Alison Yates on the work of long-standing board member Chris Rash

Ruth Winston Centre and (inset) Chris Rash

Chris Rash has been an integral part of the management committee at Ruth Winston Centre since 1991, serving as vice-chair and chair from 2009 to 2025.

Professionally, Chris is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a founding member of Rash and Rash. His extensive community involvement included serving on the Age Concern (Enfield) committee, as a co-opted member of Enfield Council’s scrutiny committee for adult social services, member of the NHS stroke pathway development team, chairing Southgate Chamber of Commerce, leading the Enfield Retailers Association, and ex-president of Southgate Rotary Club.

Chris first became Involved with the centre because of his membership of Southgate Rotary Club. He also represents the centre at Enfield Over 50s Forum and was a founding member of Enfield Dementia Action Alliance.

As chair of the board of trustees since 2009, Chris has maintained an unwavering commitment to managing the centre in accordance with the charity’s guidelines and the needs of the community.

His leadership ensured that staff, tutors, and volunteers collaborated to provide essential services. During complex negotiations with Enfield Council in 2005, Chris played a pivotal role for two years in securing a new lease, always advocating for practical, community-focused improvements. He fought for autonomy in the selection of contractors and carefully oversaw finances, ensuring the charity operated within budget.

His enthusiasm and practical approach reflect his altruistic nature and deep respect for the work of volunteers. Chris launched the popular ‘Memory Lane Coffee and Sing-Along’, with the support of his wife, Barbara. The monthly event provided a warm and welcoming space for those experiencing loneliness, dementia, depression, or recovering from a stroke. Chris personally develops the themes, prints posters, and prepares sing-along lyrics, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

Chris is a natural ideas man, always generating ideas and supporting projects behind the scenes with discreet dedication: phone calls, research, letters, and collaborations that no-one sees. He is approachable, supportive, and strives to ensure that every initiative is mutually beneficial and aligned with the centre’s goals.

In 2005 he oversaw temporary closure of the centre and relocation whilst extensive works were undertaken. In 2009, when the council proposed the centre’s closure, Chris strongly opposed it. Through meetings, letters, and mobilising support from community members, local businesses, and politicians, he led the campaign that secured a £50,000 grant to support payroll and key expenses for three years, a critical intervention that safeguarded the charity. This breathing space enabled strategic, fundraising and investment, ensuring the centre’s sustainability and the continued delivery of vital services.

Outside of his community work, Chris is a dedicated family man: a proud father, grandfather, and husband. He shares a close bond with his grandchildren, supports his daughter’s Floral events business, and encouraged his eldest daughter in her career as a nurse.

Chris’s contributions, passion, and generosity of spirit have left an indelible mark on the centre and the wider community.

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