The Credit Union Office, The Presbytery
Swarcliffe Drive, Leeds LS14 5AW
Telephone: 0776 108 1338
E-Mail: stgregoryscu@gmail.com

St. Gregory's Credit Union is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority under the FRN (Firm Reference Number) 213539

SOME REFLECTIONS OBSERVED FROM CREDIT UNION LIFE DURING 2018

1) DON'T "GO SWIMMING" WITH THE LOAN SHARKS!!
St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd became involved during the course of 2018 with a new incentive launched within its "Common Bond" area of East Leeds (along with other reputable Credit Unions within the North of England) to encourage Members old and new, and those thinking about joining our Credit Union, to start saving with them and making them clearly aware of the DANGERS OF BORROWING FROM ILLEGAL MONEY LENDERS.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) are working in partnership with like minded Credit Unions across the country to raise the awareness of the dangers of borrowing from Illegal Money Lenders, more commonly known as LOAN SHARKS.

A joint initiative will attempt to see the Team use the proceeds of Crime Money, confiscated from convicted Loan Sharks, to sponsor new Credit Union accounts to be opened.

St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd, produced a comprehensive Poster campaign that was launched and displayed at our Credit Union Office, as well as at the various Collection Points situated around the Parish of Blessed John Henry Newman. The intention was to INFORM / CONVINCE and DISSUADE People from turning to these illegal Loan Sharks as an alternative to obtain a Loan, rather than taking the safer option of joining a genuine Credit Union such as St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd.

From research and known real-life experiences, The Loan Sharks (Illegal Money Lenders) can have a HORRIFIC IMPACT on our Communities and should NEVER BE USED under any circumstances.

We always urge Members (and potential new Members) to look at borrowing from safe and legal alternatives, such as their local Credit Union. Loan Sharks MAY appear "friendly" at first and act as if they are offering a Community Service, BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS BEHAVIOUR as it soon changes once monies are owing, and the UNFORTUNATE and sometimes DESPERATE BORROWER WILL OFTEN FACE DANGEROUS AND INTIMIDATORY RETRIBUTION ON A FRIGHTENING SCALE SHOULD THE BORROWER BE UNABLE TO REPAY

2) CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL SAVINGS CLUB LAUNCH:
On the 3rd July 2018, they launched their School Savings Club (Sammy the Snake's Jungle Savings Safari) in connection with St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd. The Children have been so excited and enthusiastic about joining this scheme that after only some three months of operation nearly 130 Children have joined the Savings Club Scheme, and collectively they have saved to date just over an incredible £1,007+ with the Credit Union!

An absolutely magnificent achievement! These Young Savers ARE OUR FUTURE!!!

3) WHO IS IN CHARGE OF YOUR CREDIT UNION and WHAT DO THEY DO FOR YOU?
Firstly, it is the MEMBERS who actually own the Credit Union, as all credit Unions are financial co-operatives, each Member has a single and equal voice in the true OWNERSHIP of their CREDIT UNION.

Secondly, it is the DIRECTORS (supported by their VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATES) who actually run the Credit Union on a day-to-day basis on behalf of its Membership. Each current

DIRECTOR of St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd, and there are SIX DIRECTORS in place, who offer their time and expertise on a wholly voluntary and unpaid basis and have done so for many years. St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd as from the 1st October 2018 has embarked on its 24th Year of operation, another significant achievement as we manage and protect Total Net Assets of around £350,000+ on behalf of some 340+ Members of the Credit Union.

If anyone within the Parish would like to consider joining the Board as a Director, or simply would like to offer their services on a Voluntary Associate basis, then this would be much appreciated. If you have any experience with financial and administrative procedures, or an office background in Computer Data involvement, or have any legal or community service experience, then your offer of help would be gratefully accepted, as it is your interest and enthusiasm that the Management Board of Directors seek. Contact us!

The basic responsibilities of the Management Board of Directors are as follows:

1. Lead and manage business development.
2. Engage with the Board in strategic planning and the implementation of the Business Plan and other Operational Policies.
3. Exercise responsible financial management.
4. Build external relationships on behalf of St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd.
5. Ensure the quality and effectiveness of products and services offered.
6. Determine the mission and purpose of St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd.
7. Ensure adequate financial resources.
8. Protect Assets and provide financial oversight and invigilation as necessary.
9. Ensure legal and ethical integrity alongside strict confidentiality and data protection.
10. Enhance the public standing and reputation of St. Gregory's Credit Union Ltd.

May we offer Everybody our sincere wishes for a Happy Christmas & Peaceful New Year!!

Stephen Adkin : Director & Vice Chair (St.Gregory's Credit Union Ltd) FRN : 213539