Another Annual Review to remind us how time flies! At the moment there is a public awareness of time passing because of the publicity for the Millennium. Sadly more emphasis seems to be on the partying than upon the celebration of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. People and organisations alike are being challenged to look back upon the way they have come and forward to their future. It is good to reflect upon this Annual Review of the Birmingham City Mission. We read here of the primary task of evangelism in the city centre and on home doorsteps: "Open air meetings, though difficult, are necessary and worthwhile." Note how our centres provide bases for work in local communities. Praise God for the imaginative decoration and use of the BCM Bus. Read about the day to day care of lonely and dispossessed people in our hostels where the love of God is shown in practical ways. Do look at the fact and figures, whether of God’s financial provision or details of the service provided. I draw your attention to the developing Basics Bank which meets the need of many whose lives are blighted by debt. Above all else, as you read about the year that has passed you will see how it is people rather than material things that are the centre of the Mission’s work.

Thank God for the dedication of the Executive Director, Wes, and all the team of full-time workers, volunteers and prayer partners without whom nothing could have been accomplished. May God continue to direct and protect them. I ask all who share this report to use it as the basis for informed prayer and praise for the Millennium year that lies ahead. The words of the prophet Samuel, speaking to a frightened people of Israel, come to mind:

In recent years Birmingham has once again established itself as a world city. It has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, the G8 Summit and the Lion’s Club world conference. These events attracted the media from around the globe and brought thousands of extra visitors on to our streets. With the knowledge that the world is looking on, the buzz word in the corridors of power has been 'regeneration'.

Millions of pounds have been invested in bricks and mortar, changing the atmosphere of some areas of the city centre. Subways have been filled in and many building projects pepper the skyline. Compared to five years ago the regenerated Broad Street running out to the west, is barely recognisable. The International Convention Centre, National Indoor Arena and Sea Life Centre are now surrounded by a plethora of restaurants, bars and hotels. The waterway system in that vicinity has also had a facelift and Brum's claim to fame that it has more canals than Venice is used as a selling point to attract tourists.

Birmingham City Mission has also been involved in regeneration throughout the past year. Our concern has been not so much the buildings but the people who live in the city. Many are lonely, isolated, homeless and disenfranchised - powerless to influence their circumstances. Families, due to unemployment, do not have the luxury of being able to make choices and some find themselves in the debt-trap. Our aim has been to encourage, to educate and to empower, as well as to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ through the clear preaching of the Gospel.

The following pages are a testimony to the resilience and commitment of the staff and volunteers who have unstintingly given of themselves in the face of, at times, severe pressure. An arson attack at our headquarters in Watery Lane caused weeks of disruption to the administration and we have suffered numerous burglaries and attacks on our properties. Staff have been threatened, belongings have been stolen and illness has taken its toll.

The work has continued. The Resource Centre is receiving more referrals than ever, requesting help with furniture and clothing. 'Basics Bank' has a regular clientele who are benefiting from the invaluable support of food, training and advice. The newly refurbished double-decker bus is on the road with a new buzz word 'SPEEDY'. It will be involved in Schools, Projects, Events, Exhibitions and Detached Youth work. New City Missionaries have joined the staff and city centre outreach continues to be an important feature of our work. 'ElderLink' have acquired a new minibus for their work with the elderly and they have opened a new lunch club. Washington Court and Pamela House have provided a vital service to the homeless throughout the year and we now operate a detoxification unit. The Care Centre has welcomed over 50 clients each night and 'StreetLink' has continued to distribute food and drinks in the market area. Hundreds have been pointed to the One who said: "If you obey my words you are like a man who builds his life upon a solid foundation."

We face many challenges as we enter the new Millennium, not least the relocation of our headquarters. The confidence we have is that the God who has brought us this far will lead us on. He will guide and supply our needs. I trust that you will be encouraged as you read this Annual Review and that you will be stirred to join hands with us to bring holistic regeneration to our city.

The year 1998/99 has been an encouraging one in terms of the numerous opportunities for Gospel work. We have concentrated our evangelism on the ‘bread and butter’ work of open air preaching and door-to-door visitation.

We maintained a regular spot in the city centre all year round, on Tuesday and Friday afternoons and all day on Saturdays. The response to the preaching and testimonies has been encouraging. Many fruitful spiritual conversations have taken place. Some people have been followed up by staff and others directed to churches near where they live. Over 50,000 tracts have been distributed as well as gospels and other literature. We are grateful for the support of volunteers, especially Arnold and Roger, in this city centre work.

