Get knitted!’ is the polite demand from CWUHA volunteers

They may not seem the most likely of lads to have an interest in the delicate craft of knitting, but CWU HQ’s Steve Fishwick and Chris Bennett are proving themselves to be a couple of softies in contrast to their roles as postal policy advisers.

They have volunteered to be drivers with the union’s CWUHA next mission in September when along with other colleagues from the Union and CWUHA Partners they will deliver clothes and essential equipment to destitute children in Bulgaria. As part of their fund raising efforts but they are appealing to anyone who can knit to make lots of baby and toddler clothes that they can deliver in September before the harsh Eastern European winter sets in.

“The knitting idea came to mind for no particular reason really - except

that it involves people in a different way to just asking for money,” said Steve.

“Having them make the garment themselves and knowing that we will be delivering it will hopefully give people a real sense of fulfillment, particularly if we bring back lots of pictures of the children wearing some of the garments!”

Steve has been to Bulgaria on convoys three times during 1996-97 and was a Trustee of the charity for some time afterwards. Chris will be a first timer, although it is something that he has wanted to do for a long time.

Chris added: “I was moved by the generosity of my colleagues in the CWU who supported me when...

Jogle runners complete the 900 miles non-stop for CWUHA and fulfil the challenge they set themselves 12 months ago

When Dave Taylor initially came up with the idea of the six friends running non-stop from John 'O' Groats to Lands End (Jogle) they thought he had lost his senses, and to be honest that is still the prevalent view. What swayed the rest of the team to join Dave in cloud cuckoo land were the worthiness and the work of CWUHA.

The youngest runner was 46 the oldest was 54. The bandages, the grey hair, the creaking joints, the fading eyesight and the false teeth all said 'it couldn’t be done. Well they were wrong, after months of training and preparation and with the support of family, friends, work colleagues, Royal Mail and their union The Communication Workers Union they set out on the 18^th May and finished the 900 odd miles run five days and 19 hours later.

The runners Postmen and CWU members Dave Taylor, Neil Cliffe, Keith, Brown, Ian Walker – all based at Warrington’s delivery office and mail centre – plus Simon Walker of Crewe delivery office, and friend Steve Taylor ran non-stop around the clock in a gruelling relay.

On their travels they visited delivery offices and mail centres along the way, and even making a diversion to the CWU conference in Bournemouth where they were given not one, not two but three standing ovations by CWU delegates.

AGM – 2011 – BICC – Bournemouth

President’s Opening Remarks

Ted welcomed all attendees to the AGM, “another successful year behind us”. Thanking sponsors UIA and Simpson Millar also thanking the employers for their backing and support RM, BT, Anpost and Eircom.  “Without the CWU backing we would not be in existence as we are now”.

Apologies

Steve Fishwick, Richard Morgan, Lisa Sheldon, Dennis McWilliams, Billy Hayes, Derek Maylor., Ian Young.

Minutes of last AGM

Previous minutes agreed with no matters arising.

2010 Trustees Annual Report & Accounts (Including 2010 September Convoy & Projects in Tanzania, East Africa

Annual Accounts

Mick Kirkby - The charity was in a healthy financial position this year with a 6k increase on previous year, but still need funds needed to keep the charity going. Branch affiliations are down due to branch mergers and individual affiliations are also down, trying to push the standing orders. Admin costs of this charity are far lower than any other charity in this country. We pay nothing out in admin costs. At last year’s agm we discussed increasing branch affiliations and within the report are 2011 recommendations. Proposed increases on branch affiliations – Carried

Trustees report

2010 convoy to Moldova and Transnistria in September with Stephen Albon and Pete Sharrocks as convoy leaders...