Gosport Borough community faces the sad loss of Margaret Wilkinson

12/05/2022

For immediate release

Press Release

Gosport Borough community faces the sad loss of Margaret Wilkinson

Gosport, Hampshire, Thursday, 12th May 2022

The late Margaret Wilkinson (past GVA Chair and Vice-Chair of Trustees) with current GVA Chair of Trustees, Ian Reeves

It is with deep sadness and regret that Gosport Voluntary Action announces the death of its former Chair of Trustees, and true pillar of Gosport Borough community, Margaret Wilkinson. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Margaret’s loved ones and friends at this sad time.

Margaret became Vice-Chair for Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA) in 1998, going on to become Chair in 2001. She served in this role for 17 years (20 including her time as Vice-Chair), before stepping down in November 2018. A fervent and dedicated supporter of older and vulnerable people’s rights, Margaret was keenly involved in, and deeply committed to, voluntary work with a number of charities in Gosport Borough for many years.

Margaret was the inspiration behind the initial launch of GVA’s Befriending service for older residents of Gosport Borough who are lonely and/or socially isolated. Margaret also worked closely with Sue Eden-Browne at the Disability Information Centre in Gosport. In addition, Margaret was a Trustee for Age Concern Gosport, and volunteered at the Carers Resource Centre. In 2002, Margaret supported a ‘Just Girls project’, and in 2009, she began running the Gosport & Fareham Alzheimer’s Café.

Kay Hallsworth, Chief Executive Officer at Gosport Voluntary Action, commented: “We are all deeply saddened to learn about Margaret’s death, and our thoughts are with her friends and loved ones at this very sad time. Whilst I didn’t have the good fortune to meet Margaret in person, her many years of dedicated service at Gosport Voluntary Action, and indeed at a number of charities within the Borough of Gosport, will continue to be an inspiration to our local community for many years to come. For Gosport Voluntary Action, such was the impact of Margaret’s work, that we named our conference room after her.”

Kay added: “Working tirelessly to make a difference to the lives of older and vulnerable residents for many years, Margaret leaves behind a legacy of great kindness, compassion and solidarity with, and towards, residents at risk of becoming marginalised or overlooked. Through her unfaltering commitment to, and passion for, supporting others in need, Margaret showed us that by working together in partnership with other local charities, community groups, businesses, voluntary organisations, residents and volunteers, we can all, as a united community, make a vital difference to others, and pave the way to a stronger, kinder and more inclusive society, where everybody’s voice is heard.”
Further details about Margaret’s funeral and memorial plans will be released in due course.

–ENDS–

For more details about GVA’s Befriending Service, in addition to our other services for older residents in the Borough of Gosport, please see : https://www.gva.org.uk/individuals/support-services/

For further press information and high-resolution images, please contact Kay Hallsworth, GVA Chief Executive Officer, on chiefofficer@gva.org.uk, or Kate Durbin, GVA Communications & Engagement Officer, on kate.durbin@gva.org.uk
About Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA).

Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA) is a registered charity and the umbrella body (Council of Voluntary Action) for Gosport and surrounding areas. GVA’s mission is to support and deliver services to local voluntary and community groups (by assisting with governance issues, finding funding, recruiting and managing volunteers and accessing training, among other areas) in order to make a positive difference to Gosport Borough residents. GVA is passionate about improving the quality of life for all residents of Gosport, but in particular those with disabilities or who are disadvantaged in some way.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.gva.org.uk/, or find us on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Downloadable version of press release