One very angry man, loud and abusive, was intent on discrediting us and Stuart in particular who was speaking from the box at the time. Many young people were drawn in to watch and beckoned their friends to join in, encouraging the man to lash out......Times are changing.

The very next open air saw another man ranting and raving, full of racial hatred and prejudice. Because local traders were being affected too, we moved to New Street as a token of goodwill. Frank was glad to catch some young Muslims at an age when they would listen and had a valuable conversation with them.

Simon comments on his first year experiences of city centre evangelism, surprised at the number of opportunities to talk with people from various cults and other religions as well as students and visitors from abroad. It is good that we are usually able to pass on Christian literature in people’s own language. The conversation Frank had with two men from Uzbekistan, cool at first, warmed when he said he had been to Samarkand and they took away Gospels to read. A Bulgarian orthodox man who had been airing his views about the NATO bombings was quite struck in the end by the grace of the Gospel.

We remain firmly convinced that open air meetings, though often very difficult these days, are very necessary and worthwhile. Stuart comments:'A lot of the time we are challenging people about their basic assumptions, ploughing up hard-packed earth and scattering seed in the hope that some of it will find decent soil.' Stuart had himself been on the box one day, answering questions. When he got down, a young Muslim told him that he had not explained Romans 3:23 clearly enough, and that if he were to get back up and explain it to everyone he would ask him one more question. Nervously, wondering what was coming, Stuart did so. The question never came but the Gospel was heard again.

Sometimes, when you least expect it, there is a spiritual breakthrough in someone's life. One Tuesday afternoon the open air crowd was rather thin and the ambient noise was high, but the team pressed on. Between sketchboard talks Frank talked to a few people and was told that a young lady on the BCM Bus just around the corner wanted to become a Christian. Frank was able to help her to a commitment of her life to God and point her to a church in Harborne.

Relationships are often built up over a period of time with people who get used to the outreach team being in the city. A long conversation between a staff member and a man with alcohol addiction and other problems led to another talk in the man's flat later in the week. One serious question after another rained in. This staunch atheist is now recognising the possibility of God's existence, attending church and doing valuable voluntary work for the Mission.

District missionary work has been concentrated in Bearwood, Hodge Hill, Kings Norton and Quinton.

Stuart and Christine St John live in Bearwood and with Claire, Gary and sometimes Phil on Wednesdays Stuart has done as much visiting as his 'Impact' responsibilities have allowed. More than 40 worthwhile contacts have been made. Some have attended an Alpha Course. Disappointingly, some have closed their door again once they realised the implications of committing their lives to Christ. Team members had many good conversations with people in the area. One that stood out in Phil's mind was with a young French lady who had popped into the supermarket for something for her lunch and ended up with food for thought as well.

Frank and Ana Williamson, with their young son Samuel, live in Kings Norton. 'Neighbourhood Watch' has taken on a new meaning as many local people have responded positively to the invitation to watch the 'Jesus' film. One neighbour watched the video with her atheistic husband and then passed it on for her daughter's family to see.

Over nine hundred homes have been visited and on several occasions while doing regular district visitation Frank has been 'in the right place at the right time', helping to defuse explosive family situations, calming a young man in the throes of amphetamine withdrawal and supporting a lady through multiple bereavement. Regular neighbourhood events like coffee mornings, barbecues and Bible studies facilitate ongoing contact with many people in need. One man whom Frank originally met in a local shopping centre having a lonely birthday, can of beer in hand, showed him the 6th floor balcony where he had planned to end it all. He told Frank that a remarkable change had taken place since he read the Gospel of John.

Hodge Hill Gospel Church, which passed into BCM's hands in 1990, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September 1999. Paul Olise has overall responsibility for this work and Fiona Milligan has again filled the roles of pianist and treasurer, as well as lunch club leader. The work has seen real growth this year, mainly through the weekly input of Jo Scott and Alasdair Nicholson in door-to-door visitation and contact with local children. The Nativity play at Christmas, the Toy Distribution and the Sunday School teaching have brought a significant increase in the numbers of people attending Sunday services and several children have been on BCM's weekend away at Peckwood and the Summer Camp.

Simon Grove joined the staff in December. He lives with his wife Julie and their two daughters in Cradley. Simon's main responsibility is the work of Firs Chapel and outreach in the Quinton area. Simon and Julie have done regular visitation in the district on Wednesdays, joined by members of the 'Impact' team. There is also a weekly after-school club for primary children and a parents and toddlers morning. Simon has used his practical skills in carrying out essential maintenance work on the building at Firs Chapel. It has been encouraging to see the building up of the small fellowship at the Chapel on Sunday mornings; towards the end of the year evening services have been restarted.

