Dear Friends and Supporters

Welcome to the July 2024 Newsletter from the Besom in Witney.
 
The highlight of the month was an informal "garden party" held on 11th July when the trustees were able to thank some of our time-givers for their support. Their efforts meant we were able to provide 150 food parcels between January and June, along with 10 deliveries of various household items over the same period. That's before we consider all the work that goes on behind the scenes.


















The garden party was also a great opportunity for the trustees to pay special tribute to Julia Morgan who has been a loyal time-giver for a long time. Julia started with Besom back in 2006, shortly after it was set up, and more recently she's overseen all aspects of our food team's work, along with several other important roles. Speaking on behalf of all the trustees, Sue Wingfield-Digby thanked Julia for everything that she's done so prayerfully over an incredible 18 years. Sue presented Julia with some flowers plus a special plate to honour all that she's done.






















In addition, we received this moving message from Gilly Simmonds who started the Besom in Witney back in 2006 and was chair of the trustees until a few years ago:

"Julia was one of the very first Besom team members and has been such a support from the outset.
We often talk about The Besom being a bridge between those who want to give and those who find themselves in time of need. That bridge is supported by solid towers when each team member has a role to play in creating a stable base.
Julia has been an incredible organiser, a prayerful example to many of us, a positive and spiritual leader of the food team and has supported that bridge over many years.
Well done, good and faithful servant. You have run the race marked out for you so well.
Sending you every blessing and my prayers.
Thank you, Julia"

If you personally feel called to offer some of your time or skills in support of our mission, please get in touch by emailing: contact@witneybesom.org. For example, we're currently in need of further van drivers to collect household goods from donors and then deliver them to people in need. Perhaps you could offer some time in that way?

Finally, thanks again for your giving and support. We're making a difference to the lives of people across the area, so please continue to uphold our work in your prayers. Also, if you have any stories or quotes about Besom that might encourage others, please email them to contact@witneybesom.org for inclusion in the next Newsletter.

With every blessing

The Besom in Witney team