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Loaves and Fishes Project

February 2025 News

Since our Newsletter that was produced last year lots has happened.

Christmas 2024 

17th December we served 450 clients with the help of our amazing team of volunteers - and a huge thank you to those who donated the gifts and food that went in the bags.  Each Christmas parcel contained 3 bags of food and a bag of gifts.

Father Christmas came and gave chocolate selection boxes to the children in the queue - so smiles all round.

Numbers

Our client numbers remain the same, usually between 70-90 each morning we are open, though there are of course exceptions when we have a particularly busy day and reach the lofty number of 140!  This is balanced out by the very quiet days of only seeing 60 clients.

Fuel payments

We continue to help those who use prepaid top-up systems for their gas and electricity. Thanks to those who donate money we are able to continue to support the vulnerable. This does cost approximately £32,000 a year.

Finances 

We are very much in need of more financial support.  Due to rising costs and fewer donations of food and money, we have used up our reserves.  Thankfully we have received a large donation which has meant we are keeping afloat, but the reality is that this will not last.  In our last financial report, year ending October 2024, it showed that we spent almost £170,000.  Part of that was the new extension we had built, The Emily Wing, but our running costs, like everyone else, have risen.  If you would like further information about our accounts, do get in touch.

Personal updates

Rosina has moved to Clevedon - we give a huge thanks to the 26 years of ministry she has given to this work.

Rosy Ashley, who works for the Bristol Diocese has moved in.  She is currently not involved with the Loaves and Fishes Project, but helps Teresa Mary out in other ways, not least by joining in with the Daily Offices.

Teresa Mary was ordained Priest 29th June 2024 and celebrated her first Eucharist 30th June at the convent at Gerrards Cross.  A joyous occasion with a few volunteers joining in with this special occasion.

Easter 2025

We have included an appeal for eggs for this Easter - we hope you can help us.  Eggs will be distributed at the beginning of April.

Prayer

We continue to ask for your prayers, as we pray and give thanks for all those who support us as well as our clients.

Since September we are now holding a Eucharist on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:30pm.  This is open to anyone. Due to the size of our Chapel, if you would like to attend, please contact Teresa Mary through the email or phone number below.

Thank you

Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters - this project would not be possible without each and every one of you.                             

                                                                Rev’d Sr Teresa Mary CSC