Recent Past – As expected, both trusts have had a rather quieter year or so, because of our need to pick-up after Covid-19 Pandemic, although access to the hall has been unrestricted since earlier with ‘changing’ government rules. Even outside events on the green have not been happening as often as we’d have liked. Charity Commission Trustee Records & Annual Returns are up to date and we’ve again acquired NNDR Zero Business Rate exemption. Other grants from SCDC,have not been awarded to us during 2022/23, but Insurances and Licence renewals, ACRE membership have all been paid/renewed. Amending bookings/cancellations/ returning deposits, agreeing access/licences for geo surveys for the proposed AW relocation of new sewage works etc have also taken up a fair proportion of time during last 12 months.
Trustees – We lost 1 trustee before our last AGM with Jayne Neale finding her work pressures too hectic to give sufficient time to the Trusts. Thanks and appreciation was extended to her, we now have 8 trustees remaining having warmly welcomed Marilyn Dew as representative of our Horticultural Society, but we look to recruit a Toddler Group representative and A N Other?
Recent Achievements – Thanks to John/Sue for re-cording the flagpole and refurbishing the flags, Paul Kemp repaired post and rail fences, Alan Leader has just re-decorated the interior of the hall and we now have Cambridge Fibre’s improved WiFi installed. For the green, we must again congratulate our groundsmen for superb grass cutting, Marilyn and Gary for the Daffodil bulb planting, Richard for tending the bank beside the pond, John H for the superb clean-up of the southern ditch, plus fitting the ‘Sheffield’ cycle stands and Richard for his very recent re-seeding of the bank of spoil. Our appreciation also goes to Scotsdales for the kind donation of the Java Teak garden bench to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III.
Finance – Thanks again to the income from earlier Covid Grants and more recently ACRE/SCDC grant for our 15 recently run ‘Warm Hub’ meetings by Sue and Michael, our wealth remains good for the hall, whereas finances for the green remain less wealthy over the last twelve months with no income from marquees, plus a need for pond/ditch maintenance. More information/figures later from both our treasurers. Hall/Green letting fees were increased at the start of 2023 and will be reviewed more regularly so as to keep abreast of ‘rocketing electricity rates’ and new WiFi charges, until our bookings have again resumed and business and utility rates becomes more ‘back to normal’. Alternative HVHT/HMGT bankers to Barclays are being considered.
Future Plans – Our applications to SCDC’s Zero Carbon Community Grant (with replacement heaters in mind) were sadly unsuccessful. A further round of SCDC applications have been invited and we ought to submit another application during 2022/23. Our renewing Hallmark status has again been promoted by Cambs ACRE, for our decision. A quotation for paving the apron in front of hall main entrance was obtained, but this was considered fairly expensive, so other plans / quotes are still needed for more consideration. We fit out a new wall cupboard for sound equipment and generally tidied up our storage facilities. Replacement roller blinds were purchased and some have already been fitted in the hall. A new cupboard in cloakroom is to be fitted to house our re-sited electricity meter.
Summary – We remain delighted to continue our close working relationships with HPC, HRA, Parish Church, Horticultural group, Toddlers, Musicians, Artists and all regular hall hirers. We are also more recently giving all support possible our SHH Action group. As chairman, I wish to thank my fellow officers and all fellow trustees for their invaluable input. Although being slightly biased, from the Chair I recognise and thank Pauline on behalf of us all for her tireless work with bookings/cancellations/collection/banking of fees/return of deposits. Furthermore, Garrick was welcomed and deserves thanking for grasping the task of keeping the hall clean and tidy over past 12 mths, to now handover to a new volunteer Alan for the future.
Michael Hellowell
Chairman HVHT/HMGT
27 March 2023
