Firstly as Chairman of NCBI, I should like to take this opportunity to wish everyone associated with the organisation the very best of the season’s greetings.

2010 has seen yet another significant increase in the number of people accessing our services, placing ever greater demands on the organisation to increase the quantity of what we do while also maintaining the quality. In light of the current economic circumstances we are now in, regrettably we most certainly anticipate more challenging times ahead in 2011.

However, because NCBI is built on such solid foundations, I am confident that we will continue to withstand these tough and uncertain times. While we face more difficult decisions in the coming year, I believe that NCBI will emerge even stronger as a result and that every obstacle also provides an opportunity. We must all continue to work together in the years ahead to make a positive contribution towards fulfilling the objectives of the organisation and seeking out those opportunities in the midst of any challenges that may come our way.

I wish to extend my thanks to all of our services users, our staff, the teams who do such a great job running the Mrs Quin’s Charity Shops and everyone who supports us year after year. Without their dedication and input, none of the progress made in the past would have been possible. Finally, on behalf of the Board of NCBI, I would like to wish all of our readers, supporters, staff and friends a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Margaret McDowell
Chairman, NCBI.