One of our objectives is to give active support to churches in their evangelism. During the year, we did so with Kings Norton Baptist Church; Kingshurst Evangelical Church; Slade Evangelical Church; Stechford Baptist Church; and, a little way beyond, with Mount Zion Baptist Church in Yorkshire, home of a former ‘Impact’ member.

After a suitable replacement double-decker bus had been located and purchased Philip Stratton proudly drove it down from Nottingham last September. Through a BCM supporter and voluntary worker we were approached by GKN, the Wolverhampton company, about the possibility of their latest group of graduate employees adopting BCM for their charity community project. This was wonderful provision and timing and we are so grateful for all their multi-skilled input into the refurbishing of the bus and for their generous injection of finance too. It was good to have the bus coming into its own again this summer at the Lord Mayor's Weekend, carnivals at Acocks Green and Harborne and other events. The encouraging responses from children in the first schools visited by the bus augur well for the future.

Along the route of the Lord Mayor's Parade on Spring Bank Holiday Saturday over 4,000 pieces of Christian literature were given out. The day ended with open air preaching to good crowds in Chamberlain Square. Our new bus was positioned in Cannon Hill Park for the rest of the weekend celebrations. Indifferent weather meant a very poor public turnout on the Sunday but on the following day the face painting, 'Pepsi' challenge, bookstall, sketchboards and 'One World - One Gospel' display on the bus all played their part in attracting people in numbers and staff had many good opportunities of sharing the Christian faith.

Throughout the year, on Thursday and Friday evenings, staff members and volunteers have taken food to the markets area to give to homeless people and others in need. It takes time to befriend and get to know many of these people. However, some have been referred to other resources of help within BCM and some have begun to address personal problems and spiritual challenges. One man who had been sleeping rough since moving up from London, semi-disorientated and partially blind due to an eye infection, received care in the sick bay at Washington Court. Another man, wanting to shed his alcoholism, prayed a very sincere and humble prayer. There are disappointments too. A young man struggling with addictions, who had made some recoveries over a period of time, was particularly bad one evening and an ambulance hasd to be called. When he refused help, the paramedics eventually moved off. One of our staff commented: "I fear his time may be short."

BCM has been distributing toys to needy families at Christmas for nearly thirty years. Let Simon Grove have the first word: "I started my new career with BCM last December knee-deep in cuddly toys and wrapping paper. Either that or filling the minibus with bags of toys and trying to navigate around the back streets of 'Brum'. The state of some of the houses was a real eye-opener, but the look on the boys' and girls' faces when they received their toys made all the effort worthwhile." Phil Stratton had a similar experience: "A young girl answering the door thought I was Father Christmas. She asked me in. I thought I was with the 'Waltons', so strong was the sense of sheer joy and excitement in the house." Parcels for over 2,000 children in 751 families were delivered in that hectic run up to Christmas. Our thanks once again to all the schools, churches and individuals who sent toys and Christmas gifts for this project.

After Christmas we revisted some of the children who received toys. As a result, many children have been added to the Sunday Schools at Kings Norton Baptist Church and Hodge Hill Gospel Church. We also conducted children’s missions at Kings Norton in April and at Hodge Hill in August.

Helen Kerfoot has completed her first year on the staff of BCM, working alongside the evangelistic team but concentrating on work with children. Helen has taken RE lessons and conducted assemblies in a number of schools (some of them on a regular basis). It has been encouraging for Helen to receive feedback from individual children who were helped by her input.

The weekly children's clubs at Quinton (run by Helen) and Nechells (run by Claire), the Sunday School at Hodge Hill and the Crusaders at Kings Norton have been very worthwhile in themselves, being part of our regular district outreach. These groups have also been the springboard for other special activities, notably the Away Weekend to Peckwood, near Alvechurch, in June. Wide games in the woods, swimming and barbecues are the order of the day at Peckwood, always a popular venue. A number of the young people who went have really grown in their understanding of the Christian faith and some have made a definite response.

