2025 AGM & Annual Report
The 2024-25 AGM is now complete. We met, for the third time at County Bowling Club in Northlands Rd – who are such wonderful hosts – thank you, especially, to James Lapage!
This year, we introduced a newly styled annual report, which we hope you’ll find much easier to read.
Chair of Trustees, Barrie Worth, welcome everyone to the meeting and then invited Manager, Annie Clewlow and Finance & Fundraising Coordinator, Emily Arbery to give presentations. Emily thanked Simon at Coastal Accountants, who generously continues to support us with closing our accounts each year.
Lenka Fremerova & Debbie Hendry were reelected as trustees, and Su Mihelic’s adoption as a trustee during the year, was ratified at the meeting.
A word from Su “I am recently retired. I spent my career working in projects based around social inclusion. I’ve lived and worked in Southampton for much of my life. My dad was a volunteer for Communicare so I’ve know about the charity for many years. I passionately believe that people love to help and Communicare is all about creating a space for that to happen.”
We were delighted to also see Sally Ann Belward appointed as a new Trustee. Sally says “I was an NHS physiotherapist with a special interest in working with older people. I initially met Communicare via delivering manual handling advice and falls awareness talks. I also attended several volunteer conferences, with a “balance machine”.
“Since retiring, I have joined the monthly Communicare prayer group and have delivered falls awareness sessions to Communicare Friendship groups, including “what to do if someone falls”. I have been a member of Shirley Parish (St James by the park) for more than 30 years, and so am in sympathy with the Christian ethos of Communicare in Southampton.
“I hope that I am empathetic, enthusiastic, passionate and caring, especially with regards to improving the lives of older people in Southampton.”
This year, we were delighted to give out three 30 year volunteer certificates – what incredible acts of love and kindness. These went out to Eveline Adams, Pete Rackham & Elaine Matthews.
Volunteer long service certificates were handed out – the longest given to Ken Amy for 25 years! David Thomas, who received his 15 years certificate, cut the ‘Thank You Volunteers’ cake, which we all enjoyed sampling!
Thank you also to all of those that came. It was so lovely to see all of you and, of course, share in some delicious cake from Communibakes Bakery.
You can find the 2024-25 Annual Report here.
