Taking the helm
Meet our board of trustees
The Society is fortunate to have an excellent Board of Trustees with a wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise.
Philip Wake OBE
Chairman
Philip Wake OBE
Chairman
Philip served at sea in the Merchant Navy for 11 years before moving ashore, where he became a Director at Clarkson Research Studies and later Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute. He also served in the Royal Naval Reserve for 26 years and is currently, in retirement, the part-time Business Manager for a residential music course.
Philip is Chairman of our Society, a Vice President of the RNLI, and a Younger Brother of Trinity House, London. He was awarded the OBE in the 2016 New Year’s Honours List for services to the maritime industry.
Captain Steve Clinch MNM
Vice Chairman
Captain Steve Clinch MNM
Vice Chairman
Steve has been a Trustee of the Society since 2018 and serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. He brings over 50 years of experience in the maritime sector, including his role as former Head of the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
Steve is committed to maintaining the Society’s proud legacy of care for retired seafarers. He sits on the Finance and Investments Committees, as well as the Fundraising Sub-Committee. Outside of the Society, Steve balances maritime voluntary work with grandparent duties.
Mr Bernie Watson FCA DChA
Honorary Treasurer
Mr Bernie Watson FCA DChA
Honorary Treasurer
Bernie spent over 30 years as a partner at London accountancy firm HaysMac, including 12 years as Managing Partner. He later specialised in the not-for-profit sector, working with many charities – including Royal Alfred – as a trusted advisor.
Since retiring in 2018, Bernie has held the position of Finance Trustee across five charities and became our Honorary Treasurer in May 2019.
Captain Adrian McCourt MNM
Captain Adrian McCourt MNM
Adrian has spent over 50 years in and around merchant ships, progressing from life at sea to senior roles in fleet management, the superyacht sector, and marine insurance.
He has been a Trustee of the Society since 2015 and says, “The sea has been good to me, and I’d like to give something back. I can’t think of a more deserving maritime cause – it’s a privilege to serve at Royal Alfred.”
Commander Susan Lochner JP DL RN
Commander Susan Lochner JP DL RN
Susan served as an administrative officer in the Royal Navy for 23 years, qualifying as a barrister and holding several legal appointments. A highlight of her career was serving as Admiral’s Secretary on HM Yacht Britannia.
After leaving the Navy, Susan became Home Bursar at Exeter College, Oxford, overseeing all non-academic matters. Since moving to Surrey, she has been a presiding magistrate on the Guildford Bench, chaired the Surrey Magistrates Association, and served as churchwarden in Godalming. She was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey in 2013 and joined the Royal Alfred board in 2016.
Mr Andy Parker MNM
Mr Andy Parker MNM
Andy is a retired Seagoing Chief Engineer and Senior Fleet Superintendent, who spent the final decade of his career managing shipbuilding projects around the world.
He became a Trustee of the Society in 2014 and sits on the Safeguarding, Care and Welfare Committee - a role he holds dear. Andy brings a wealth of experience in project management, budget control, and people leadership, which he sees as his way of giving back to a cause he cares deeply about.
Dr Richard Reubin MB, ChB
Dr Richard Reubin MB, ChB
Richard qualified in medicine from the University of Birmingham in 1973. After hospital work and GP training, an unexpected call from the shipping company P&O led him to join a passenger ship bound for Australia - and a few weeks turned almost eight years as a Ship’s Surgeon.
Following his time at sea, Richard spent the rest of his career in NHS General Practice, retiring in 2020 shortly before his 71st birthday. He has served as a Society Trustee since 2005.
Dorothy A. Ross-Tomlin MCIPS (Hon. Alderwoman)
Dorothy A. Ross-Tomlin MCIPS (Hon. Alderwoman)
Dorothy was first introduced to the Society during her term as Mayor of Reigate & Banstead in 2007-2008. Originally from Wick, her career in purchasing was mostly with the British Airports Authority, progressing from Glasgow Airport to London head office. Later, she worked as a freelance consultant with clients including Eurotunnel, Heathrow Airport, and Royal & Sun Alliance.
