Rochdale Foodbank's chair of trustees Martin Coupe retires

Incoming chairman Steve Field (left) and outgoing chairman Martin Coupe (right)

Martin Coupe, chair of the Rochdale foodbank trustees, has retired from the role after chairing his last meeting in September.

Martin was one of the founders of the foodbank in summer 2012,with Iain and Margaret Wight, taking part in the first training in the old Liberal Club on Drake Street. Shortly after, he was invited to become a trustee and served in that role for five years, until he took over as chair when Iain and Margaret retired.
 

Read more: Foodbank leaders take a well-earned restPublished: 06 March 2019

Whilst Martin has stepped down as chair, he will continue to volunteer as a driver and in the warehouse.

He is replaced as chair by Steve Field, who said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Martin for making such a massive contribution over these eight years and particularly as Chair through all the challenges of the last 18 months.

“Whilst Martin’s commitment, energy and collaboration have always been evident, his forward thinking has had the most telling impact, such as guiding us to insure all the stock in 2015, to move us to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2017, and then to assess early and clearly the impact of the pandemic in February 2020.

“We wondered how we would cope early in 2018 but we need not have worried; throughout the most difficult of circumstances, Martin has ensured that the foodbank continues to carry out its vital service. Martin, we are thankful that you will remain part of the team of drivers and currently working in the warehouse.

“Thank you again for all you’ve done; hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy more free time than has been the case recently.”