Get in touch Trustees and Officers Chair of the Trustees Susan Darwall Smith DL Susan Darwall Smith, President in 2013, became Chair of Trustees in 2022. Susan has extensive legal experience including 20 years as a Judge of the Family Court in Bristol. Susan emphasises the importance of striking a balance between maintaining our traditional values and ensuring the progression and forward-thinking nature of the charity. She is committed to improving the quality of life for older people by supporting organisations who engage older people in activities to reduce, loneliness, insecurity and social isolation. Upon retirement, Susan has committed to several charitable roles within the Bristol area including Chair of Bristol NSPCC and a Trustee of St. Monica Trust. PRESIDENT Chris Ladkin Chris is a qualified insurance professional and has spent over 50 years in insurance including starting a couple of businesses. Currently chair of the Brunel Group (head office in Bristol). Away from the world of insurance, Chris has served on several charitable trusts and is a school governor. His fund raising and non-executive director roles include St. Mary Redcliffe (a vestryman), The Canygnes Society, Clifton College, Elm Lea school, St.Georges, Brandon Hill and UWE-business school. Has the honour of becoming President of the Grateful Society from November 2023. Trustee Simon Beswick Simon Beswick, President 2023, became a Trustee on taking on that role in November 2022. Having gained extensive legal and leadership experience with Osborne Clarke, Simon is currently the Chairman of two international law firms. Simon is supportive of charity reaching new, and more diverse, volunteer led organisations that alleviate loneliness and social isolation for the older people of Bristol and the surrounding areas. Simon is also keen to ensure that the charity appeals to different generations particularly the next generations. Trustee Nick Hutchen Nick is a retired stockbroker. Nick’s financial expertise has enabled him to work closely with several leading Charities and Funds in the South West. Nick is a Past President of the Grateful Society, he has been Chairman of the Bristol Stock Exchange, a Director / Treasurer of the Royal Bath & West of England Society, and Chairman of the University of Bristol Pension Scheme. Nick is a past Director of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity, he has been a Trustee of St Mary Redcliffe Church, and is a past Chairman of Temple Ecclesiastical Charity. He remains a keen supporter of the Grateful Society and its commendable charitable activities. Trustee Christopher Moorsom OBE A former managing director of a national firm or stockbrokers. He has served as chair of the Bath Building Society, chair of an Edinburgh based Venture Capital Trust, a non-executive director of the Weston Area Health Trust, a director of Bath, Chepstow and Hereford racecourses, a director of the Royal Welsh College of Music & drama. He is chairman of the Bristol based Spielman Charitable Trust, a former president and treasurer of the Grateful Society and Master of the Antient Society of St. Stephens Ringers. HONORARY SECRETARY Dr Richard Bretton For over 40 years, Richard practiced as a litigation solicitor in Bristol. At the end of his career, he was a Partner and Compliance Officer for Legal Practice of an international law firm. He is an active Rotarian and a Trustee of the Bristol Folk House. Richard has recent experience as a carer and insights into the many social and health challenges faced by older people. His role is to support the Trustees and facilitate the fulfilment of the Grateful Society’s charitable objectives. TREASURER Robert Drewett Robert is currently the High Sheriff of Somerset and a practicing solicitor in Bristol, having been a prominent Partner of two of Bristol’s leading law firms. Robert has been involved with a variety of charities within the county. His most active involvement has been with the Royal Bath & West of England Society, where he was chair from 2013 until last year. He remains connected to the Society, having been made a Vice President of it on his retirement. Robert is also a trustee of the Langford Trust for Animal Health and Welfare and the Wells Cathedral Preservation Trust and previously was a trustee of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Trust, Sight Research UK and chair of Folly Farm Limited, the trading company of Avon Wildlife Trust. On a wider stage he is a trustee of Innovation for Agriculture, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, and the Grateful Society. He also served for 13 years as Church Warden of St Margaret’s Church, Hinton Blewett.
