
This month we bid a fond farewell to three very important Ecas people, as they head off for a well-earned retirement!
Janice
Anyone who knows Ecas, knows Janice Todd. For 23 years, she’s been the woman behind the smooth running of pretty much everything we do.
Janice started with Ecas in August 2000. After working with BT for many years, she was ready for something completely different,
‘I thought a role doing something to support the third sector would be good. From the start, it was so very different to anything else I’d done in my working life. There was no IT dept, no Personnel or Finance team. In the role of Administrator, I had to do most of it!’

Janice settled into the role, made it her own and has enjoyed many highlights over the years,
‘Most of all, I’ve loved meeting and getting to know our service users and helping with some of the groups and events. A favourite highlight was the Ecas Triptych event at the National Gallery in 2011.
‘I also loved helping with the swimming group and seeing how much people loved the freedom of being in the water.’
It’s impossible to sum up the difference Janice has made to the organisation, she has helped Ecas in so many ways.
Ally Irvine, Ecas CEO, pays tribute to Janice,
‘After 23 years, Janice is sadly retiring. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Janice for everything she has done for Ecas, and, for keeping me on the straight and narrow all these years! You will be missed by staff and service users alike!’

For Janice, the joy of the job always comes back to being able to support people,
‘It’s been wonderful just being able to help people, for example with the Ecas Grants. This in itself has really changed people’s lives for the better.
‘Working for Ecas has taught me to appreciate my health and how easy life has been for me. I won’t miss the early morning drive to work, but I’m really going to miss everyone.’
Janice recommends Ecas a great place to work and visit. Here is Janice with her successor Liz.
The two have been able to enjoy a good handover period, so that Janice can pass all there is to know about being the Ecas Administrator.
And her advice to Liz?
‘Enjoy it!’
Graham
Graham, pictured here with Elaine at the Triptych opening, is also retiring this month, after 20 years as Art Group leader with Ecas.
Graham’s Art Group has been very popular over the years, as he encourages and helps Ecas members explore and express their incredible range of creativity and talent.
In addition to his weekly groups and occasional exhibitions, Graham has also arranged trips to help inspire his artists. Days out to Jupiter Artland and Galleries have brought many happy memories.
Elaine has been a regular with Graham’s weekly Art Group for many years and continues to create amazing artworks.
Her work was also showcased at the Triptych exhibition.

Anne
Anne McDonald is also retiring from Ecas this month after 40 years with us!
Anne has had various roles including bus driver, board director and Finance and Personnel Committee member.
Here she is pictured with Ally when she stepped down from the committee.
For over 20 years, Anne has also been with our Wednesday Art Group as a volunteer, helping set up for the group. Much more importantly, she makes the teas/coffees and hands round the biscuits!
Anne will be much missed by everyone involved with the Wednesday Art Group, especially Gill, the new group leader who will have to take over responsibility for the tea, coffee and biscuit service.
Janice has also been supported by Anne over the years,
‘Anne has been Queen of the Ecas archive for many years, keeping me up to date with our many current and past clients and volunteers. She has done so much for Ecas and will be much missed.’
As will you, Janice!
