Trustees Week 2026 – Phil at Testwood Lakes Sailability

As part of Trustees’ Week, we’re celebrating the people who give their time and experience to help charities make a difference in their communities. Trustees play an important role in keeping charities running, helping them make decisions, plan for the future and continue supporting the people who rely on them.

For Phil, a trustee at Testwood Lakes Sailability, it’s about making sure that something which brings so much enjoyment to people with disabilities can continue for years to come.

Based at Testwood Lakes in Totton, the charity gives people with disabilities and long-term health conditions the opportunity to enjoy sailing in a safe and welcoming environment. With accessible facilities, specially adapted boats and a team of trained volunteers, it helps people get out on the water, build confidence and spend time with others.

An idea that brought people together

Phil moved to Southampton for work with Ordnance Survey, where he spent 42 years as a surveyor and manager. He had previously been a Scout leader, and after moving to the area became involved with the local Sea Scouts at Testwood Lake. A senior manager at Ordnance Survey chaired the group and asked Phil to help with plans for a new building.

It was through the Sea Scouts that Phil met Eric Blyth, who had an idea to bring accessible sailing to the lake. Eric had enjoyed sailing and other outdoor activities for much of his life, but after developing multiple sclerosis, he wanted to make sure that people with disabilities could continue to enjoy those experiences.

“He took me to various places and showed me what Sailability was all about and to meet people with different disabilities. It was one hell of an eye-opener,” says Phil.

Inspired by Eric’s idea, Phil helped establish the charity alongside three other trustees. One of their first challenges was raising the money to build a pontoon in the lake, so people could safely get in and out of the boats. Phil was able to draw on his experience of fundraising through the Scouts, putting together a successful National Lottery funding application. Alongside support from other organisations, they raised £85,000 to make it happen.

It took three years to secure the funding and complete the work, but the pontoon opened the way for the charity to start offering sailing sessions. It was a significant achievement for the small group of people who had worked so hard to make Eric’s idea a reality.

The work behind the scenes

Phil continued as a trustee while working, becoming more actively involved as a volunteer after retiring in 2018. Over the years, he has taken on a growing number of responsibilities, helping with the day-to-day running of the charity as well as its longer-term plans.

Testwood Lakes Sailability now has more than 70 people on its volunteer list. Sailing takes place twice a week, with volunteers helping to set up and support sailors on the water.

While those volunteers make the sessions possible, trustees look after the work that happens behind the scenes. This includes managing finances and charity administration, organising training, overseeing safeguarding and health and safety, and making sure the organisation has the right arrangements in place to operate safely.

Different trustees bring different skills and take responsibility for particular areas. Phil has found himself taking on quite a bit of the admin and organising training, while other trustees look after the finances, DBS checks and health and safety.

“People don’t mind doing the sailing and all the jobs on the lake. They love that, and we need those people. But there are other jobs that need doing as well,” he explains.

With some of the charity’s original trustees no longer involved, Phil has been keen to bring new people on board and share the responsibilities more widely. He has also thought carefully about the experience and perspectives that are represented on the board.

“When Eric sadly passed away, we also lost the knowledge of disability. It struck me that we needed somebody because we had no disabled voice on the trustees. I think that’s quite important.”

Phil wanted to find someone who could bring that perspective to the charity’s decisions, helping trustees understand the needs and experiences of the people using the service. He approached a woman he knew who runs a local dementia-friendly group and she was keen to become a trustee.

The charity has also welcomed two other new trustees, bringing fresh experience and ideas to help it move forward. For Phil, finding people who understand the charity’s purpose and are willing to get involved is an important part of making sure it can continue.

Making a difference

The most rewarding part of being part of the charity for Phil is seeing the difference it makes to peoples lives.

“Seeing a sailor get out of a dinghy with a smile on his face. That’s basically it – that’s why I do what I do” he says.

But he believes the value of Testwood Lakes Sailability goes beyond the sailing itself. The sessions give people with disabilities the chance to enjoy time outdoors and meet others, while also providing a welcoming place.

“I think the most important thing is that people come down to the lake and there’s a social gathering. And that’s not just for the people with disabilities, that’s the carers and the volunteers.”

The importance of that community was brought home recently when the charity received a message from the sister of a man who had sailed with them for years before he died. Her feedback about what the sessions had meant to her brother was a reminder of why the charity’s work matters.

In 2025, Testwood Lakes Sailability was also recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, celebrating the contribution of its volunteers.

Looking ahead

Since Eric’s death two years ago, Phil has felt a particular responsibility to make sure the charity continues.

“I feel a responsibility not because I’m a trustee, but because I knew Eric. He was desperate to get this thing going, and I feel I’ve got to find a way of making sure it survives and future-proof it.”

Phil recognises that the responsibility of being a trustee can put people off, but believes having the right people around the table makes a real difference. People bring different skills and experience, and sharing the work means no one person has to do everything.

For him, it comes back to the people who benefit from the charity and the importance of keeping that opportunity available.

Could you become a trustee?

Testwood Lakes Sailability is always keen to hear from people who could bring their skills and experience to help the charity continue its work.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, we can offer advice and support to help you explore opportunities. You can also find trustee and other volunteering opportunities organisations through Volunteer First.