RECENT NEWS FROM
![logo no text[1]_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/677e92_682f186548604d3894d72098ef6dc654~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_238,h_189,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/logo%20no%20text%5B1%5D_edited.png)
Happy New Year to all our supporters and clients!
At the start of 2024 we want to thank everyone who supported us throughout 2023. We are so fortunate to have the support of so many organisations and individuals who give to us so generously. Donations large and small, practical or financial are all hugely appreciated.
As the year came to an end individuals, Churches and companies were especially generous with donations of food, gifts and money. Their generosity to give to help others at Christmas was wonderful to see.
Here is a snapshot of some of the deliveries!
Christmas 2023
Christmas is always a busy time for us and this year was no exception. As we are all, aware, it was another difficult year for many and we wanted to provide a bit of Christmas cheer for all our clients.
Our wonderful chefs prepared a Christmas feast for our Loose Ends Clients on 17th December.
And on Monday 18th Northcroft Kitchen had a party tea for parents and children - with plenty of pizza and cake!
With the help of many generous donations from local businesses, Churches and other organisations we were able to provide small gifts to adults and children alike.
And we even had fun clearing up!
Thank you to everyone who made our celebrations such a success!
New Appointments
All Loose Ends all volunteers are unpaid and some roles take a while to fill with the right person. We were therefore delighted that in November we appointed a new Secretary and Trustee, Paul Jenkinson, and in December, Diana Lacey, who had joined the Trustees at our AGM became our new Chair. Welcome to both of you and thank you for joining us!
Our AGM - 5th October 2023
We held our AGM at the Newbury Cricket Club and a number of volunteers, members and friends joined the Trustees to review the previous year. Gill Downs welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming out - as the previous year the weather was awful!
The previous AGM minutes were formally approved and new and retiring Trustees announced. Sam Mullender had previously resigned as a Trustee following her move to Exeter. Alison Martin also stood down as a Trustee but would continue as a volunteer. Caroline Billington, who had joined the Trustees earlier in the year, was formally voted on as a Trustee and Diana Lacey was also nominated and approved as a Trustee.
Alison Martin then gave a report on behalf of the Trustees emphasising what successful year it had been for Loose Ends and how grateful we were for all the support from the community we received which helped make Loose Ends the special charity it is. Ian Nichol reiterated this when giving his Financial Report where he was happy to report that we ended the year in a strong financial position.
There followed a really interesting and informative talk from Erica Gassor from West Berkshire Homeless about the work they do and the ever increasing challenges they face. Questions and a discussion followed which concluded that there was a strong likelihood that there would be an increase in homelessness in the next year.
We wrapped up with a social gathering over drinks and nibbles.
If you would like to read our full annual report for 2022/23 please follow the link :