For the main camp in August we returned to St John's-on-the-Hill School in Chepstow. A total of 44 campers and 21 leaders (including junior leaders) made the most of the swimming pool, sports hall and other excellent facilities. Interesting and varied days out included visits to the Forest of Dean, Clearwell Caves, an iron mine and the sands of Weston Super Mare. There was plenty of healthy competition among the six teams throughout the week and plenty of fun too. On the tennis courts the Battle of Chepstow was re-enacted with the help of 300 water balloons! The leaders came up with some pretty effective disguises (one as a nun, another as an Indian, etc.) for the 'Hunt the Leader' afternoon in Chepstow town. At a barbecue one evening three of the leaders were 'grilled' about their Christian faith. A great deal of spiritual interest was shown through the week. We are grateful to David and Sheridan Gidney who acted as padrés and to Wes and Jackie Erpen and all the other leaders who worked so hard to ensure a thoroughly enjoyable Camp. Following the last night concert of sketches and party pieces came what for many campers was the highlight of the week - a midnight walk across the Severn Bridge.

This year a total of 331 people have been accommodated at Washington Court, 221 men and 110 women. This constitutes an overall increase of 9% on last year.

The most dramatic change has been the number of women residents, 53% more than last year. Most women stay for only one or two nights because of emergency need, but some have stayed between two and four months, which has enabled Deborah Hamilton to spend more time with vulnerable women, facilitating better rehabilitation and ensuring more satisfactory outcomes. Many have settled into their own independent flats.

Of the male residents this year, at least 65% have been resettled into council or housing association flats in the community. All of this is very pleasing, as is the number of people wishing to become resident with us. A recent browse through the referrals book kept in reception revealed that about 1,200 homeless people were referred or referred themselves for accommodation at Washington Court during the year. This means that we are having to turn away or find other accommodation for about 72 people every month. This is not easy, and we are constantly challenged to provide not merely accommodation but a quality service, giving people dignity and all appropriate support during their stay.

We were glad to be able to respond to the needs of Albanian refugees from the crisis in Kosovo last summer. We had eleven Albanians staying at Washington Court for varying periods. One of these men is still waiting for a flat, but all the others have now moved on or found their own accommodation.

Since last October at least one of our two Detox rooms has been occupied most weeks by men coming through the effects of withdrawal from alcohol. Some have been able to return to their accommodation following this treatment. Others have stayed on as Washington Court residents. All without exception have had severe battles with their addiction since detox but some, with support, are learning to lengthen their periods of sobriety.

One very sad aspect this year has been the deaths of five men in different circumstances who were living or had recently lived at Washington Court. In previous years we have had occasional deaths mainly of older men who had been with us for some time. This time they were fairly young men; four were drug addicts and the other was an alcoholic. One man tragically died on the premises despite desperate attempts by staff and paramedics to revive him. He was only 24.

Difficult and tragic situations like this can often bring a heightened interest in spiritual matters and the Christian message. The regular optional Sunday services and the Alpha course introduced this year provide a basis for those who wish to find out about Christian faith. Several men and women have committed their lives to Jesus and are beginning to grow in their Christian lives. One served as a very supportive volunteer for several months and is now a member of the Washington Court staff.

There have been few changes to the staff team. Ryan Wardrop was appointed Night Duty Officer in November following some internal movement which released Mark Orbell from duty manager shifts so that he could fulfil the role of Deputy Senior Manager, assisting David Curnock full-time. Larry Shipley, our longest serving manager, had a slight heart attack last year but has returned part-time as Welfare & Pastoral Support Worker. Michael Shute is now part-time Kitchen Assistant.

Residents continue to benefit from the opportunity of learning skills and giving valuable community service through Washington Court's workshop, supervised by Mike Judd. The take-up for this is disappointing but it has been very satisfying to see the personal development and progress of residents who opt in.

A Christmas concert was held for the second successive year, with both residents and staff again astounding one another as hidden talents were revealed and appreciated. Several of our elderly residents saved up for holidays in Ireland and Ilfracombe and outings to the country have been enjoyed by the intrepid ones who have dared to brave the elements and in some cases take on serious mountain climbing. We are always very grateful for the welcome and hospitality our residents always receive from the members of Wyche Free Church in Malvern and the staff at the Moontah Hotel in Ilfracombe.

Clients attending on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are provided with a meal prepared and served by our excellent team of volunteers. A good deal of one-to-one talking takes place, building relationships, earning respect so that confidences can be shared and problems can start to be tackled. A fourth evening has developed at the clients' own request for those interested in finding out more about the Christian faith: this Thursday evening Bible study group averages 20.

All kinds of practical help are given, including showers and provision of clothing. Counselling and advocacy work are ongoing with a number of clients. When accommodation is needed, referrals are made and resettlement is undertaken. Thirty Care Centre clients were referred to Washington Court in the past year. Social welfare is also a high priority. Twelve of our regular clients were taken on a holiday to Prestatyn; for many it was their first holiday for several years. Training in life and social skills is offered and also hands-on computer training. A number of colleges and other agencies send people to do placements at the Care Centre.

