NEW FOREST BASICS BANK Newsletter Number 16 God’s Love in Action Newsletter Spring 2013 Why does the New Forest need the Basics Bank ? Inside this issue: How we helped 2 Who we help 2 Other food banks 2 Finances 2 Trustees meeting 3 Registered charity 3 Please give 4 News wanted 4 Generous donations from trolley-drops Poverty does exist to a surprising extent in the area, in spite of the Tourist image of the New Forest being one of wealth, big marinas and fine houses. Some recent studies have shown :5,500 NF families are waiting on the housing waiting lists , many have been on the lists for over 4 years (NFDC). 10.8 % of working age adults have no qualifications , and have greater problems in finding work (Hantsweb). 5,000 children are in families who need out of work benefits, and face food shortages and hunger (campaign to end child poverty) Food donations you have made We are very grateful for the opportunity to arrange Waitrose “Trolley Drops” where we were able to publicise the work we are doing , and receive donations of groceries to pass on to families in need. Page 2 NEW FOREST BASICS BANK Newsletter Number 16 How we have helped In the past six months we have been asked by Social Agencies to prepare emergency supplies for 895 people (395 families). Each parcel aims to include urgent food needs, along with some toilet materials for those with small children (for 7 days). Whom do we help? We “finances are enabling us to only give out food and materials to those with vouchers from more than 40 caring Agencies (Social services, CAB, Medical centres and voluntary help agencies). consider enhancing what we provide Other food banks We are in touch with other groups interested in food banks in the area, offering similar family sup- port at the Waterside ( Blackfield) in New Milton and Winchester. Finances in good shape Thanks to the continuing extraordinary generosity of supporters, the Basics Bank’s income is keeping up with what is spent on items needed to complete the parcels we are sending out. In fact our finances are enabling us to consider enhancing what we provide to people in need. Newsletter Number 16 NEW FOREST BASICS BANK Page 3 Notes from Trustees Meeting A meeting of the Trustees was held on 8th March The Cabin. We began preparations for applying for the renewal of Planning Permission for the Basics Bank cabin which must take place later in the year. Flyer. It was decided that we should design and have printed a flyer for distributing at events and giving to people interested in NFBB. Finances were reviewed and are reported elsewhere in this issue. Administration. We were told that two new members have joined; the growing database of interested people and organisa- tions is being updated; letterheading stationery and web site are being redesigned. Events. A display is to be put on at the Lymington Community Centre in early April. NFBB can now Other suggestions for events, including a summer trolley drop, were discussed. claim GiftAid on donations Service developments. We discussed ideas gleaned from other food banks to help our clients such as supplying “healthy” foods and teaching them to cook. Further meetings. The trustees intend to meet about every two months. Now a registered charity We have now been accepted by the Charity Commission as a Registered Charity. The trustees are Phil Wiseman, Clare & Peter Bassett, Janet Blizzard, Ted Cantrell, Meredith Drury, Sean Dunn and Anthony Kirke. Being registered enables us to claim GiftAid on donations which you make to us. It also gives us a better status in regard to government departments with whom we work. Trustees meeting Newsletter Number 16 NEW FOREST BASICS BANK Basics Bank Cabin, URC Church, High Street, Lymington, SO41 9AG Phone: 01590-610008 Open: Tue, Wed, Fri 10-12noon www.basicsbank.org.uk Registered charity No. 1150170 God's Love in Action Please give to Basics Bank Basics Bank is always very happy to receive donations of money as well as food and household necessities. Please use GiftAid if you are eligible, (i.e. if you pay tax). To give any amount, please go to www.localgiving.com and follow the instructions. If you are not internet-savvy, please send us a cheque to the address above made payable to “NFBB” or bring it to us at the Cabin on Tues, Wed or Friday 10-12am. Please phone us if you would like to make a regular donation by standing order. Some recent donations Many thanks to the following: Hampshire County Council £1,500 All Saints’ Church, Milford-onSea £1,109 Waitrose, Ringwood £920 A cheque from Lymington mayor “We need your letters and photos please! News for this Newsletter Trustee Ted Cantrell will be very pleased to receive your contributions in the form of letters, articles or photographs that will add interest to this publication. Please keep them rolling in! We aim to continue to produce two issues a year. Ted’s phone: 01590-672388