"YOUNG guns" are being urged to harness their business experience by becoming a voluntary trustee and board member with Bury Hospice.

Their management flair and expertise will be essential in maintaining and expanding the hospice's vital role within the community.

Bury Hospice opened its doors to its first patient in 1991 and in June will celebrate its tenth anniversary.

However, to ensure the hospice will continue to prosper into the next decade and beyond, new trustees are required to work in a voluntary capacity.

Chairman Mr Colin Caffrey said: "Recently, the trustees and board members spent time discussing how the hospice will develop over the next ten years and what needs to be put in place to ensure this will happen.

"One area of concern was who will be the future trustees and board members. Changes in business practice and demands on managers' time is making it increasingly difficult for people in full employment to give freely of their time and expertise."

Mr Caffrey acknowledges that members of the board are conscious they are getting no younger, with many now retired.

That's why the chairman has launched an appeal to bring younger blood into the running of Bury Hospice. "While help from retired people is both essential and necessary to run an active business, such as the hospice, it also demands an input from people still in employment and whose business knowledge is tuned into modern practices and conditions," stresses Mr Caffrey

"The board and trustees are convinced that there are younger people involved in management, with the necessary management expertise and knowledge, who would be prepared to give time and share their abilities with an active and worthwhile charity."

Running costs for the hospice were £610,000 during the first nine months of this financial year.

And it was recently announced that every penny hospice bosses raise will be matched by the NHS by 2004.

The chairman went on: "Over the next five years, new trustees and board members are going to be needed. In fact, there is at present an urgent need for someone with financial skills."

One man who fully appreciates the rewards of being a trustee is Bury Council's former director of education, Mr Malcolm Gray.

After his retirement in 1992, Mr Gray carried out voluntary work within the hospice for three years. Five years ago, he was appointed a trustee and his experience has played a significant role in aiding the hospice's day-to-day operations.

"As a volunteer, I worked for about two days a week," said Mr Gray. "But as a trustee, the time taken up isn't all that much.

"In effect, most trustees attend two or three meetings a quarter. And between meetings, I will visit the hospice and the fund-raising office to get a feel of what's happening."

Commenting on his main responsibilities as a trustee, he added: "My role, mainly, is on the financial, administration and personnel side.

"One reason why I enjoy it, apart from the fact you feel you are doing something for the community, is that it brings you into contact with people from all other walks of life. It keeps me occupied and I find it interesting."

Mr Gray continued: "I do find that my past experience is helpful to me and hopefully the Hospice. Being a trustee is very worthwhile and I suppose, in a sense, you have to have the commitment and feel you can make a contribution."

He can heartily recommend other people, particularly the young, getting involved as a trustee or board member.

"If anyone feels they can assist, I would certainly encourage them to make themselves known to Bury Hospice. The work is very interesting."

If anyone is interested they should contact Mr Caffrey on 725 9800.