Melanesian Mission UK Holds Annual General Meeting in Exeter

More than 70 members and supporters of Melanesian Mission UK (MMUK) gathered at St Stephen’s Church, High Street, Exeter, on Saturday 19 September for the charity’s Annual General Meeting.

The meeting opened with the Chair of Trustees, The Rt Revd Sam Corley, reading an address from the Anglican Church of Melanesia, bringing greetings and encouragement from our partners across the Pacific. The full address is available to read on the MMUK website.

The meeting received and approved the charity’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026. The accounts had been independently examined by Redwoods Accountants of Exeter, whom members also reappointed to undertake the independent examination of the charity’s accounts for the following financial year. Copies of the approved accounts are available to view on the MMUK website.

Members also considered the election and re-election of Trustees. The following appointments were approved:

• Ven Dr Mike Gilbertson was re-elected for a term of three years.
• Mr Colin Butler was re-elected for a term of three years.
• Mrs Sue Clayton was re-elected for a term of one year.
• Revd Kate Pwaisiho was elected for a term of three years.
• Revd Dr Steve Martin was elected for a term of three years.

Fr Steven Martin is Rector of the Holyford Mission Community in the Diocese of Exeter, serving the parishes of Colyton with Colyford, Branscombe, Musbury, Northleigh and Southleigh. During his curacy in the Tavistock Benefice, which hosted the now Archbishop Leonard Dawea and the late Fr George Elo, Fr Steven became a Companion of the Melanesian Brotherhood and has remained actively involved ever since, raising awareness and support for projects across Melanesia. Over the years he has welcomed Brothers, clergy and religious from Melanesia during visits to Devon and has travelled to the Solomon Islands on two occasions, most recently attending the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Centenary celebrations last year. He also succeeds Fr John Rawlings as Section Leader of the South West Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood.

Members then approved the minutes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting, with no matters arising.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of the venue and date for the 2027 Annual General Meeting, which will take place on Saturday 25 September 2027 at St Andrew’s Church, Greyhound Road, London W14 9SA.

MMUK is grateful to St Stephen’s Church for hosting this year’s meeting and to everyone who travelled to Exeter to take part. The strong attendance demonstrated the continuing commitment of members and supporters to strengthening links of faith, friendship and mutual support between the churches and communities of the UK and Melanesia.