Meet our wonderful trustees
We greatly appreciate the work and guidance from our dedicated trustees who, for over a decade, have helped House of Bread thrive and grow. We look forward to their continued support and enthusiasm for our cause.
Trustees
Chris Knight
I have been a Trustee of the House of Bread since it became a charity and have been the Chair of Trustees since 2019. I am now retired but I was previously a senior manager in the NHS in a wide range of jobs and therefore bring years of experience in management to the role. I am also a leader at Beacon Church in Stafford and am passionate about sharing Jesus and making a difference in peoples lives. House of Bread is an amazing organisation which seeks to do this for all, regardless of background or circumstances.
I first got involved through the invitation of Matt Turner, the founder of House of Bread, at the very start of the journey. It has been a privilege to be involved and see how God’s hand has guided us through many challenges as we seek to share His love and create a supportive community which will empower people to change.
What is my favourite pudding? That’s a tricky one – I think my all time favourite would be apple duff (a steamed suet and apple pudding) which my Mum used to make, altough I am very partial to my wife’s chilled lemon flan and I love rum and raisin ice cream!
Somebody famous I have met? Mmm I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone really famous. Disappointing really!
Franziska Herring
I am Franziska Herring, known as Franzi and have been part of House of Bread almost from the beginning: when we decided to become a charity in 2012, I became a trustee – and that job is still continuing!
At the time, I was a non-stipendiary associate minister at Trinity Church, and the idea of doing something so tangible to support people in need appealed to my sense of living out the Gospel. So it was a trip to Trinity every Wednesday evening, where I took my turn in cooking for 100 people, got to know some of our friends and tried to smooth the waves when they upset our regular congregation.
Over the years, I have been involved in tasks as diverse as fundraising, community gardening and telephone support to some friends. Currently, I take the minutes at Trustee Meetings and lead a small Bible study group, TOAST, every Thursday morning. I also help redirect surplus donations of fresh food towards a similar charity in my home town of Hednesford.
I have now retired from ministry and find the weekly drive to Stafford more of a challenge than before, so visits to Cafe43 are strictly rationed to one day per week. My hobbies include gardening, trying to further reduce my carbon footprint and keeping the old grey cells alive by learning a language online. I hasten to add that my Russian lessons started well before the invasion of Ukraine and now in talking with my native teacher there is a call for good diplomatic skills.
Peter Barrow
I came to HOB as a Volunteer in 2016 after having nursed my wife for many years through a terminal illness. I was asked to become a Trustee the following year.
My skills are more practical than academic; however, I was able to put those to good use around Café 43 as “DIY and Odd Job Expert” in refurbishing the building. I have also been involved with Bread Church, Toast, Supporting Case Workers, Volunteers and being around to spend time listening to our vulnerable friends who visit the Café. My training as a Prayerline Volunteer for United Christian Broadcasters has been invaluable in listening and understanding the problems and issues raised.
I enjoy being at House of Bread every Thursday, and along with my role as Trustee, ensure that I am always available when needed. As the oldest Trustee, I feel that I can bring my life experience’s wisdom that comes with age to the Charity.
In my retirement I enjoy lots of DIY including woodworking and repairing things that would otherwise be thrown away, gardening, completing the daily quick crosswords, spending time with my family and being part of the Pastoral Care Team within my Church.
As a Christian, I feel it is a privilege to be part of the dedicated Team who have been called by God to reach out to the homeless and vulnerable people in HIS name and look forward to continuing in HIS service.
‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the laws of Christ.’ Galatians 6:2
