Greenham Common Trust Bids Farewell to Two Dedicated Employees

Longevity of service, in a transient world, is something that deserves recognition and two Greenham Common Trust employees have clocked up 17 years’ service – each!

Melissa Elliott is PA to the chief executive and is also the grants administrator, while Paul Craggs is GCT’s estate manager.

Both Melissa and Paul joined in 1998 and have been an integral part of GCT ever since.

Melissa started as a grants administrator and in 2006 her responsibilities increased when she became PA to the chief executive.

She said: “GCT is unique. I have thoroughly enjoyed working here, not only with colleagues but also with the many local organisations I have helped over the years.

“The wide variety of projects we have helped has given me a huge diversity of people to work with. It has been this variety that has been the most enjoyable.”

During her time, Melissa has helped process more than £32m to local projects in grants. From 2011 she was involved in the development and administration of www.findmeagrant.org, the Trust’s website designed for grant seekers and people wishing to donate to local projects.

Melissa and her husband  plan to move to North Devon to be closer to family, and she would like to continue using her skills, through volunteering and fundraising for local organisations.

Paul started out in construction and property management, and joined the Trust in 1998. He said: “I have overseen the maintenance of the existing building stock, the procurement of new buildings and additions to the estate, together with lettings and service utilities.”

He added: “All the surplus funds the Trust accrues are available for charitable distribution. As a member of a small and dedicated team I have been able to be involved in all aspects of the Trust’s activities and have taken immense job satisfaction from the varied and engrossing work.”
Paul plans to spend his retirement travelling, and spending time with family in Japan, as well as being kept busy by his many grandchildren.
He said: “Leaving such a committed and supportive organisation will no doubt be something of a wrench, but I have been proud to assist in the development of the Trust as a real and growing asset to the people of West Berkshire and North Hampshire, and I look forward to seeing it develop further.”

Christmas Eve this year will be tinged with sadness for Melissa and Paul as that will be their last working day.

Sir Peter Michael CBE, Chairman of GCT, said: “Melissa and Paul are familiar faces to everyone at the Trust and it is with sadness that we are saying goodbye, although we wish them well in retirement. They are both popular members of staff, having contributed in so many ways to making GCT the successful enterprise that it is.

“We couldn’t do what we do for hundreds of local causes, without the hard work behind the scenes, and the reliability of staff like Melissa and Paul.

“They will be missed, but we wish them all the best of luck for the future.”