Francesca Lisle was named Chairman yesterday evening as the cherished club unveiled a new online presence and modern branding
The Fence Club launched its first website and unveiled a refreshed visual identity, embracing modern sensibilities while staying true to its more than 75-year heritage.
Founded in 1950, the club’s primary purpose was to bring people from across the toy trade together to enjoy good companionship, good conversation and fellowship. These are the core tenets that sit at the heart of the club today.
The organisation also engages in a variety of fundraising and charity initiatives to enrich the lives of children across the UK and Ireland. This year it donated £135,000 to 39 charities, including 10 new ones, and distributed 519 cartons of toys to over 100 charities. Over £2.5 million has been donated since the club became a registered charity in 1998. Given the size of the club (only 42 members and 47 Wall Members) this is an astonishing achievement.
With its new website, the club aims to strengthen its future while protecting the cherished legacy and long-held values that have defined the club for generations: friendship, fellowship and bringing people together to support children, families and charitable causes.
The organisation said the new branding and website are not about “changing who we are”, but about providing a more accessible way for people to get involved and follow everything that makes The Fence Club so special.
The greater online presence will for the first time give the wider toy industry, potential members, and supporters a simpler way to learn about The Fence Club’s history, its purpose and the impact members make together. It will also give potential charity partners a more straightforward channel to discover the club’s work and apply for funding.
Also, Francesca Lisle was named Chairman of The Fence Club yesterday evening, becoming the second female chair of the organisation after Jacqueline Taylor-Foo, who served in the role for the past 12 months.
Francesca, of Lisle Licensing, has been an active member of the club for many years, investing time, enthusiasm and expertise to help forward its goals. She said: “It is a great honour to become Chairman of The Fence Club, and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead.
“I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing Chair, Jacqueline Taylor-Foo, for the dedication, passion and enthusiasm she has brought to her year as Chair. As the Club’s first ever female Chair, Jacqueline has marked an important milestone in our history, and it is a privilege to follow in her footsteps.
“For me, what makes The Fence Club so special is the friendship, fun and generosity of its members. Coming together to enjoy ourselves while helping children facing illness, disability or difficult times gives our gatherings a purpose that we can all be proud of.”
Outgoing chair Jacquline Taylor-Foo said: “In the club’s 75th anniversary year, it has been a huge honour to be your first female Chairman, and I am humbled to have been given the opportunity.
“The club continues to change and evolve while respecting its wonderful heritage, members and all the fantastic Chairmen who came before me. Being part of this is truly special, ensuring we keep the club relevant, welcome new members and attract people who share our values, friendships and ethos.
To view the new website and find out more about The Fence Club, click the link: thefenceclub.co.uk/our-impact/
