Adrian Freer
Branch President
Adrian was a career soldier in the Parachute Regiment, and fought in the battle for Mt Longdon with 3 PARA in the Falkland Islands in 1982. Adrian went on to become a distinguished army commander in Kosovo and Africa, as a Major General, and was awarded an OBE. Adrian is a very keen golfer, and lives near Perth.
Andy Middlemiss
Branch Chair
Andy is a 4th generation soldier and served in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers for 33 years, in postings all over the world. Andy has worked as a volunteer for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity for over 20 years. He was awarded a BEM in 2021 for this work. His eldest son is a serving Scots Guards Officer, with Iraq and Afghanistan tours behind him.
Angela Watson
Branch Secretary
With a background in administration and office management, along with workforce wellbeing and casework, Angela joined SSAFA in 2018 becoming a caseworker in 2019. She found out about SSAFA and was inspired to volunteer after talking to a member of the Armed Forces at a Mental Health First Aid course, whilst volunteering for the NHS as a Community Connector. Angela took on the role of Branch Secretary in 2020 and is also a Prison In Reach Lead Caseworker.
Phil Ward
Branch Treasurer
Phil joined the Army in September 1981, rising through the ranks to WO1 and then commissioning in the AGC in 2000. Phil served as the Regimental Administrative Officer (RAO) with the Royal Regt of Fusiliers, 1 SCOTS and now 7 SCOTS. He became the treasurer of the Perth and Kinross Branch to use his skillset assisting the volunteers of the Branch supporting the clients in the local area.
Steve Roworth
Casework Manager
Steve joined SSAFA in 2011, becoming a Caseworker with Perth and Kinross Branch in 2013. In 2019 he assumed responsibility for Casework Management in the Branch. Steve Joined The Royal Regiment of Artillery in 1976, and had a long career, serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus with the UN, Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired with the rank of Major in 2012, and now lives on the South Shore of Loch Rannoch with his wife Tricia. He is a keen walker and conservationist and works part time for the Loch Rannoch Conservation Association as their Senior warden. In 2022 Steve was the recipient of the prestigious Global Sir John Gildea Award, of which he is justifiably proud.
Brian ‘Spats’ Baxter
Branch Fundraising Manager
Brian joined the Army in 1979 and served for 24 years and 99 days with the 1st Bn The Black Watch, leaving in the rank of Warrant Officer. In 2005, Brian was awarded a Queen’s Commission with the 51st Highland Volunteer Bn. He went “full time” again on an FTRS assignment as RCMO 7 SCOTS and has been with this unit since Feb 2013. He finally “hangs up” the green clothing in July 2023, having served Queen and Country for over 42 years! Brian has been with SSAFA Perth & Kinross for the last 12 years, initially as a Caseworker but then took up the role of Branch Fundraising Manager. At the young age of 59, Brian regularly runs marathons in aid of SSAFA and other charitable organisations.
Craig Dobney
Padre
Craig joined the RAF in 1984 as an Avionics Engineer. He served 22 years including active service in both Gulf Wars and travel to many parts of the world. In 2006 Craig joined Air Service Training in Perth, initially lecturing aircraft engineering then as Senior Manager, before following his call to the Ministry after a discernment period in late 2015. He graduated from Open University with a business degree in 2015 and graduated from New College, Edinburgh with a Divinity degree in 2019. In the 90s and 00s Craig was a club and radio DJ in his spare time and a lead singer in a rock band. He is a keen golfer and a Raith Rovers season ticket holder, and in 2010 he won an episode of The Weakest Link!