A new chapter at Glossopdale Foodbank

After over a decade chairing Glossopdale Foodbank, Godfrey Claff has retired. 

Godfrey was fundamental in setting up the Foodbank and has since steered it through turbulent times including the pandemic, food price rises and then the unexpected demands for rent from the County Council who owned the unit where food is stored, and all the parcels are prepared. Thanks for Godfrey’s contribution were voiced by all the Trustees, employees and volunteers who help keep the Foodbank working. 

Annie Hopley has now taken over as Chair of the Foodbank and, along with all other Trustees, is now faced with the daunting tasks of securing a place where the food can continue to be stored and parcels prepared, while ensuring that they have sufficient donations and funds for the day-to-day running of the Foodbank. 

Jean Hobson, who was Deputy Chair for many years, has also stood down from her role. Her place as Deputy has been taken by Danny McLoughlin: he has been a Trustee for several years, so is already familiar with all the joys and problems of running the Foodbank! Both Godfrey and Jean will remain as Foodbank Trustees and will continue to give it their full support. 

One of the main tasks for the new Committee will be securing sufficient funds to continue offering help to people in food poverty. Various fundraising activities have been organised, the first one being a Tombola stall at Old Glossop’s Christmas market on the 7th December. The team hope people will support them. 

Liz Kearslake (Glossopdale Foodbank Manager) along with Sarah Davies (Assistant Foodbank Manager) are planning various activities to raise funds in the New Year, many of which will be fun, and they hope that local people will join in and enjoy themselves. 

“As a charity, we are totally dependent on donations and are extremely grateful to the people in Glossop who have been both generous and supportive, along with the businesses, schools and churches who have gone out of their way to help us” Liz said, adding “Davis Blank Furniss have kindly financed the posting of a large banner advertising the Glossopdale Foodbank in a prominent position by Woolley Bridge Junction, which helps raise our presence enormously”. 

The group extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped them this year and in the past, and wish them a happy time during the season’s festivities.