Report on Annual General Meeting - 26 October 2013

Post date: Nov 21, 2013 11:51:08 AM

The Annual General Meeting of CTLA took place at Christ Church on 26 October.

It began with a presentation from Nathan Au of Fareshare. They provide most Food Banks, including those in Lewes, with a regular supply of food and vegetables, collected from Tesco and other Supermarkets after the food has passed its sell-by date or as a result of in-store collections. Nathan stressed three main services which his company provide: 1. Perfectly good food does not end up in landfill. 2. They deliver food to the needy and homeless and 3. They support their clients, involve them as volunteers and help them find accredited training and work.

He said that last year they had redistributed ten thousand tons of food. He asked churches to pray for their work and support local Foodbanks.

CTLA finished the year in credit with £182.59.

Election of Officers. Current Officers were re-elected en masse, with Fr Ian Wallis (Orthodox Church) as Chair and Gretel Scott (St John) as Secretary.

Homelink, a linked charity, raises money and helps to house homeless people. It is seen as operating successfully and has been awarded a grant from ESCC as part of a government initiative on tenant loans, and from Lewes District Council. They are also supported by many faithful local givers.

Lewes Passion Play have recently gained charitable status so that supporters can Gift Aid donations. They are seeking to raise an ambitious sum to fund their next full production in 2015 and have approached local churches for support.

CTLA has taken over responsibility for Men’s Breakfasts and inclusive Breakfasts. The Chair asked members to support these amongst their congregations.

Joint events so far planned for the coming year include a Christmas meal for invited guests identified by appropriate sponsors, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an Ecumenical Lent Course and the Good Friday Walk of Witness. There was some criticism that this is held in silence.

Afterwards, there was a United Service on the following Sunday at St John sub Castro in which the re-elected Chair formally signed the Chair’s Bible and gave the Blessing. Revd Judith Bevan preached, prayers were said by Revd Al Pickering of Kings Church. Readers were from Eastgate and St Pancras churches.