TURNTABLE FURNITURE

Chairman's Report

The past year has seen some major changes for us, with our previous manager, Lewis Crowden, leaving office after more than fourteen years in post. He, perhaps more than anyone else, has established Turntable's reputation in Exeter, and has built up the operation to its current very high level. It is particularly to his credit that we are so well established, and he deserves our gratitude.

His place is taken by his very able and popular assistant, Pam Rice, who has also been with us for many years. She brings efficiency and good humour to the post, and we are confident that her skills will keep Turntable on course in its support for families in need in the City. The Committee is fortunate to have her as Lewis Crowden's successor. We are also delighted to welcome Pete Chowings, a former volunteer with us, as a part-time warehouse supervisor, and wish him well.

Members and officers of Exeter City Council continue to offer us support and encouragement, and it is reassuring to know that we play such a key part in support for homeless people in the city. 

Our financial insecurity last year led us to introduce an official referral fee for statutory bodies and Housing Associations when they referred clients to us, but this has had an effect the reverse of what we had hoped, with the number of  referrals reducing slightly.  We have therefore cancelled the referral fee, and referrals are quickly picking up again.  We also have particular shortages of electrical goods, which are so important for people starting in a new home.  Please think of Turntable for your old cookers and refrigerators if they are in safe and workable condition, as well as for all other domestic furniture in good condition with a current fire resistant certificate.  We rely so much on the generosity of the people of Exeter to keep our work going.

Gordon Halliday

Chairman