The 2020 AGM will be remembered as (hopefully) unique. The restrictions associated with the Coronavirus pandemic meant that the meeting was held as a video conference.
Whilst such a meeting missed the personal contacts (and the refreshments) there were compensations. The numbers participating – 47 – were significantly higher than at a conventional meeting. It also meant that those who would not have been able to travel to a meeting could be involved, including several people overseas.
Whilst shorter than the normal day gathering, the key elements were maintained. An opening act of worship was led by members, and Mike Beresford as Chair reported on the year and particularly on the Board’s work on strategy development. The highlight was an inspiring address by Richard Lister, Tearfund’s Global Church and Development Lead. With a series of fascinating illustrations, he outlined what could be done to achieve changes in poor communities that were deep, broad and long-lasting.
The formalities of the AGM were covered at speed so that some time could be devoted to points raised in an open forum. A recording of the meeting is below on YouTube:
