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.
Live Chat