Every individual has his own needs but the commonest problem picked up by staff and volunteers is that of isolation (often with a spiritual dimension). This can lead to alcohol, drug or substance abuse. Physical and sexual abuse and family breakdown result in low self-esteem or psychological disorders and practical difficulties such as unemployability. Many of the mentally ill clients we have are classed as being insufficiently ill to be institutionalised but they experience tremendous problems in adjusting to living in bed and breakfast accommodation, other hostels, with family and friends or on the streets. They clearly appreciate the safety, welcome and non-judgmental support they receive at the Care Centre.

We want to express our indebtedness to Boots, Braggs, Crisis FareShare, ProCure Ltd and Nosh for their generous gifts of food and provisions, and to other companies and people who wish to remain anonymous. Thank you to Somers Handling for their continued financial support. We also appreciate all the church groups and speakers who visit us, including the regular input of John Davies and Derek Cole on Thursdays.

T was quite suicidal when he first came. He had been in prison and had experienced severe psychological trauma as a result of sexual abuse. Eighteen months of patient work with T has been rewarded. It involved many visits to doctors and much liaison with the Mental Health Team, as well as addressing drink-related problems and the effects of a broken relationship. The scariest moment in the sequence was when T was attempting to jump out of Willard's car half-way across a flyover. Fortunately he was hauled back just in time. T has become a Christian and he is being helped to set up a home and deal with underlying problems which remain.

C came to Washington Court on crutches, having been assaulted by a local tradesman. He too became a Christian while resident and was going all one way for a while, including taking a foundation course in Social Studies at a city college. Unfortunately, when he was subsequently awarded £10,000 by the Criminal Injuries Board, the money was too much for him to handle and he 'crashed big time'. He has suffered greatly through alcohol abuse and is in need of much support.

The past year has been without doubt the most stressful in the nine-year history of Pamela House. It proved very difficult to find a suitable person to replace Elizabeth McCutcheon, who died last autumn. By the time that Jean Perini was appointed Night Warden in January, there had been a nine-month period of being understaffed. Several staff were ill or had family problems. All of this took its toll on the team. There has been a strengthening of the staffing this summer. Gillian Lewis (now Blackham since her marriage to Llyn from Washington Court), who previously had divided her time as Women's Contact Worker between Washington Court and Pamela House, is now full-time at Pamela House. Jean Perini has recently moved to daytime shifts as an Assistant Manager. We welcome Emily Dunn as the new Night Warden taking her place. A 'bank' of suitable people to cover for emergency staffing situations is also being set up. The Management Committee has been a tremendous support through the whole year; they continue to organise and get involved in holidays and special events as well as giving cover and practical help. The voluntary contributions of Jackie, Christine and Linda are also very much appreciated.

Staff have attended various training courses on subjects such as Health and Homelessness, Coping With Aggression, Assertiveness and Interpersonal Skills. With more staff time available we are planning in the immediate future to set up our own computer records and develop rehabilitation and resettlement work and policy.

The total number of residents for the year was 122, an increase of 8% on last year. The average monthly figure is 13.6. Last year's fall in the numbers of 16-17 year olds has continued in even more dramatic fashion. There are several hostels in the city which accommodate young people aged 16-25 exclusively.

On the other hand, Pamela House is still the only direct access all-age women's hostel in Birmingham and this is reflected in the greater numbers of referrals from the Housing Department and Neighbourhood Offices. Some women have been referred by the 'Focus' Street Outreach Team working with people living on the streets.

Many of our residents suffer from mental health problems. Some women are particularly prone to depression when faced with an uncertain future and the loss of home and family. We do have instances of self-harm and overdosing as a result of major depression. Alcoholism and illegal drug taking are also on the increase, which places a great strain on staff as they have to deal with the ensuing trauma and distress. At best these women are numbed by their addiction, merely covering up lots of pain within.

There are many sad stories of family breakdown - young girls unable to live with their parents; parents unable to cope; young women with children in care. Some residents have previously held tenancies but could not manage financially or as women living alone attracted violence from men.

It has been good to see 25% of residents going into their own property, either council or housing association accommodation, when they left Pamela House. Another 25% have returned home or gone to another member of the family. A short break often helps people to see their problems differently, to appreciate others and home life more readily and to be willing to give people a second chance. These situations are always very gratifying to the staff, who spend a considerable amount of time talking through problems with residents and seeking to help heal some of their deep wounds. Many women eventually respond positively simply because they are shown respect and given dignity by the staff, an experience they have not known for many years, if ever. A very small number have to be asked to leave in the end, for the sake of everyone else's well-being in the house, but only after every effort has been made to explain things to disruptive women and to encourage them to try and live with others.

