Welcome to Beehive Care

PETER THOMSON

I was born in Worthing and spent 40 absent years pursuing a career in Banking and Finance. In 2020 retirement beckoned and a move to Ferring for a more peaceful life. 

In 2023 I was accepted an invitation to join the Trustee Board of Abbeyfield and it has been a privilege to be part of a team that has transformed the organisation into the Beehive charity today. The Board recently appointed me as Chairman of Trustees and I look forward to helping Beehive grow and develop their care in the community for many years to come

DAVID BOTTING

I have worked in Social Care for over 45 years, both in the U.K. and Overseas (Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia), mainly in the areas of Children and Families and Training and Development. I hold a BA (Hons) in Social Work and Community Studies, the Advanced Award in Social Work and an MA in Training and Development. I became a Trustee at Beehive Care following my retirement in 2014.

JOHN GOUGH

My first career was with the Home Office in immigration, ending with me lecturing about passport forgery to foreign security agencies. My wife and I owned several care homes. Finally, we bought a 32 bedded care home for people with dementia, for which I qualified as a care manager and also a book-keeper. I am now retired and do several voluntary jobs including secretary of Ferring Village Hall. I have been a trustee with Beehive Care for almost two years and still have much to learn.

CHRIS HAYHOE

I have worked as a company director for a number of years predominantly in the print industry. In 2015 I volunteered for a local care organisation and was privileged to provide support at home with a group of marvellous individuals for almost 3 years. I found the whole experience energising and immensely fulfilling. When the opportunity came up to join Beehive as a trustee, I decided that it was the right time and that l had commercial skills which l wanted to share with the charity. 

JILL LANCASTER

Initially in banking, I started working in older people’s care after having children. I worked in a variety of roles before moving into management supporting the development of innovative services for older people and “friend and family” carers. During this time, I gained an MA in Leadership and Management in Health and Social from Chichester University. I became a trustee at Beehive Care in March 2020…just as the pandemic started!

BETTY McCANN

I worked in computing in banking and insurance. Since retiring I was keen to get involved and give back to the community; initially by becoming a Ferring Parish Councillor and their representative on Ferring Village Hall. I was subsequently appointed as village hall treasurer in 2011.  I have also been a Trustee of Beehive Care Group for the last six years.   I have also served as a volunteer telephonist for Friends of Ferring and, in November 2023, was appointed Treasurer of Ferring Retirement Club.  

SALLY McDONALD

Civil Servant of 37 years in a variety of roles including customer research for development and introduction of Self-assessment which involved working closely with taxpayers of all ages to identify their needs and delivering Customer Support programmes. This was followed by Personal Assistant to Director and a Senior manager of HR & Payroll for HMRC. On retirement I started volunteering, supporting activities for people with dementia. This was driven by my personal journey supporting my mother and uncle. I became a Trustee at Beehive in 2021

DAPHNE SLATOR

After a career in health and social care, and project management, I’m now retired and committed to using my experience to support older people, individuals living with dementia, and the carers who look after them. I bring clear judgement, practical insight, and strong governance skills, helping to ensure the charity remains accountable, sustainable, and focused on realworld needs. I’m dedicated to strengthening compassionate, communitybased support and ensuring our services stay reliable, respectful, and responsive to those who depend on them.