Dorothy served her community for over 25 years as a Borough and County Councillor, developing strong local connections and a deep understanding of care quality standards. She’s proud to use these to help promote the Society’s work.
Dr Alison Lewis-Smith DClinP MA BA(Hons)
Dr Alison Lewis-Smith DClinP MA BA(Hons)
Alison trained as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital and went on to work in a range of healthcare settings both in the UK and abroad – including ten years in the Merchant Navy. Her most recent full-time role was as a Chief Nurse.
Alison is passionate about person-centred care, safeguarding vulnerable children and adults, and staff development. She brings experience from several charity committees and healthcare governance boards, and volunteers locally. She recently became a grandmother.
Commodore Melanie Robinson CBE FCIPD RN
Commodore Melanie Robinson CBE FCIPD RN
Melanie has over 30 years’ service in the Royal Navy and joined the Board of Trustees in 2024. Her expertise spans leadership, strategic HR, cultural transformation and finance management.
Outside her role with the Society, Melanie is a Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach. She is also a Board Director for the Hampshire Football Association and Independent Chair of its Inclusion Advisory Group.
Captain Brett Smith AFNI MCMI FIAMCS AFRIN AssocRINA
Captain Brett Smith AFNI MCMI FIAMCS AFRIN AssocRINA
Brett began his Merchant Navy cadetship in 1989 with Maersk, working across LPG, product tankers, and anchor handling tug supply vessels. He later gained his Master’s Unlimited and commanded vessels for Foreland Shipping in the Falkland Islands and Umm Qasr, Iraq - as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF) and Strategic Sealift Service.
Since 2010, Brett has worked in the superyacht sector, now serving as Senior Fleet Master. He is a Younger Brother of Trinity House, London, and an active fundraiser for the Scarborough RNLI.
Meet our co-opted members of the Safeguarding, Care and Welfare Committee
Captain Malcolm Lowle
Captain Malcolm Lowle
Mr Jim Ross-Tomlin
Mr Jim Ross-Tomlin
Jim brings a wealth of commercial experience, having lead teams of up to 100 employees during his career. His strong people management and HR skills have been developed over many years and are invaluable to the Society.
He also brings knowledge of health and safety practices and currently volunteers with First Community Health and Care CIC in several roles, including the “Falls Group.”
Mrs Di Parker
Mrs Di Parker
Diana is a retired teacher with 35 years of experience. She led a special needs department in a mainstream school, where she was responsible for programme planning, managing a team of 25 teaching assistants, and delivering training for parents, and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) specialist staff across the district.
She became a co-opted member of the Safeguarding, Care and Welfare Committee in 2015. A natural carer, and with both a husband and a son who went to sea, Diana brings heartfelt understanding of the needs of retired seafarers.
🖍️ Moments that matter 🖍️
This lovely photo captures Lydia, one of our nurses, spending quiet, quality time with a resident while they enjoyed some colouring together.
It’s these unhurried moments of companionship that sit at the heart of what we do, taking the time to talk, listen and simply be present. Activities like colouring can be calming, support focus and creativity, and most importantly, create opportunities for meaningful connection.
A small moment, but one that speaks volumes about the care and kindness shown every day 💙
#CompassionateCare #MomentsThatMatter #ResidentWellbeing #TeamWestonAcres
Jan 23
🎨 Creativity, colour and connection at Belvedere House 🎨
Our residents recently enjoyed a relaxing and creative bottle sand art session with one of our Health and Wellbeing Specialists, Daisy.
Activities like this aren’t just about creating something beautiful (although the results were fantastic!) — they also support wellbeing by encouraging mindfulness, fine motor skills and social connection. It was lovely to see residents chatting, laughing and expressing their creativity in such a calm and supportive setting.
A big thank you to Daisy for leading such an engaging session, and well done to our residents for their wonderful creations 💛
#HealthAndWellbeing #ResidentActivities #CreativeWellbeing #BelvedereHouse #LaterLifeLiving
Jan 22
It was a pleasure to welcome the trustees of Age Concern Banstead to our training room last week for their strategic planning day.
We’re always happy to support local organisations doing such important work in our community, and it’s great to see the space being used for collaboration, reflection, and forward planning.
