Members Area

Committee

The FSO committee is responsible for the management of the Orchestra. Committee members are elected at a general meeting and serve for a period of one year as trustees of the charity. The Committee consists of the following officers:

  • Chairman
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Publicity Officer
  • Associate Conductor
  • Librarian
  • Stage Manager
  • Assistant Secretary
  • Front-of-House Manager

In addition, the Committee has three Ordinary Members, who have no specific portfolio and who can serve for a maximum of three years. The Music Director and Leader are not members of the committee since, as salaried employees of the charity, they are precluded from trusteeship. However, they are in attendance at meetings.

Peter Birkett

Chairman

The Chairman has overall responsibility for the general management of the Orchestra, including all matters pertaining to concerts, membership, financial performance and the legal obligations associated with being a registered charity. The role includes liaison with sponsors and other donors as well as maintaining a strategy for the development of the Orchestra. Peter is also CEO of FSO Productions Ltd.

David Nash

Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for the administrative management of the Orchestra, including the booking of venues and soloists, recording of meetings, and membership administration.

Gabriel Thomas

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for the financial management of the Orchestra including day-to-day fiscal operation, budgeting and reporting to the Charity Commission. He is also Finance Director of FSO Productions Ltd.

Rebekah Shaw

Publicity Officer

As Publicity Officer, Bekah is responsible for promoting the public profile of the Orchestra, including management of sales and marketing for concerts and other events, and maintaining the web profile of the Orchestra. Bekah also has responsibility for the Orchestra’s social media.

Roy Falshaw

Associate Conductor

The Associate Conductor deputises for the Music Director, taking rehearsals when necessary and conducting the Orchestra for specific events as required.

Robin Chave

Librarian

The Librarian is responsible for sourcing scores and instrumental parts for the musical programme, ensuring that parts are available when required and returned after use. The role also involves providing hire cost estimates to the Treasurer for budgetary purposes. Robin is also a Director of FSO Productions Ltd.

Abbie Royston

Stage Manager

The Stage Manager is responsible for the layout of the stage on concert days and ensuring that rehearsal venues are configured appropriately.

Alissa Andrews

Assistant Secretary

The Assistant Secretary supports the Secretary, in particular fulfilling the role of Safeguarding Officer for the orchestra.

Fiona Lintingre

Front-of-House Manager

The Front-of-House Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the front-of-house function on concert days, including sourcing helpers and overseeing ticket and programme sales.

Julian Martin

Co-opted Member

Julian is the FSO’s Data Officer, with responsibility for management of personal data held by the FSO, and the FSO’s Safeguarding Verifier.

Suzie King

Ordinary Member (1st Year)

Suzie fulfils the role of Friends Secretary, with responsibility for communication with the Orchestra’s patrons.

Juliet Balch

Ordinary Member (1st year)

Juliet is the FSO’s Ticket Secretary

Karen Hassett

Ordinary Member (1st Year)

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Recent News

Au revoir to Bob and Elaine

After 53 and 45 years with the orchestra respectively, we are saying au revoir to two stalwart members, Bob Perry and Elaine Herbert. We are immensely grateful for their playing, musical leadership, and friendship – they really are part of the fabric of the FSO and personify what a local amateur orchestra is all about. Bob’s wife, Wendy, also deserves a mention, for hosting many of our guests over the seasons, managing Front of House, and most recently accompanying the Mayor of Aldershot on our behalf at our centenary celebrations.

In recognition of their long service, and as we look forward to seeing them in the audience for many years to come, the FSO is delighted to offer Bob, Wendy and Elaine Honorary Friendship of the FSO.

Schools Ticket Giveaway Announced!

Calling all local secondary schools and sixth forms! FSO, with the support of the Elgar Society, is giving away FREE tickets for our wonderful concert at Princes Hall, Aldershot on 10th June!

FSO featured on BBC Radio Surrey!

Our Publicity Officer, Susie Baker, was featured on BBC Radio Surrey’s morning show with James Cannon! James wanted to know all about the FSO’s 100th birthday concert on 12th November and had some very interesting questions . . .
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