Get to know Christine!

Thanks for joining us today, Christine!

You’re welcome, Mike. Thank you for the fantastic job you do producing these newsletters!

How did you come to be involved in Just-Ice?

Jo (the Chair of the Trustees) and I know each other as members of St. George’s Church. She, as one of our Readers and I as a member of the clergy.

We had regular discussions about future ministry and Jo was particularly interested in what we call pioneering ministry, which endeavours to share the love and knowledge of God in the community in new ways.

Jo met a couple who had begun the Just-Ice ministry in Derby and discussed with me whether Poynton would be a suitable place for an ice cream shop. We then went to visit the setup in Derby and, after much prayer and deliberation, we believed that God’s plan did include a café here.

Gavin and Sally (the founders of Just-Ice) gave us great initial support and Jo’s business experience was invaluable as we launched the café.

How did you become a trustee and what do you find most enjoyable and challenging about the role?

It was a natural step for me to become one of the trustees as I was involved at the beginning and, although I cannot help practically in the café, I strongly support all aspects of Just-Ice.

It is a huge responsibility as a trustee because we've had to learn about the difficulties that survivors of modern slavery face when they come into a new environment. However, it is a great joy to see them grow in confidence, learn to trust, and develop new skills.

We have also employed Christian members of staff who are able to create a welcoming ethos not only to survivors but to each person who comes into the café. It's a pleasure to work with such a wonderful team of people!

As a trustee it is also our responsibility to make sure that we are financially viable so that the work may continue. This can be challenging, especially during the winter season when ice cream may not be our first choice! However, I can recommend our wonderful homemade soup!

What are your hopes for Just-Ice going into the future?

As a Christian charity, we hope and pray that our beneficiaries, and all who use the café, continue to experience the compassion, kindness and love of God. Just-Ice is a wonderful community café with a friendly atmosphere and we trust God that we will continue to thrive.