Legendary boss of charity for homeless people steps down
ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk Mike Fitzgerald, the charismatic leader of Homeless Care, has stepped down as the charity’s chairman.
He said: “Life is full of tough decisions and they come no tougher than when one is committed and passionate about the work of a charity you have supported for so many years.”
Mr Fitzgerald, a former borough councillor for Boughton Monchelsea Ward and Maidstone Mayor, said he had spent the last three years determinedly strengthening the governance and improving the financial position of the charity so he could leave knowing the organisation was in good health.
He said the last year had been particularly successful for the charity, which merged with Goodsell House and saw a big increase in the number of people it helped. He said: “I believe Homeless Care is in a really strong position. We had a record food collection and support for our Christmas campaign and the future feels good.”
Mr Fitzgerald, of
Laxton Drive, Chart Sutton, first joined the charity 13 years ago when it was still named Maidstone Christian Care and based in Lenworth House. He oversaw the move to its present home, Maidstone Day Centre, in Knightrider Street.
It is taking two men to replace him – the chairmanship is now to be shared jointly between Alan Reading and Peter Cox.
Mr Reading said: “Mike has been an integral part of Homeless Care for many years.
“We will always be grateful to him for guiding us through the changes and challenges that have led us to becoming recognised as the county town’s foremost provision for homeless and vulnerable people.
“That is some achievement for a charity that started life as a humble soup run with a couple of Thermos flasks and a pile of sandwiches!
“Mike’s boundless energies are legendary among the local community.
“We, the volunteers, staff and trustees of Homeless Care, want to say a huge thank you to Mike for everything he has done in the name of fighting homelessness and for bringing us so far.” It has been three years since Swan Street Cafe glided into West Malling.
The eatery offers British classics alongside dishes with an American twist, from burgers to pancakes with bacon and maple syrup.
The quirky menu also offers a range of ‘hardshakes’ – boozy milkshakes including Ferrero Rocher with hazelnut liquor and chocolate with Jack Daniel’s.
The business at 21 Swan Street was launched in October 2012 by Charlotte MarchantSlattery, a former lawyer from Offham, and Katie Baldwin from Wrotham, who together dreamt of opening a chain of independent cafes.
As well as a popular day haunt, the cafe has live music performances and evening events in the summer.
You may recognise it from its appearance in an episode of Channel 4’s The Undateables.
Swan Street Cafe is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 3pm on Sundays.