Age Concern winter fuel fund to continue, members assured

Held at Les Cotils, the 27th annual general meeting was attended by more than 100 members, including its president Dame Mary Perkins. The gathering gave recognition to the achievements of the charity over the previous year, which includes the social centres, minibus transport, the winter fuel fund and the Age Concern Guernsey newsletter, as well as the committee’s resignations.

Age Concern Guernsey chairman David Inglis said as an independent charity run by volunteers, he was extremely grateful to all of their donors.

‘I was delighted to report another busy and successful year’s activity to our members at the AGM,’ he said.

‘In the last 12 months we have gifted a minibus for use by Health Connections, made more grants from the winter fuel fund than in the previous year and continued to run four thriving social centres, among other things.’

During the report, Mr Inglis explained that together with Age Concern Guernsey LBG, he is championing a new approach to charity work called micro-volunteering – completing small tasks that make up a larger project – and it was proving popular, enabling a more flexible approach to offering time and help.

He recognised the importance and benefits of the winter fuel fund and gave Lester Queripel, who had initially established the winter fuel fund but was now standing down as Vale centre manager this year, firm assurance that it would continue.

Dame Mary also highlighted the importance of the organisation’s social calendar of lunches and events, observing that many local companies were acknowledging the needs and significance of the ageing population.

She emphasised that these population changes were even more apparent in Guernsey’s community.

Progress by local businesses was welcomed, on behalf of members, as a positive development.

Mr Inglis gave thanks and recognition to some resignations from the committee of long-standing and experienced members and confirmed arrangements had been made to replace them.

This includes Mr Queripel, as well as Mike Hawley, after two decades of service in various roles at the charity, as charity facilitator.

Mr Queripel will be overseeing a handover to a new centre manager who has been recruited for the coming term.

‘There will be some important changes taking place in the membership of the committee for the coming year,’ added Mr Inglis.

‘Roy Trustum, who was awarded Ambassador of the Year in 2012, will be retiring from the committee to enjoy some well-deserved leisure time of his own.

‘It was a pleasure for us to give much-deserved recognition to more than 20 years’ service he has given in promoting the work of Age Concern Guernsey. Roy has left us a significant and enduring legacy.’

In closing, the chairman gave a pledge of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to caring for, assisting and supporting the older members in the community.

n Those wishing to contact the charity for advice and information about the centres should call David Inglis on 263228.