Morecambe Bay Credit Union (MBCU) (www.mbcu.co.uk) will be holding its Annual General Meeting at 7.30 pm tonight, Thursday 26 February, at Poulton Children’s Centre, Clark St, Morecambe, LA4 5HR.
MBCU is also calling for volunteers to help with various aspects of running and supporting the organisation. A Credit Union is an alternative way to save and borrow. It is an industrial and prudential savings and loans co-operative, owned and run by its members. It works by members saving together regularly; this creates a pool of money from which low cost loans can be made.
It also runs a Junior Savers Scheme, which is a great way for young people to learn how to manage their finances directly and a good preparation for adult responsibilities.
It is based in the local community, supported and run by local people. To become a member you only need £5 in savings. MBCU is based at 75 Queen Street, Morecambe LA4 5EN. The current opening hours are 11am to 1pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
How much time and energy volunteers can offer varies depending on their circumstances and the organisation is flexible. However some posts are sensitive and training and support is given. For these a suitable volunteer would be able to appreciate the need for some commitment in return. But there are lots of other ways too in which people can help out this valuable community service. Volunteer posts include:
- Publicity – The Union needs help with staffing publicity stalls, leafleting, taking posters, etc. round shops and organisations and compiling the newsletter.
- Organising Events – If you enjoy planning and making things happen, then this is for you.
- General Administration – Regular office duties including computer work – collating books, mail-outs, mapping membership, analysing different aspects of the business, etc.
- Financial Clerk in the Office, Handling money and dealing with members queries.
- Collectors at Collection Points – Each collection point runs for an hour or one and a half hours per week and needs a team of three people to act as collectors.
- Board and Committee roles – are open to all members of the MBCU. The board is responsible for making decisions about the policies and direction of the Credit Union. A board member usually gives a commitment of an average of three days a month.
MBCU Volunteers will be able learn new skills and keep the relevant skills and experience they bring bang up to date. It’s a valuable way to develop new interests, meet new people and work with a team, with a strong element of involvement in the community. It’s very rewarding work and there’s a lot of fun to be had in being part of a good team.
If you are interested in finding out more then MBCU would love to hear from you. You can contact them by emailing morecambebaycu@aol.com or phone them on: 01524 411240