Spiritual interest among residents fluctuates but they are aware that staff pray for them regularly and some of the women have brought specific requests for prayer from time to time. Optional Bible studies are still held and we also have a good understanding with local churches, where our residents are always welcome whenever they wish to go.

In the last week of May eight residents were taken for a week’s stay in a converted barn near Llandysul. The farm animals were befriended and the varied activities, including canoeing, swimming and mountain biking brought people closer together. These times away have such a wholesome effect on the women. We are very grateful to the local trust who awarded a grant to cover the cost of the holiday.

N was left behind to live with a family friend when her parents returned to Iran. Already disabled and partially sighted, she was assaulted by the family friend. She made a Christian commitment while at Pamela House, met a blind student and went to Liverpool to live with his parents. They are now married and have a baby.

T came to Pamela House from a psychiatric hospital where she was being assessed as to her suitability as a mother. Her baby son was first fostered and then adopted. T was previously married to a religious fanatic; not surprisingly she did not want to know about Christianity at first. She was very withdrawn and very rude. By the end of her year's stay she had lost her baby and taken two overdoses. She eventually moved into her own flat, having become generally softer towards people and at least willing for us to pray for her.

K and her brother, both pensioners, were living together. K came to Pamela House while the council fumigated their flat. In the event all the furniture had to be destroyed and they were unable to return. We had a few battles with K's incontinence and unwillingness to take baths. She settled down after a while, went back to her knitting habit and turned out baby clothes by the dozen. She began to open up about her life at home, dressing up in expensive evening wear, going to the theatre and meeting the stars. Even when she lived with her brother, they never cooked, always ate out and shopped at the top stores. However, when finally another flat was found for them they needed help to get things together. K still keeps in touch and comes to Pamela House occasionally with cakes that she has made 'for the girls'.

The biggest change has been the opening of the Monday club at the end of November. This new club particularly targets clients from Sheldon. A full load of people from Sheldon is picked up in the minibus and people nearer Acocks Green come under their own steam.

The Tuesday lunch club at Hodge Hill had to be cancelled on three occasions due to electrical problems. A new gas cooker has now been fitted.

Chiropody clinics continue to be linked in with lunch club days. The chiropodists are always happy to come as our equipment is new. Clinics are almost always fully booked.

Fortnightly services are still held; we are very grateful to all our visiting speakers on these occasions. A varied programme of activities has been maintained, including an interesting family tree, the history of Ward End, slides of Sandwell Country Park, the work of the County Air Ambulance, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and Rachel's experiences in Rwanda. An afternoon of favourite hymns and Bible readings gave some club members the opportunity to share something of their own faith.

In June we celebrated a 100th Birthday for the first time: Lucy Smith was one of our first Thursday members in 1986. We decorated the room and had a 'top table' with fresh flowers and a birthday cake. In passing on a gift to Lucy, Rachel paid tribute to her trust in God and her care for those around her. We have another four clients due to pass the 100 milestone within the next few months.

More than 250 harvest parcels were distributed this year, our highest number ever. Each of the four lunch clubs had its own special meal at Christmas and Easter, its own mini-trip and full day outing. We were open on Christmas Day for the fourth time, with 33 elderly clients attending.

Two of the mini-trips were to Washington Court at our clients' request after Llyn Blackham had spoken to the groups about the work there. They had the added bonus of seeing the new BCM double-decker Bus which happened to be there at the time. The other groups went to Henley-in-Arden and 'Heart of the Country', a craft village near Lichfield. The main summer outings were all to Shugborough Hall, which proved a popular venue with helpful staff and good food. 35% of the elderly were in wheelchairs, reflecting the general decline in mobility of our clients. The number of cancellations this year (on regular club days as well as for these special events) underlines the poor health and vulnerability of many.

There have been 47 new referrals this year. One lady died on the same day she was referred; a number have gone into care fairly soon after referral; but many are now regular members of the lunch clubs and others are visited in their own homes. We continue to have a mixture of referrals - from Social Services, the Mental Health Team at Heartlands Hospital, district nurses and (recently) the police. There have been over 30 deaths during the year.

Over 250 homes are visited each month by our staff and volunteers. The total number of visits for the year was 2,457. The opening of the new Monday club has seriously impacted the visiting that Rachel and Fiona can do and there has been a 60% decrease since Christmas in visits done by volunteers.

