The Bridge, AGM Report
Over 50 people attended The Bridge AGM which was held on Tuesday 7th June at St Mary Magdalene Church Hall. Rev Linda Ricketts opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking them for their continued support.
Louise Bullen, The Project Development Officer spoke about the highs and lows of the year. She started by paying tribute to David Ricketts who was ‘chef in charge’ at The Bridge before his sudden death in January of this year. Although he is sorely missed, she was delighted two volunteers, Tracey and Sharron had so willingly come forward and taken over the running of the kitchen.
Louise said that the number of clients regularly attending had increased to between 45 and 50 each week. A team of dedicated volunteers set up the room, prepared, cooked and served a three course lunch every week. The Bridge works closely with many other agencies in the community including Contact 2000, The MESH Office, from where they received £5,000 from the participatory budget allocation. Stonham Housing, Great Yarmouth Health Trainers and many other agencies regularly hold sessions at The Bridge, offering information, support and advice to clients.
As well as listing the many training opportunities that The Bridge had offered during the year, Louise highlighted the success of the Community Allotment. Great Yarmouth Library Gardening Project were thanked for the support and help they give The Bridge in this area. 12 volunteers regularly dig, sow and weed each week. Although everyone was devastated when the allotment suffered an arson attack earlier in the year, the response from the community, both individuals and other organisations had been overwhelming and the project was now better equipped than before and well on track for a bumper crop of potatoes and parsley!
To close, Louise again thanked all the volunteers, without whom the project couldn’t work, as well as those partners and individuals who also supported the work in a variety of ways.
After the treasurers report and the election of officers, Rev Peter Paine closed the meeting and a cream tea, served by the volunteers, was enjoyed by  all. 
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