Herald - Issue 380

Page 64 • The HERALD • 24th October 2019 v THE HERALD - SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES v ASK A PROFESSIONAL LJM Bookkeeping Services • Self Employed/Small Businesses • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance • Computerised Accountancy • Credit Control • Preparation of Final Accounts for Sole Traders • VAT Returns • Self Assessment Tax Returns • Payroll Holiday Cover can also be provided for Hourly rate charged Contact Lynda on 07774 790543 or Email: ljmbookkeepingservices@gmail.com The next Herald is out on 14th November Go Back To School And Become A Governor As the new school year gets underway, schools across Hampshire are looking for volunteers to help them to be the best they can be, and make a positive di erence to children’s education by becoming a school governor. With 524 schools and academies in the county, there are currently more than 6000 governors supporting them. However, while many schools have a full quota of governors, others have up to three vacancies on their board. Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education and Skills, said: “As a school governor myself, I know how rewarding it is to play a part in supporting a school to ensure that children and young people are getting the highest standard of education possible. Among many other responsibilities, governors are there to make sure that schools are making the best use of their finances and resources and that this is well managed. Schools can benefit from the wealth of knowledge and capabilities of people from all walks of life, and the skills they have acquired from a wide range of experiences and careers. Being a governor is also a great way to develop new and transferrable skills, benefitting individuals on both a personal, as well as a professional level. I would thoroughly recommend becoming a school governor to anyone looking for a way to support their local community in their spare time.” People volunteering to be governors do not have to have previous experience. All that is required is to be over 18, and to have enthusiasm, commitment and time. Full training for the role is available through Hampshire Governor Services at no cost to individual governors. Two experienced school governors are lending their support to the recruitment campaign. Debbie Sawyer is a governor at an infant and junior federation in the New Forest. In 2014, with her son starting in Reception Year, Debbie was interested in nding out how the school system functioned. She said: “I asked a lot of questions and was told by the Chair of Governors that the best way to learn about the school was to become a governor myself. It has really opened my eyes to how it works behind the scenes. To support the school’s senior leadership team, we listen, we challenge and give them confidence that we believe in their decisions and act as a sounding board for their ideas. For parents, it is reassurance that there is a team of volunteers checking that the federation are doing what they say they do and that the right decisions are being made for their children. We provide that added level of scrutiny.” For more information, visit the Hampshire Governor Services website, contact the Governor Services team on 023 8081 4820 or email governors@hants. gov.uk New Forest Community Church in Marchwood runs a debt centre which is linked to Christians Against Poverty (CAP). is is to help those who nd themselves in debt and unable to see their way out. About one third of those CAP see are thinking of suicide. It is o en a big step for people to admit they have a problem. CAP will look at their nancial situation and nd the best way forward. A local debt coach will visit them at home and explain the process and then CAP contact the creditors to negotiate the way forward to deal with the debts. is may be by re-payment or a route which involves some kind of insolvency. So if you, or a friend is in need of help, call 0800 328 0006. e advice is free, con dential and open to anybody regardless of race, gender or faith. Businesses Make a Difference Many businesses have found a great way to put something back into their communities by supporting their local Rotary Club. ey can give this support in several ways, including sharing their expertise or resources, o ering to help with or sponsor local events, or making an annual donation to cover some of the overheads incurred with local fundraising. Hythe & Waterside Rotary Club play a vital part in the local community supporting good causes including charities and schools. is is enhanced by having Business Partners who can be relied upon to lend a helping hand from time to time. ere are so many ways you can support Hythe & Waterside Rotary Club, even if your spare time is limited. If you would like to know more, please email the club secretary at secretary@hytherotary. org.uk DEBT HELP