Hello

Hi everyone, 

While it's been a while since we have been in touch with a newsletter, we have been busy behind the scenes.

Firstly, we hope that everyone is well, has had their vaccinations and has managed to acquire their gluten free food during this awful pandemic. It has been a difficult time for everyone, but those with special needs, I think found it even more difficult. So, if you've managed - well done! We would also like to thank manufacturers such as Freee (who make Dove's Four etc.), Juvela and others who have made up boxes of gluten free food for you to order from them to help.

Current Situation with Our Group

Since the first lockdown in March 2020, as you will know we have not been able to hold any events including our AGM. We are hoping that given the relaxation of Covid rules in July, that we will be able to plan for and hold our AGM this year in the village hall we had already booked. We asked the hall to hold our deposit money so that we can rebook when it's possible. We have also been in touch with Mandy, who owns and runs Gluten Free Gourmet to provide the food for us when we hold our AGM. While under UK charities law, we should hold annual AGMs, Coeliac UK, who are governed by the Charities Commission with this, understand that it was not possible last year. We are awaiting an update on options from the Charities Commission about holding AGMs in the current situation. So, we will update you on this when we know something. 

The committee has also been busy behind the scenes. We have kept in touch, holding Zoom meetings and discussing how best to support you, our members, kept in touch using social media and kept the group going. Our next Zoom meeting is in August. 

Moving Forward

We hope to hold not only our AGM in the coming months but also other fundraising events if possible. One event which may be possible is a fish and chip supper evening in Burnham. This could take place outside so would be as safe as possible, complying with social distancing rules. While we may still be constrained in some way i.e. with social distancing, limited numbers and a limited number of events, we will still do our best to keep in touch with you and support you.

We realise that due to the size of the our county, many people live in rural areas, may not be able to travel, have limited communications and limited access to social media etc. so with this is mind, we will email newsletters as well as put them on our Facebook page, and Twitter which some of our members use. We have also considered offering Zoom meetings with our members, if that is something you would find useful Anika, our secretary and Denise our co-opted member are both wizards at this, so we are very lucky to have them. However, if any member feels that they would like more support, such as a 1-to-1, then we could arrange that too with a call. Please let us know by email. 

Finally, as this group and newsletter is for you, our members, we would like to hear from you as to how you would like us to move forward and what events etc. you would like to see and have us plan. We try to keep you updated with:

• News and info from Coeliac UK
• Recipes
• Restaurants that provide GF meals
• GF manufacturers 
• New GF foods
• Anything else we think of that may help and/or interest you.

However, if there is something you feel we don't cover, please feel free to ask us!

The committee wishes you all the best and hope you're able to continue your gluten free diet. If you need our help in any way, please contact us.

Get in touch with us by:

Email: somerset@coeliac.org.uk

Facebook: @somersetcoeliacgroup

Twitter: @somersetcoeliac

Instagram: @somersetcoeliacgroup

Best wishes

Wendy Hughes, Anika Cox, Richard Derry and Denise Hurr

Committee