Meet the Team

Bernard Potter (President)

Bernard is a retired accountant, who has been at the helm of LATH since its inception in December 2009. He was Chairman until 2018, when he decided to take on a slightly less active role as President.

He is dedicated to following our mission of easing the plight of the homeless, vulnerable, and lonely people in our community.

His interests include playing folk music, working on jigsaws, and solving cryptic crossword puzzles.

Mick Tobin (Chairman)

Mick started volunteering with LATH in March 2023, initially to talk to and assist the homeless and vulnerable of Crewe and Nantwich. As a result of his high energy, rapid problem solving, strong personality and his love of a challenge, Mick was soon an integral part of the charity and became our chairman in August 2024. With over 40 years experience working in corporate environments Mick understands that having a clear vision, achievable objectives and a strong structure are the fundamentals of a good organisation. Working with his fellow volunteers and with the support of corporate donors and the Friends of LATH, Mick does all in his power to make a difference through our charity to improve the lives of the homeless and vulnerable in Crewe and Nantwich.

John McManus

John is a retired management consultant and he has worked manufacturing engineering with Babcock & Wilcox and Rolls Royce. He retired in 2016 and decided to sign up to the charity (LATH) and join Bernard Potter and his team as a volunteer.

He always wanted to put back into the system by helping other people after working for 62 years and when he quickly realised he needed to find something else to do, LATH seemed a perfect match.

He is a Trustee and works with the rest of Trustees and volunteers to help the clients lift their self-esteem and confidence to get through hard times.

Barbara Francis (Secretary)

Barbara is a retired scientist who previously worked in pharmaceutical research at the Wellcome Foundation, and then as a medical writer/editor.

She is a keen conservationist, loves reading and is a crazy cat lady (she has four cats, and also volunteers at Stapeley Grange rehoming cattery).

Barbara is the Secretary of LATH and organises meetings, writes minutes and procedures, and monitors email and Facebook enquiries.

Pat Gardner (Treasurer)

Pat worked for an accountancy company for most of her working life, and when they moved location she worked as a freelance accountant.

Now living in Crewe, Pat works part-time as a book-keeper, and spends a lot of her free time exercising her dog.

Pat uses her considerable accountancy skills in her role as LATH Treasurer.

Joan Walton (Safeguarding Officer)

Joan retired from Adult Health and Social Care Department at Cheshire East in 2010 and joined LATH when it first started at Christ Church Hall in 2011. Joan has been a volunteer leader for Rainbows and Brownies for 53 years and is a local school governor.

Joan’s role at LATH is volunteer co-ordinator and she is also our safeguarding officer.