20 April 2011

Sutton Coldfield resident Eric Stott Makes the New Years Honours List for Outstanding Service to Local Community.

Among many other roles, Mr Stott served as Finance Director / Trustee on the Board of the West Bromwich & District YMCA. This is a voluntary office which Eric has held for over 20 years.

The nomination was submitted by the Charlemont Dramatic Society almost three years ago as Eric Stott had held the post of President of the Society, serving their work for many years.

He has been an active Board member of the YMCA since the 1960’s, donating his time and extensive skills and experience which in total must accumulate to thousands of hours.

His financial guidance has enabled the YMCA to develop a wide variety of services for some of the most disadvantaged people in the West Midlands. We now have 82 housing units for homeless young people, and are the largest provider of childcare in the area, enabling families to break through the cycle of poverty and become economically active.

The YMCA Healthy Living Centre helps local people to develop healthy lifestyles to combat obesity and ‘major killer’ diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. All of these services have been established under Eric’s strategic leadership, helping tens of thousands of local people during this time.

At the age of 84 Eric’s ongoing commitment to the Charity’s mission is remarkable. His financial oversight is as sharp as anyone’s and sharper than most. He continues to play a key role at Board meetings and also on the Finance and Performance Sub-Committee, providing an average of 10-15 hours of his time each month.

Eric has made important contributions to other organisations in the area in recent years. His continued active involvement in a voluntary amateur dramatic society forms part of this nomination, previously he believe he was Chairman of Dudley College and he has acted in a Treasurer capacity for a number of churches and voluntary groups.

His is a superb example of a lifetime commitment given in the service of helping to meet the needs of others.