Our Trustees

The trustees

Open Door was set up in 2020 by six people keen to make a positive impact on the loneliness and social isolation felt by residents of the Warminster community.

In 2024 it became a charitable incorporated organisation with eight Trustees steering the charity. The charity’s work is delivered by a band of 30 volunteers and funded solely through grants and donations.

The aim remains the same as it was in 2020 – to provide help and support to anyone feeling isolated or lonely by providing meaningful connections through chat.

The charity now runs four cafes – each with a different audience – but all with the same purpose. We want everyone to leave us with a lighter heart, feeling happier, knowing that they have been heard and that people care.

Marion Barton

Born in London, Marion has spent most of her years in Wiltshire, living in Warminster.

Initially training to become be a Youth and Community Worker, Marion diverted to becoming an Antique and Map dealer for several years, before returning to community work in various guises.  Her love of prints and maps remains, and she owns far more than she can display!

Being self-employed has its downside financially, so Marion went back to work in London with Age UK before accepting a role with Salisbury Shopmobility.  Since then, Marion has been a Social Prescribing Link Worker. Marion enjoys being with and helping people, which her current role as Chair of the Charity and volunteer at the Cafés allows her to do.

Marion is now enjoying some free time in her new home and exploring parts of Wiltshire and the wider world, mainly on foot. 

Rachael Cox

I am married to Dave, and we have lived in Warminster for 18 years.  Our five children attended the local primary schools and Kingdown secondary school.  
 
I have worked in the NHS for over 25 years and have recently reduced my hours.  I am really enjoying some quality time getting to know the friendly folk in Warminster and going for some walks in the beautiful surrounding countryside.  
 
In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, travelling and visiting the children, often meeting up in London.

Dave Cox

Originally born in Frome, I currently work full time in the banking and telecoms industry.  I also do some voluntary work at Warminster Community Radio, currently acting as their Treasurer and also presenting two shows a week including the Hymns Hour on a Sunday morning.

I enjoy almost all genres of music including movie soundtracks, and gardening.  I also enjoy the theatre and cinema.

Sue Chinnock

Sue’s lived in Warminster for 52 years, raising her which now comprises three children and six grandchildren. She loves reading crime novels, gardening, doing jigsaws and quizzing.
 
Sue retired in 2020 after 30 years as a secondary school Teaching Assistant supporting students with special needs. She’s always enjoyed being around people, of all ages, and volunteering at Chat Café has been enjoyable and rewarding.
 
Sue decided to become a trustee for the charity when she saw how important the groups are to people who are lonely, or isolated or worried about health issues.
 
“I feel that any small part I can contribute to support the charity’s work in the community is worthwhile.”

David White

Dave trained as an Occupational Therapist, graduating from the University of The West of England in 2011 and took up his first post at the RUH in Bath a short time after. For the last nine years he has specialised in Oncology and Palliative care – first working on the William Budd inpatient ward, and then from 2021 onwards with the Cancer support team – now based in the new Dyson Cancer Centre.
 
Dave became involved with Open Door Warminster in 2023 by visiting the Cancer Chat Café – offering information about support services available at the RUH and signposting to other organisations in the community.
 
Originally hailing from Newport, South Wales, Dave has lived in the west country for the past 22 years. He currently lives in Westbury with his wife and three children.

Michael Tansey

Michael and his wife, both now retired, live in Heytesbury. Their children, now grown-up, live in Bristol and London. They enjoy trips to the theatre and concerts, walking in the local countryside and maintaining a small allotment. They both volunteer individually for different local charities. 
 
Michael worked for many years in education, finishing his career working with young people who found formal education challenging. In his volunteering, he became one of the founding members of the initiative that became Open Door and he now supports the charity wherever and whenever he can, acting as a Trustee and lead volunteer for the Thursday Friendship Café.

Would you like to join us in helping others?

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more info then please email us by clicking click the mail icon to the right.