At the end of March, Wendy Miller, Administrator and Funding Co-ordinator at Storeroom2010, retired after 15 years of dedicated service.
Wendy has been with the Cowes-based charity since its very beginning in July 2010.
Together with her husband Nick, Wendy played a central role in founding the organisation and developing it into the much-valued community asset it is today.
From modest beginnings to a thriving operation
In the early days, Wendy managed the office single-handedly. As the charity grew and gained capacity to employ more staff, Wendy stepped into the role of Funding Co-ordinator.
She continued to support in the warehouse and shop whenever needed.
From its first home in a run-down shed at Medina Yard, Storeroom2010 has grown into bright, modern premises—thanks in no small part to Wendy’s work.
She submitted more than 400 funding bids during her time with the charity, raising over £750,000 in grants from local and national sources.
Funding success led to community projects
The grant funding Wendy secured enabled Storeroom2010 to launch two major community projects.
Storeroom Education helped 678 students gain NOCN qualifications over four years, improving their chances of employment.
Wendy also secured funding for the Cowes Men’s Shed, a project now in its seventh year.
Storeroom2010’s Project Leader Adam continues to help steer the Shed, which has become a valued hub for local men to meet, share skills, and support each other.
A lasting legacy
Wendy’s drive and determination helped shape Storeroom2010 into a vital part of the Isle of Wight community.
Nick Miller, CEO of Storeroom2010 and Wendy’s husband, said her retirement leaves “a hole that will be difficult to patch up”.
He praised not only her skill in securing funding, but also her optimistic and outgoing nature.
Wendy’s colleagues and the wider community will miss her—and her legacy will be felt for many years to come.
