There was a good turn out at this year's AGM, held at Friends Meeting House on Sunday 18th May.

As well as the official business of presenting the accounts and receiving reports from the committee, there was a follow on general meeting of members to review and discuss the first draft of a 3-year business plan. The review process was led by John Hoggett and involved the largest roll of paper this reporter has ever seen! The document, which includes plans to work more closely with some of our local suppliers, was welcomed by those present, although the discussion will need to continue via the open committee meetings to clarify some areas. Members, please come along and contribute.

John 'the bookman' demonstrated the prototype roll-on-roll-off shelving unit which we hope will reduce set-up and pack-away times. It should be being trialled at the markets soon - volunteers look out! Many thanks to John for his time.

On the people front, Tomiko Morley has resigned as Secretary and the post is being filled by Chris in the absence of someone else. In addition, six people have volunteered to become committee advisors to support the core team of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.

On Tuesday 15th April, local poet John Hoggett attended the Downshire market between 5:30pm and 6:30pm to sell and sign copies of his new book of poetry and prose "First Book". Once he'd found some poems suitable for a family audience, he read a couple to an appreciative group.

True Food Co-op is pleased to be able to support a local artist in this way. Low culture miles as well as low food miles! What more could you ask?

John is planning to repeat the event again on Thursday 24th April at Newtown so come along if you can.

Many thanks to the Ecology Building Society who have awarded us £530 as part of their Future Generations Grants scheme. Grants are awarded to support the work of small environmental organisations. In our case the money will be used to buy an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient colour laser printer, so that we can print more flyers and posters for the markets. The current machine is unreliable and very expensive to run.

Thanks to Jessica for making us aware of the scheme and to Beth for writing the application.

True Food was delighted to be asked to participate in Reading Borough Council’s ‘Healthy Workplace’ Challenge. The ‘Challenge' event takes place at the Rivermead Centre, and is an ongoing project which aims to promote healthy lifestyles. Participants in the scheme are ‘challenged' to consider, and participate in, new ways of eating, and different forms of exercise.

The last event took place at lunchtime on Tuesday 1st April. The themes for that day were ‘new vegetables’, and kick boxing.

Thanks to Tanya, Brendan and Helen for volunteering to represent the TFC.