enjoy the activities and friendships made under the umbrella of Age UK Bury is a true tribute to the charity’s inception. I am immensely proud to be Chair of the Trustee Board of such a charitable organisation.

During my working life I was employed as a Registrar and Deputy Superintendent Registrar, involving the registering of Births, Deaths and Marriages, for the Borough of Bury.

Outside of my involvement with Age UK Bury I enjoy classical music and theatre. I value my many friendships, where we enjoy outings and meals. My life is shared by my 3 special cats as I am also an avid animal lover and supporter.

Pat Walton – Deputy Chair

I was a primary school teacher for over 30 years, mainly in Salford and Bolton. My most memorable role was when I was Mayoress of Bury between 2006 -2007. It was during this time I got to visit some fantastic venues for multiple organisations and met the many dedicated volunteers. This developed my interest in many charity organisations and led to me volunteering for them afterwards. I volunteered at many charity events and fundraisers and worked in the Bury Hospice shop in Prestwich for over 10 years.

I have been a Governor, the Vice Chair and the Chair of Governors at Elms Bank Special School in Whitefield for over 10 years. This was a real privilege to try and help secure a better future for our young people with learning difficulties.

When I was asked to be a trustee for Age UK Bury, I was truly honored. I had seen the work that was being done and admired our wonderful Jubilee Centre. I have been with Age UK Bury for over 10 years now and it has been a joy to see the charity grow and overcome some very difficult challenges.

Pat Jones-Greenhalgh - Treasurer

As an ambitious young woman, Pat started her career by engaging her creative flair and working as a local hairdresser. Within this role she developed her people skills and empathy for others, she quickly realised that she wanted to pursue a career where she could help others, which led her to starting a new career in Social Care.

Pat started as a Care Assistant before progressing to a Qualified Social Worker, then holding many senior leadership positions within The Council ultimately achieving two Master’s Degrees and reaching the ‘Top Job’ of Chief Executive of Bury Council in 2017.

Pat also held the National Dementia lead for ADASS, the Chief Exec Resilience Lead for Greater Manchester and joined the Executive Committee for Age UK Bury as a trustee in 2019.

Pat says “I’m living proof that anyone can make it. I’ve been driven by strong values, including a belief in people, challenging stigma and discrimination, helping those in need, empowering people to reach their full potential and delivering the highest standards.”

Christine Brookes – Volunteer trustee

I am originally from Middleton but moved to Bury in 1965.

During my working life I started with secretarial roles after I left school. After getting married and having children I moved on to Retail, from 1991 until retirement in 2013 working in Hanbury’s/Co-op on Walmersley Road.

After retirement I started attending the activities and enjoying the food at the Jubilee Centre.

I enjoy reading, gardening, and going to the Cinema. I also adore a good Brass Band concert. I support Bury AFC and still enjoying attending their games. I cherish the coach trips with my many friends made at the Jubilee Centre.

As well as being a trustee for Age UK Bury, I attend Seedfield Methodist Church, where I help to run the Ladies Circle.

Stan Edwards – Volunteer trustee

Having come to the realization that my first stab at gainful employment as an articled clerk with a firm of chartered accountants was not for me, I found my fit in this world as a salesman.

My sales journey from a start with stationery led through chocolate [where I certainly enjoyed the samples] to vending machines before striking lucky by joining an American based multinational company [3M] in its automotive aftermarkets division. That together with England winning the world cup and the birth of the second of my three daughters made 1966 a very good year for me.

During the last quarter of the 20th century, I held three different management positions with the company. Regional sales manager, sales training manager and distribution strategies manager. All aligned to business growth by being people focused.      

This century started well for me by giving me the opportunity of early retirement in January 2000 at the age of 60. After what I like to think of as my gap year [not everything needs to be the prerogative of the young] I have spent the last twenty plus years involved in voluntary work.

I spent 14 years with Bury Samaritans during which at different times I was honoured to be Chair, director, and North West regional outreach officer. This allowed me the opportunity to work with prisoners at Manchester prison part of which was helping run the self-harm self-help group, also working with the Greater Manchester Suicide prevention team and working with several police forces in their efforts to work in greater unity with those suffering mental health issues.

Following my time with the Samaritans I have had stints with both the Creative Living Centre and Bury Involvement Group, both in the field of mental health. During this time, I sat on the C.C.G. Patient Cabinet focusing on mental health and attended meetings of the North Bury N.H.S. health alliance. I joined the board of Age UK Bury in 2018.

Susan Holt – Volunteer trustee

Ever since I was a child I have lived in the area. I attended Chesham Primary School and Chesham Sunday School, which was situated at the bottom of the white path. Growing up I spent much of my free time playing round the Lido, in the Miss Walkers field as well as exploring Bluebell Wood at the top of Chesham Road.

During my working career, I spent 42 years working in the Finance Department of Fairfield General Hospital. In that time, I had many different jobs and lots of different desks.

I now attend Bury Unitarian Church, where we support the foodbank in Radcliffe and have helped to raise money for various charities over the years. When I was part of the Soroptimist International Club of Bury, I volunteered at many events, socials and helped to raise awareness of the help that people needed, and how and where they could access it.

I am pleased to be a trustee of Age UK Bury at the Jubilee Centre. I believe that as people are living longer, they need pastimes that not only fill their time but also give them a sense of fulfilment. Some can join in with physical activities, some with artistic activities and all enjoy spending time in the café. A cup of coffee, snacks or a full meal all while being able being able to socialise with friends old and new and enjoy the beautiful view which is spectacular in all seasons.

I now live in Limefield with my black and white Cat, Mollie, who is great at letting me know exactly what she needs, she especially enjoys a good tummy tickle. My hobbies include Crown Green Bowling in the Summer, indoor bowling in the winter, travelling abroad and around the UK. I enjoy reading and watching Cricket on TV or live at Old Trafford.

Duncan Lees – Volunteer trustee

I was born in Scotland in 1938. In my working life I was a Company Director in the Interior Design and Refurbishment industry. I spent over 50 years in the industry.

I was previously a volunteer and member of Bury Lions Club for 34 years. During that time, I gained a huge amount of experience in Fundraising and was even awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2021 for dedicated humanitarian services to the Lions Club International Foundation.

I left Bury Lions in late 2021 to dedicate more of my free time to Age UK Bury as I believe in their ethos and hope to lend my fundraising experience to a very worthy charity.

I enjoy spending time at the Jubilee Centre. My real passion is for music, I have played the drums since my youth and continue to play even now.