There were mixed feelings at Glossop Cricket club, where trustees and volunteers of Glossopdale Foodbank met last week to wish Charlotte Mendes-Kelly, all the best as she retired from her position as manager of Glossopdale Foodbank while they welcomed in the new manager, Liz Kearslake.

In her years as manager, Charlotte has overseen many changes within the Foodbank,  as more and more people have become dependent upon its service. And as each new change and extra demand has emerged, Charlotte has approached them with not only professionalism, but also with her natural compassion and sensitivity, all of which are needed when dealing with people who have reached a low point in their lives. 

“We are sad to lose Charlotte as  she has been an extremely successful manager.” said Godfrey Claff who is the Chair of Glossopdale Foodbank. He added,“ The job of manager of the Foodbank is a difficult one as it entails many different aspects. Supporting and directing volunteers, overseeing the collection of donations and ensuring that food parcels are distributed on time to those needing them, to name but a few. Dealing with people, whether volunteers or clients demands a great deal of patience and empathy, as well as good organisational skills and we were lucky that Charlotte was able to meet these needs, especially as over the years the number of people needing help has risen considerably.”

“We are now looking forward to working with Liz Kearslake our new manager” Godfrey added, “who has taken on the job with a refreshing enthusiasm. She was warmly welcomed by the volunteers whom she met last week and by Sarah Davies, the Foodbank Assistant manager and by the Foodbank trustees, all of whom offered her their best wishes and support.”