New Commander in Berkshire

St John Ambulance Berkshire has recently come under new leadership as Thatcham GP, Dr Clifford Smith steps down from his position as Commander for the charity.

Sharon Johnson

Thatcham resident, Mrs Sharon Johnson will be taking over the Commander’s role while current Commander, Dr Smith, continues to volunteer with St John Ambulance Berkshire as County Medical Officer.

Mrs Johnson, 48, has been a member of St John for 36 years having joined as a Cadet and has previously held the positions of Child Protection Officer and most recently County Commissioner Youth for the charity. Sharon’s twin daughters are both involved with youth work for St John and her husband Graham is a support member. Sharon owns her own accountancy business in Newbury and will continue to support her clients as usual alongside her new voluntary role.

Commenting on her appointment Sharon said, ‘I am delighted to have been appointed as Commander for St John Ambulance Berkshire and am going to enjoy the challenge of taking the organisation forward during this period of change.

As a county we intend to make sure that our volunteers are appropriately trained and motivated to enable us to carry on providing medical assistance at major events and will be continuing with our drive to recruit new members of all ages to become first aiders, fundraisers, youth leaders and administrators. We have an amazing youth movement in St John and I am keen to reinforce our youth vision. We believe in a society where every young person has the opportunity to make a real difference in their community, to speak out on what matters to them and to help others in need of support and development.’

The role of Commander is the most senior voluntary position with St John Ambulance Berkshire and the holder is ultimately responsible for all of the volunteer members in the county. In her new role, Sharon will be required to make key decisions surrounding financial and legal matters and also represent St John Berkshire at regional and national meetings.

Current Commander Dr Smith, 60, who is a Senior Partner at the Thatcham Health Centre has been a volunteer with St John Ambulance since 1984 and has held the Commander’s role since 2001.

During his time in the post, Dr Smith has been involved in the provision of first aid at many high profile events such as the Queen Mother’s funeral, The Queens Golden Jubilee Parade in Windsor and Royal Ascot races. As a devoted Manchester United fan he has also had the privilege of watching his team play against Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

On his time as Commander Dr Smith says, ‘I have very much enjoyed the last eight years as Commander and being part of the St John family locally, nationally and internationally. It has been an honour to represent our dedicated volunteers and staff at events who all play such a vital role in the services we provide.’

Speaking of his successor, Dr Smith said, ‘I congratulate Sharon on her appointment and wish her the very best of good fortune in taking over this responsible role. She is admirably suited to the position with her long association with St John and I look forward to working with her.’