The value of regular contact with lonely, sick, elderly people cannot be overestimated. All our staff and volunteers express the sense of privilege they feel in being able to share God's love and the hope of salvation with people nearing the end of their lives. They often carry out practical tasks too - anything from shopping for dog food to cleaning false teeth!

One lady has a severe memory problem brought on by alcohol addiction and although she is fine in company she does not cope well with being alone. Another lady was being rehoused but had no furniture; we were able to supply her with furniture from our Resource Centre.

Hospital visiting was at its peak in January with up to 13 visits some weeks. Hazel has again carried most of this load, making over 300 visits mainly on Friday afternoons. Rachel has also visited two former lunch club members in a hospice; it was good to see the staff taking such good care of them.

We are still appreciating all the modernisation of the Eric Holt Centre done last year and we have been able to 'play host' to a number of BCM and outside events. After much searching around, we had our new Mercedes minibus in May. The elderly clients themselves collected a large amount towards it in their sweet jar and individuals have made generous donations. We were very grateful for the support of Trusts and Companies, proceeds from a sponsored darts match and collections from a working men's club. The new 'ambulance' (as it will almost certainly continue to be called) has excellent access and plenty of room for clients and static wheelchairs, as well as being so much safer and more reliable.

In September Rose Mason from Washington Court became our main cook. We are so grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers - Angela, Doraine, Joanne, Stella and Joe at Acocks Green and Iris, David and Rob at Hodge Hill. Sue has been away in South America. Mr Patel went home to India and since his return his wife has been unwell. Chris is unable to continue through ill health. Our thanks also go to people who have been with us on short-term placements and to all who acted as 'pushers' and escorts on the outings.

Andrew Morton joined the staff in October and has made a tremendous difference to the general smooth running of each week. Rachel, Hazel and Fiona have shared responsibilities for lunch clubs and have continued to work hard, particularly at times when voluntary help has been less. There are always opportunities for voluntary visitors or lunch club helpers in both Acocks Green and Hodge Hill.

One man referred by Yardley Social Services Department in January is now visited by Fiona and has attended the Wednesday lunch club since June. A widower of 85, he had cared for his wife who had suffered from Alzheimer's for seven years. Having lost a leg in a motorbike accident, he now lives alone, although he can barely see and is in a wheelchair. He has a heart condition, has had cancer on the side of his face and hardly sees any of his family. He was referred to us because he was isolated and hadn't been out for six months. It isn't easy to get him to the club but it is so important for him now. Despite all these physical difficulties, he never complains.

The purpose of the Resource Centre is to provide practical relief for people in need. Some are referred by other BCM departments. We also have members of the public (about 30 a week) calling at our Watery Lane premises. Goods are passed on at a nominal cost and in certain cases at no charge at all.

None of this work would be possible without the generous donations of clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac. We thank all those who have helped in this way in the past year. We appreciate the time invested by people in collecting goods and travelling to bring them to us. One man drives up from Herefordshire at least once every month. We are grateful also to our regular volunteers who are an invaluable support to the Resource Centre staff in unloading, sorting, repairing, pricing and displaying of goods. Special thanks must go to Roger and Jill Cooper who not only revolutionised the organisation of the Warehouse last summer but set up the Care Shop in 'Block B' when it was combined with the Bookshop.

Roger Greenstreet and Andrew Morton put in a tremendous amount of preparatory work before this new project got off the ground in February. Roger has now left to work with homeless people in London; we thank him sincerely for all his efforts. Pat Streatfield, who worked as a volunteer with Basics bank for a while, has now been appointed as full-time Resource Centre Manager.

This new facility, which has been set up to help people in the debt trap, is still in its early stages, but we have already seen people referred by Social Services with severe financial problems coming to grips with their situations. The majority of our clients at present are young single mums with anything up to six children and without any family support network. They are at the mercy of loan-sharks, credit companies, catalogues, etc. We hope that there is some light at the end of the tunnel for them as our counsellors build relationships, lend a listening ear, make practical suggestions and offer spiritual support too.

We believe that Basics Bank is unique in Birmingham in that, alongside the counselling and advocacy, we supply clients with a quantity of tinned food and household commodities each week for a set period of time, thus releasing capital to pay off debts. It is encouraging to see clients moving from a situation of total denial to an attitude of responsibility and a measure of control.

Clearly, a project of this kind needs a constant supply of the items which we pass on to our clients and we are looking to partner with churches, companies and supporters in order to maintain this provision.

