Association of Friendly Societies elects president

Townsley, chief executive of Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society, previously held the vice president role. He replaces Colin Paskell, chief executive of the Druids Friendly Society. The appointment means he will chair the board responsible for running the AFS. His presidency will run until October 2008. Townsley says his two main goals are to raise the profile of friendly societies and protect members’ interests. He says: “The association exists to help its members meet the challenges of today’s financial services industry and to promote the diversity and benefits of a movement that has...