JO Sims Ltd’s Keith Sims has stepped down after 28 years of service as chairman of the Wholesale Fruit and Potato Trades Benevolent Society.

Sims, aged 84, announced his decision at the annual general meeting of the society last month, and paid tribute to his fellow trustees for their support during his term of office.

Bernard Davies, company secretary of JO Sims Ltd, was appointed as the new chairman. He said: “Keith has been an excellent chairman, and a real driving force in ensuring that the aims of the society - to provide financial support to market personnel from the four London markets facing hardship - have been met.”

“Over recent years the calls made upon the society for help and assistance have fallen considerably,” added Bernard, “due in no small measures to improved standards of living.

“Although in a way today the Society is an anachronism, over the years it has provided welcome financial assistance and still does to the current beneficiaries.”

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