Team members, trustees, advisors and representatives from local organisations came together on Friday 16 June for Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust’s annual Chair’s Reception.
Image: Sutton MP Sir Andrew Mitchell with SCCT’s CEO Claire Evans and Chair Dr Fran Murray.
SCCT CEO Claire Evans and Chair Dr Fran Murray were joined by Sutton Coldfield MP Sir Andrew Mitchell for the much-anticipated annual celebration of the Trust’s achievements over the past 12 months.
The warm and friendly evening offered a chance to reflect on a busy year while looking ahead to the exciting opportunities to come.
Chair Fran Murray welcomed guests and spoke enthusiastically about the successes of the past year.
He highlighted the continued maintenance of the Trust’s thriving almshouses and the positive response from residents to its new regular meetings, which give them the opportunity to share feedback on services and provide updates on their needs.
Fran also celebrated the success of the Trust’s recent digitisation work, including upgraded systems and improved broadband.
He also shared details of SCCT’s ongoing community work.
Fran said: “We have a lot of community work going on that reaches people across all our vital age groups, from improving school grounds and activities for children to providing opportunities for young adults and supporting older people.
“These are ongoing projects, and we hope to continue this work into the future.”
Fran went on to thank friends new and old for their contributions to the Trust’s work.
He said: “In the past year, we’ve welcomed new staff, trustees, a finance manager and more, all of whom have made an outstanding contribution alongside our more established members.
“I’d like to thank Claire and the team. Over the past year, you’ve shown clear leadership and worked cohesively as a team. Thank you for all the work you do for us and the community.
“Our trustees have also made an outstanding contribution, as have all our professional advisors, who support us with property, legal matters, maintenance and our almshouses. Thank you all for your enduring support.”
Fran closed by thanking Sir Andrew Mitchell. He said: “Thank you, Sir Andrew, for your ongoing and hardworking commitment to the Royal Town, the community and its residents, while continuing to maintain a major interest in both national and international affairs.”
Sir Andrew said: “I’m always struck by how lucky we are in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield to have so many organisations dedicated to loving the town and looking after its people. I’m so proud of what Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust has achieved and continues to accomplish year after year.
“I’d particularly like to thank you for your ongoing support of the Jericho Foundation, which I visit quite often. It is a wonderful organisation, giving people the second or third chances they deserve.
“I would also like to mention the Trust’s provision of school uniforms. These grants underline the value and importance of your work in supporting the people of Sutton Coldfield.”
Sir Andrew spoke passionately about the Royal Town’s upcoming quincentennial celebrations and the part that the Trust – which is also soon turning 500 years old – will play in the festivities.
He said: “With the upcoming 500th anniversary of our Royal Town, this is a chance for our whole community to pull together and make it a truly great occasion. It must be inclusive, bringing in all parts of the community so that we grow stronger as a result.”
