Lt Col Hugh Toler MBE DL
Branch Chairman, Essex
Hugh's Army career began in 1973 at the Guards Depot, progressing through Sandhurst and the Army Staff College. He served globally, from New Zealand to Norway and Canada to Zimbabwe, and later with NATO before concluding his military service at the MoD in 2008. After retiring, he and his wife Victoria (deceased) moved to Essex, where he transitioned to a career in software development for the maritime and defence industries. Retiring fully in 2018, Hugh now serves as Chairman of SSAFA Essex, President of the Coldstream Guards Association, and Secretary of the Blackwater Wildfowlers Association. He and Victoria have two children: Arabella works at Christie’s and Charlie in the Royal Navy.
David Spalding
Branch Secretary, Essex
In November 1957, David joined the Depot Royal Norfolk for National Service. After training, he was promoted to LCpl and joined the training staff. Quickly rising to Corporal, he eventually retired as a Major in 1988. Post-Army, he worked as an Admin Officer with the TA for eight years. Approached by SSAFA at age 59, he became the Essex Branch Training organiser after a year of persuasion. Over the next 24 years, David served as Assistant Secretary, finally becoming Branch Secretary in 2023. David is married to Ann and they had two children, Mark and Rachel (deceased). Now, when he is not keeping the branch organised, he enjoys household projects and gardening.
Robert James Mitchell (Bob)
Branch Treasurer, Essex
After finishing school in 1962, Bob (as he likes to be called) held several jobs before joining the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) as a boy rating with Canadian Pacific, back when they operated transatlantic liners. He also worked at Dunlop, English Electric and Dista Pharmaceuticals. After attending technical college, he joined the RFA in 1969 and served until 2006, retiring as a temporary acting Chief Officer (System Engineer). Following his RFA career, he volunteered for SSAFA in various roles, including branch admin, divisional caseworker, divisional treasurer, and currently as branch treasurer.
Judith Barretto Punwani
Digital Marketing Volunteer, Chelmsford, Brentwood & Maldon Division
With over 15 years of communications experience, she took a break to focus on her family and mental health but is now back with interests in communication and creative media. Based in Essex with her IT-savvy husband and their beloved dog Misty, she finds joy in design, painting, and crocheting.
Proud mom to Kimberly, a foundation doctor, and Julianne, a neuroscience student. Alongside working, she enjoys her digital marketing role at SSAFA, where she helps create meaningful campaigns that support the military community. For her, creativity is not just a career but a way of life that she brings into every aspect of her work and personal life.
Elizabeth Clark
Divisional Secretary, Epping & Harlow, Essex
Elizabeth is a seasoned professional with a background in engineering and product management. After earning her degree from Brunel University, she spent 20 years in engineering and supply chain roles before transitioning to product management, a field she has excelled in for the last 15 years. Now a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marketer, she works for a global shipping and mailing company.
Driven by a desire to give back to her community, Elizabeth began volunteering with SSAFA, drawn to the opportunity to directly engage with clients. As Divisional Secretary, she enjoys the teamwork involved in delivering vital services and finds deep satisfaction in supporting those in need.
In her free time, Elizabeth is passionate about walking and connecting with nature, enjoying the changing seasons. She is also a proud aunt to an Army officer who recently graduated from Sandhurst, which has deepened her connection to SSAFA's mission.
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