Over 40 people attended Stratford Foodbank’s AGM on Thursday March 15th. The event was attended by the Mayor, councillor Victoria Alcock, who thanked the Foodbank Trustees, Manager and volunteers for all that they do to make the service available to those in need in the town. Trevor Lloyd Adams, the Foodbank’s Treasurer, shared details of the charity’s accounts, revealing it was in good financial shape despite coping with an over 50% year on year demand for its services.
The meeting saw the election of a new Chairman, Mr Nick Barter, as previous Chairman Revd Canon Richard Williams stepped down after more than two years’ service. Canon Williams said, “It has been a privilege to Chair the Trustees of the Foodbank at a time of great change and growth. It is a sad reflection on the society in which we live that so many people need our services but while that is the case it is good that so many people come together to support the Foodbank, it has been a joy to be a small part of what is a great team.”
The newly elected Chairman Nick Barter, who has a background automotive engineering having been Product Development Director at Jaguar Land Rover, said, “I am delighted that I can now spend time helping with community matters by taking over from Richard, who has done an outstanding job with the Foodbank. As I have become involved with the Foodbank I have been impressed with the effectiveness of the organisation and pay tribute to the Trustees, and the Manager Marion Homer, for the job they are doing. This is supported by an amazing team of volunteers who give up their time and are the core of the operation. Support from the Town Trust is central to the running of the operation. I shall endeavour to maintain this the high standard and develop the Foodbank as required.”
Trustee Maggie Hedger made a presentation on the work of the Foodbank’s ‘Schools and Young People Team’ which was well received and showed that the work of the Foodbank involved much more than handing out food parcels in their cabin on Tesco’s carpark. Guests at the AGM included many people representing various stakeholders and colleagues from the Foodbank’s referral agency partners, the Town Trust, local businesses and, of course, many of the Foodbank’s volunteers.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help at Stratford’s Foodbank should refer to the ‘Give Help’ section of their website www. stratforduponavon.foodbank.org.uk or follow their Facebook page @StratforduponavonFoodbank.
The Foodbank is currently low on non-food items such as tin openers, toiletries, and household cleaners. Whilst these items are not core to food parcels clients are grateful to receive them. All food parcel donations can be left in the Foodbank’s collection baskets at Tesco’s, Morrison’s, Waitrose and Holy Trinity Church.
