The Community Forum AGM 2011 report

posted 2 Nov 2011
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The Community Forum’s AGM took place on the afternoon of Wednesday 21st September 2011 at the Kirkley Centre in Lowestoft and attracted over 40 people, including representatives from voluntary organisations, local councilors and statutory bodies.

Before the meeting, those attending were treated to a taste of the food to come in the cafe, with delicious scones and cakes being provided by local business Petit Four who will shortly be launching the ‘Cafe Grand’ at the centre.

At the AGM itself The Community Forum painted a picture of their very busy and successful year and talked about how they are planning for the future, with ‘working together’ being the main theme. Our Annual Review, which is a wonderfully good read, tells more about the Forums activities and impact in the area.

The Q & A session following the AGM with invited guests Peter Aldous MP, Colin Law, Leader of Waveney District Council, and Janet John, Manager of North East Suffolk CAB, was fascinating. Questions covered a wide range of issues from lack of support for important local charities, the focus on ‘transition’ (ie changing where funding comes from), local councils’ BME strategy and big charities ‘bulldozing’ local ones out of the way and hence winning contracts with ‘our’ councils – the problem of procurement.

We have a challenging year ahead along with the whole of the sector but will continue to champion voluntary and community groups in Waveney and do our best to support any voluntary sector organisation that come to us for help and support.