CHAIRMAN’S  REPORT for the Seventh ANNUAL  GENERAL  MEETING , 

Network Gloria is still going strong, despite having had to adjust to the committee being split, now that Robin and I are living in Cheshire and Moira and Chris have changed abode.  We have seen that, in many ways, the Network has been strengthened:  the committee in Kent have been just as much involved in sending goods to Romania and their supporters have rallied round whenever there has been a fundraising event, especially the quiz nights.  In Cheshire Network Gloria was unknown three years ago, but now barn dances are well supported.  Funds were boosted by monetary gifts following Gloria’s retirement picnic in July.  This has also led to more Gift Aid forms.  It is hoped that the Autumn Newsletter 2006, a summary of recent activities and with news of our families, will serve to show present supporters and friends how committed we are to our families and to ensuring the safe and worthwhile distribution of our funds.

So what of the future?  The entry of Romania into the EU for January 2007 has brought worries to many charities working in Romania that people might not be so supportive, since it could be assumed that all of Romania’s problems will be solved by becoming a member.  I have spoken of this in the newsletter.  We, in the Network, know that for our families battling with the problems of special needs and poverty the struggle for human rights will continue for years to come.  We shall continue in our endeavours to help these people, because we are in constant contact with them and understand their problems so well.

Our committee in Bucharest have had health problems of their own, but continue to send us news of our families and distribute the money safely.  Friends of the network have rallied round to help in the distribution of goods.  One of our mothers, Melania, now helps with the paperwork connected with the administration of funds, and the Treasurers in England and Romania keep in regular contact.  A financial report is received every month and up-to-date photos will be provided for sponsors and for the website.

The last Trustees to go to Romania were Janette Francis in May 2005 and Judith King in June 2005.  Separate reports are available.  This brings the total number of personal visits to sixteen, the first being in 1995. A video of the first trip is being put on to a DVD and a history of Network Gloria’s activities is being put together. This year Dana Stefan, Trustee and Chairman in Romania, came to England with her husband Mihai and son Chris, private guests of the Kent and Cheshire committees in England.  This was a trip of a lifetime for our friends, who found they could buy many goods more cheaply in England, including food and clothes.  The trip was greatly beneficial to the Network, both as a team-building exercise for the committees and as a perfect opportunity to discuss face-to-face each family and the best way to find a way forward for each one.

Together we have faced many difficulties, but with God’s help we have managed to overcome them.  Network Gloria’s volunteers are just as enthusiastic about their work as ever.  I wish to extend my thanks to all our friends and supporters everywhere, to Janet Petch and the Kent committee and to our committee in Romania. Special thanks go to our Treasurer Geoff Francis for keeping such a professional eye on our finances and on the sponsor/ beneficiary list which will ensure the necessary communications in the year ahead.

                                                                        Gloria Ackerley (Chairman and Founder)