Page 13 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • February 2012 13
Demand on Swindon Foodbank continues to rise as recession bites

It might be difficult to imagine but “The entire project dancy or have taken on
over the last few months Swindon has been funded by the lower paid jobs, but are
Foodbank has been helping a generosity of local people still trying to cope with the
higher proportion of families in who caught the vision same living costs. I think
crisis living in North Swindon of what we wanted to Foodbank will be support-
than other parts of the town. achieve, and in six years ing middle income families
Since it launched in November we haven’t missed a for some time to come.”
2005, demand for emergency food single bill. It’s been amaz- • The Link featured the
supplies has continued to rise, but ing to experience God’s first ever school collection
so has the generosity of people will- provision for the finances at Shaw Ridge Primary in
ing to collect food for the project of the project and indeed November 2005. See Rich-
or donate at one of the charity’s for our family.” ard visiting the children on
supermarket collections. Over the next few www.swindonlink.com
Project manager Richard months Richard and San-
Belsham, who set up the charity dra will be visiting their Richard passing the keys to the
stepped aside at the end of January. daughter who works at Foodbank van to Lee Thompson
He leaves his post with pride in the an Aids hospital in South
hands of successor Lee Thompson. Africa and Richard will be dusting
A committed Christian, Richard off his watercolours before return-
had been made redundant as a ing as a volunteer to help Swindon
surveyor for a housing association Foodbank expand to Highworth, Foster for Swindon
in early 2005. He said he learnt of Royal Wootton Bassett and into
the Salisbury Foodbank and spent Oxfordshire.
several months with his wife San- Sandra will continue as Food-
dra talking to churches, the police, bank administrator People Like You - Providing a Home
advice agencies and schools to build Since it opened Swindon Food-
a base for a similar project in Swin- bank has provided over 139 tonnes
don. “We started without really of food to vulnerable families in the Make a big difference to children
realising how it would work, but town and 2011 saw a 29 per cent and young people in Swindon. Foster.
the people of Swindon responded increase in the number of people
magnificently. receiving help. Over Christmas the
project fed 384 people, 71 per cent 01793 465700
Ways to help Foodbank more than 2010 [email protected]
Supermarket food collection “Everybody received five days’ www.swindon.gov.uk
Saturday 4 February supply of food to feed their house-
Asda Walmart, North Swindon hold and they all had two large bags
Donations of items such as long of seasonal Christmas meal extras,
life milk and juice, tinned foods, such as stuffing, chocolates, even
cereals, pasta and biscuits are crackers,”said Richard.
most appreciated. “The impact of the recession is
Gala fundraiser affecting a wider range of people Ask Peter BAsk Peter BAsk Peter B
Sunday 12 February than ever. We’ve always supported
Fine dining and entertainment families in the poorer parts of the
from the West End at the Swindon town, but at the moment, 60 per Small Business advice from Peter Bromiley ACA
Marriott. cent of the people we’re helping Technical Director at AMS Accountancy Ltd.
Tickets at £45 from Swindon are from Priory Vale and Abbey
Foodbank on 01793 978045. Meads. The impact of the economy
is hitting middle managers, typi-
Become a supporter and/or a vol- cally households with an income Q: Q: Q: I’m starting a business. When do you think I should hire
unteer helper. See details at www. of £30,000. an accountant?
swindonfoodbank.co.uk “They’re suddenly hit by redun- A. You should at least meet one as soon as you’ve decided on a

business! Professional advice at this stage can benefit you for
years to come. Many accountants provide a free initial meeting so
there’s nothing to lose.
See an accountant to:
 Understand which model is best for your business: Sole Trader,
Limited Company or a Partnership. Don’t underestimate the
financial importance of this decision.
 Get advice on expenses, VAT schemes, salaries and dividends to
create long-term savings.
 Learn about efficient record keeping practices for your business
type (saving you both time and money).
 Find out what you need to get ready in time for the launch -
such as registration for Income Tax, VAT and PAYE etc.

Looking for a good accountant? You should speak to us.
Slimming World leaders in Swindon visited the Foodbank warehouse in early
January to deliver 71 kilos of food donated by over 200 members who attend AMS Accountancy Ltd
weight loss sessions. They also handed over a cheque for £187 to help the
charity’s running costs. Pictured with Foodbank managers Richard Belsham Delta 606, Welton Road, Swindon SN5 7XF
and Lee Thompson, from left, Jenny Williams, Heather Clark, Sharon Painter T: 01793 818400 W: www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
Judith Newton

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