Registered Charity No; 1176094
Notes from Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 10th September 2019
At Friargate Quaker Meeting House, York.
Attending; Peter Robinson, Angela Breffit, Sara Trewhitt, Ahmed Khaleel, Tricia Miller, Dianne Cox, Susan Buchanan, Helen Webster, Paul Wordsworth, Madeleine Oswald, David Judson, Pat Nobbs, Peter Jarman, Michael Worthington, Wendy Bennett, Bashir Shiraz and 2 friends from ‘Open Doors’ Hull, Claire Newhouse, Maire, Doyle,
Apologies; Patricia Bartley, Steph Cooper, Margot Brown (RAY), Issy Sanderson, Rose Berl, Annie Hammond, Edward Webb, Mebs Surve, Sally Bourton (RAY), Sarah O’Grady, Nicky Jenkins, Christine Kyte, Mike Southcombe, Phil Lewis, Bridget Hunt, Jean Holt, Jane Adam, Richard Irons, Kurt Strauss, Selena Whitehead, Tina Funnell, Annie Medcalf.
2. Welcome to those attending from the retiring Chair; Wendy Bennett
3. Notes from previous AGM (already circulated) were accepted as correct, and no matters arising were raised.
4. An overview of the year; Report from Wendy Bennett, Chair of the Board of Trustees, outlined the progress made to develop a strategic and business plan, with a focus on clear and achievable aims in line with those set out and agreed with the Charity Commissioners. She thanked trustees, programme leaders, volunteers and supporters for the work they provide in enabling York City of Sanctuary to carry out a wide range of services and support for sanctuary seekers in the city and in the region. The true cost of the work is many times more than the modest income which is currently shown in our accounts.
5. ‘Coming home to York’ – Dr.Ahmed Khaleel spoke about his journey from life as an academic in Baghdad University to his present life working at University of York, and settling into the city. Maire Doyle reported the conversation she had a Syrian refugee on his experience of coming to York in recent years.
6. The report from the Co-ordinator is already circulated. The Schools of Sanctuary in York from Ed Webb was read to the meeting. These will be placed on the YCoS website. Tricia Miller reported on the Compass programme. In addition to providing for refugees in York, deliveries of donated clothing, furniture and household goods were made to partners in Bradford, Wakefield, and Hull. Contact with Middlesbrough was limited in the past year. Additional drivers were needed, especially those who were able to drive a hire van to deliver furniture. Maire Doyle spoke about home visiting team and provision of ESOL. The Summer Drop in was not held this year, but the trip to Lastingham had been much appreciated. The village hosts provided a generous and warm welcome. Paul Wordsworth reported on Welcome to York which had been funded in 2018 by a grant from the Guardian Fund. Visitors came from cities and towns across the region to spend a day in York, and really appreciated the welcome they received. A good partnership has been built with City Museums and Art gallery, the Minster and National Railway Museum, as well as a number of centres where visitors can have lunch and convene. Annie Medcalf and the team are to be congratulated on their work. A budget is in place to continue the work.
7. Presentation of 2019 Annual Accounts were made by the Treasurer, Michael Worthington. The Annual report from the Treasurer is available on the website.
8. Nominations to the Board of Trustees
Claire Newhouse and Ed Webb were co-opted to the Board during 2018-19. They now stand for election to the Board for 2019-21 having signed a declaration that they are eligible to act as trustees and are willing to continue acting in that capacity.
Proposed; Peter Robinson seconded; Peter Jarman
Agreed unanimously on a show of hands of those present
8b Under the terms of the Constitution three members standing down this year are
Michael Worthington, Ahmed Khaleel, and Peter Jarman
The following persons have individually signed a declaration that they are eligible to act as a trustee and are willing to act in that capacity for the above named charity;
Currently standing for re-election for a further term of office are
Michael Worthington and Ahmed Khaleel
Proposed; Peter Jarman seconded; Peter Robinson
A vacancy will be filled by co-option after Board has met and consulted and expressions of interest in serving as a trustee are welcome.
Peter Jarman was thanked for his term of office. He had been very supportive of the organisation in its early years as a charity, and ensured the Board had a meeting place during the first days of our existence.
9. City of Sanctuary- National and regional activities
Sara Trewhitt – regional organiser for City of Sanctuary was welcomed and spoke about a range of Streams of Sanctuary, including Schools and Universities. The very first national gathering for Universities of Sanctuary had taken place at York St. John only the previous week, and had been very successful. The planned CoS visit to the House of Commons in November, may not take place, due to the uncertainties being created by Brexit.
The meeting ended at 8.40 pm
Important note
One vacancy exists on the Board of Trustees. Those who wish to stand should complete and return an application form which can be accessed by request to
[email protected] Office 01904 426891 Mob; 07745 380987
If you would like to know more about the role of Trustee and would value a conversation with the Co-ordinator, please use one of the contact points shown above. We look forward to responding to all expressions of interest.