Thank you for choosing to spend the day with us – we hope the discussions were productive and inspiring.
#Community #LocalCharity #StrategicPlanning #WorkingTogether #Banstead #SupportingOurCommunity #Trustees #Collaboration #ageconcern
Jan 21
Today we’re sharing something very special from around Belvedere House ⚓
This beautiful sextant is more than just a naval instrument on display. It was purchased using money left to us in a legacy by a former resident who crossed the bar in 2014 and who is still remembered very fondly by everyone here. Their generosity continues to guide us, quite literally, all these years later.
Throughout Belvedere House, you’ll find naval artefacts like this one. Sextants, paintings, photographs, memorabilia, and keepsakes from a life at sea. They are not decorations chosen at random. They are reminders of service, adventure, loss, friendship, and pride. For our seafaring residents, these objects spark memories of long voyages, shared watches, unfamiliar ports, and a deep connection to the sea that never truly leaves you.
These artefacts help tell their stories. They prompt conversations, laughter, reflection, and sometimes quiet moments of remembrance. They anchor Belvedere House in its naval heritage and ensure that the lives and experiences of those who served are recognised and respected every single day.
We are incredibly grateful for the legacy that allowed this sextant to take pride of place. A lasting tribute to a resident who remains very much part of our community’s story.
#BelvedereHouse #NavalHeritage #SeafaringLives #LifeAtSea #MaritimeHistory #VeteransCommunity #Legacy #AnchoredInHistory #merchantnavy #royalnavy
Jan 20
Sometimes it’s the simplest activities that bring the biggest smiles 🎈
Last week our residents enjoyed a lively game of keeping the balloon up. There was lots of laughter gentle competition and teamwork all round. Activities like this might look light hearted but they play a really important role in daily life.
They help with mobility coordination and balance encourage social connection and most importantly lift everyone’s mood. Shared moments like these build confidence spark conversation and remind us all that fun does not have an age limit.
It is about movement connection and joy and judging by the smiles this one was a hit 💙
#ResidentLife #MeaningfulActivities #Wellbeing #ActiveAgeing #JoyInEveryday #CareHomeLife #MomentsThatMatter 🎈
Jan 19
🐾 A Very Pawsome Visit at Belvedere House 🐾
We were delighted to welcome a very special visitor to Belvedere House this week; Bailey the therapy dog, along with his human dad, Brian 🐶❤️
Bailey is always a huge hit with our residents, who absolutely love seeing him. From gentle cuddles and wagging tails to plenty of smiles and laughter, his visits bring so much joy and comfort to everyone he meets.
A huge thank you to Brian for giving his time and to Bailey for spreading happiness wherever he goes. We can’t wait for your next visit! 🐾✨
#TherapyDog #BelvedereHouse #MomentsThatMatter #Wellbeing #Community
Jan 18
It was great to see Alice, our Registered Home Manager, leading one of our regular residents’ meetings recently.
These meetings are an important part of life here, giving residents the opportunity to share their views, ask questions, and help shape the way we do things. Open conversation, listening, and acting on feedback are central to our approach, and Alice ensures every voice in the room is heard and valued.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed so thoughtfully 💬
#ResidentsFirst #ListeningToResidents #ResidentEngagement #OpenCommunication #StrongLeadership #CareHomeLife #QualityCare #TeamWork
Jan 17
Do you remember when we showed you these being made? 🍽️
Earlier this week we shared a video of Kevin giving Sam chef training while they prepared these homemade Thai cod fish cakes — and here’s the finished article, enjoyed by our residents.
A lot of thought goes into our menu planning. Meals are planned well in advance, taking into account residents’ preferences, nutritional balance, dietary needs and variety, as well as giving our kitchen team the time and space to develop new skills and recipes.
By planning ahead and investing in our staff, we’re able to serve fresh, home-cooked meals that residents can look forward to, every single day.
#MenuPlanning #FreshlyPrepared #InvestingInPeople #StaffDevelopment #ResidentFocused #QualityCare #HomemadeWithCare #ProudTeam
Jan 15