Stan and Adam have carried out a weekly average of 25 collections and deliveries, with just the one main vehicle, travelling on average about 200 miles each week around the city (£40 a week in diesel costs). They have been fully stretched most of the year and have not been able to respond as quickly as they would have hoped. Sometimes they travel further afield for house clearances, collections from mid-Wales, beds from a Manchester hotel, etc.

Most weeks there are two or three families referred by the DSS who receive free of charge sufficient furniture to set up a new home: typically beds, dressing table, wardrobes, three-piece suite, table and chairs, carpet, bedding, clothing and a 'starter box'.

A lady was in tears on the phone to Stan the very morning she was meant to be moving from a hostel into an empty flat. She had no money. She had originally had to leave a four-bedroomed house because of the excessive violence of her son, a heroin and crack abuser. Throughout the journey to the original family home and on to the flat, the lady was so distraught and barely spoke. After lunch Stan returned to the flat with carpet, beds and other furniture. Her whole demeanour changed through the afternoon. 'This morning I was so sad. Everything was dark. But just look how this day has turned out. It's wonderful. I'm so happy. Thank God.'

Adam speaks of a number of 'humbling experiences' he has had. A mentally ill man and his mother who live in Winson Green are regular customers of ours and are visited once a week. Their situation is very basic. The house is in poor condition; they cannot look after themselves properly due to their illness; they see hardly any other people during the week but they regularly attend a church in Ladywood. The man said to Adam once: 'At least I know Jesus Christ as my Saviour.' Adam's comment: 'They may be poor materially, but they are rich where it matters.'

Catherine Erpen has spent most of her 'gap' year between studies looking after the clothing side. Over 40 men from Washington Court have visited the Centre at least once in the year to receive a full set of clothing. Both Washington Court and Pamela House regularly require selections of clothing and shoes for their residents. Over 200 blankets have been distributed to homeless people around the city. On average two or three families each week are given free bedding and a bag full of children's clothes. One single mother came to us for help. She and her five children (all under eight years old) were sharing two single beds. Beds, carpet, wallpaper and other household items were provided from the Warehouse and Catherine supplied additional quilts and covers, pillows and blankets.

Unwanted material and clothing which is beyond repair is still useful to us; we sell about 200 black bags of this every two or three weeks and the proceeds go back into the work of the centre.

Bric-a-brac sales range between £50 - £100 a week. (More goods are needed, however, to maintain this figure.) The Watery Lane Shop has been a good resource, especially for local people, but sales and customer build-up were severely affected by the mindless break-in and arson attack in February. We will be opening a new Care Shop in Alum Rock Road in the autumn.

Golden Cross Christian Centre in Catshill, near Bromsgrove, has continued to develop and prosper. Sales of cards and gifts have continued to increase. Since the centre’s extension and refurbishment last year small items of furniture and collectables have been sold. The excellent all-volunteers team have provided spiritual support as well as practical help to many callers and to families in crisis. Surplus goods have been passed on to BCM and also to Romania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Gambia, Uganda and Nepal.

The move from Bristol Street to the downstairs of 'Block B' at Watery Lane took place during July 1998. Complete redecoration (under the expert direction of Phil Stratton) and brand new shelving and fittings ensured that we had our best laid out shop ever. Established supporters and local customers came in encouraging numbers. Warwick would have been hard pressed in the dual purpose shop without the help of Terry Head, who found himself waiting longer than expected for another Care Shop to be obtained. Not only have they been able to share the work, but they have had more time to talk with people in need.

After just six weeks of operation, a passing policeman spotted a fire in the shop at about 3am and alerted the fire brigade. Otherwise the whole shop if not the block would have been gutted. As it was, the fire was contained to the clothing end of the shop and the office upstairs. Although smoke damaged, all the books survived, as did about 70% of the 400 videos. The intruders had stolen the shop's computer, the till and a television. The total cost of the break-in and fire was about £23,500. Removing and cleaning all the stock was a mammoth task. It was eventually two and a half months before the books were moved back from their temporary home in the kitchen / dining area. The Care Shop end was finally restored in July. We could not have managed without the hard work of two Warehouse volunteers, Bob and Jim. Our thanks to them, and also to Debra, who has served the bookshop for several years but has now moved on.

Books have been sold away from the shop at conventions, other meetings and on the streets of Birmingham as usual in the run-up to Christmas. Warwick has had ten book agents in the West Midlands this year, including the Golden Cross Christian Centre. He has also developed quite a specialised line in locating hard-to-obtain second-hand books for some of his customers.