Annual report 2024
Wednesday 23 April 2025 09:48
LONG BENNINGTON PLAYING FIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1 The Long Bennington Playing Field Management Committee (PFMC) is a voluntary body and Registered Charity, which operates under the auspices of the Long Bennington Parish Council (PC). It is charged with the maintenance and management of the Main Road Playing Field and its facilities. The PFMC is made up of: eleven members of the public; six representatives of organisations that use the facilities; two PC delegates. The PC is the owner of the Playing Field land, and all permanent buildings and facilities thereon; the PFMC is the occupier of the land and custodian of its buildings and facilities. The Committee has no employees, and with the exception of the Pavilion Booking Manager who is self-employed, all key roles, functions, and routine maintenance on the field and its facilities are undertaken by volunteers.
1.2 Over the last 40 years the PFMC has raised money from: Car Boots sales; facilities-hire; social events; one-off activities; Local Government, Lottery, and Development Grant Aid money in support of specific projects. Indeed, the PFMC, and its associated groups and members, has raised over 95% of the funds spent in creating the current facilities, which in total approaches £1M.
1.3. The Playing Field’s current extensive range of facilities include: a Pavilion with a hall, kitchen, toilets, storage, and changing rooms; 4 Football Pitches of various sizes; a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA); a Multi Sports Facility (MSF) which encompasses 2 tennis courts; a large range of Children’s Play Equipment.
2. RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PARISH COUNCIL
2.1 Following the purchase of the land for the Playing Field in the early 1970s, the PC relied on the PFMC to raise the funds both to develop and to run the site, allowing the Committee to work on a near-autonomous basis. More recently, with the demise of the Car Boot Sales, the PC has stepped in to fill the financial vacuum. The Playing Field and Facilities are now being run from a mix of Precept funding and Hire income. Further, the PC is also making provision for the future upgrade, or replacement, of all the major installations (Pavilion, Play Equipment (PE), Multi Sports Facility (MSF), and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)), the level of which is under constant review. However, wherever possible, Grants will also be sought, as appropriate, as the prime means of funding major projects.
3. 2024 Initial Objectives and Challenges
Development of the new car park. Development of the pavilion improvement project. Increasing use and hire of the facilities. Developing costing methods to reflect the true costs of using the facilities.
- A summary of 2024
4.1 2024 has primarily seen the committee working towards the Pavilion regeneration project and a refresh of the play equipment.
4.2 In early 2024 a firm of consultants was contracted to produce a feasibility study for a pavilion refurbishment and redesign together with an artificial football surface. The study was funded by the football club. The study produced a preferred design of the pavilion improvements but the projected costs for the playing surface were seen as excessive and beyond the potential fund raising. The project was presented to the parish council and outline support was given for the project. However later on projected costs from the consultants grew to a point were the sub committee recommended a change in direction. The committee consulted local builders to scope a potential smaller scale project that would be more affordable and may attract grant funding for small scale projects. This would still look to roll onto the development of the car park.
4.3 The planned improvements to the play equipment were achieved. A new installation replaced one of the aging pieces of equipment and the hazardous sandpit was removed. A new inclusive , disabled friendly, roundabout was also installed. We have also decided to change our play equipment inspection contract to the installers Playdale. Thanks should be recorded for the work of Phil Owen and Lis Foat. 4.4 Damage to drainage for the playing fields was identified and this was contributing to flooding and an inability to use the main 11 aside football pitch. A scheme devised by Steve Rowley and funded by the football club has created a new drainage solution which is hoped will reduce the problems experienced.
4.5 The summer solstice run once again had a great evening with approximately 500 runners.
4.6 Unfortunately we were victims of a burglary and theft of the tractor from it’s secure storage. The crime remains undetected. An insurance claim has enable purchase of a replacement tractor now temporarily stored off site . However we must seek alternative storage with increased security during the next year.
4.7 Margaret Butcher worked hard this year, supported by Ian Evans, to claim gift-aid on the generous donation from Mr Fearn. She has also arranged for on line banking to enable simpler payments between users and suppliers. 4.8 During 2024 Mr Iain Lyon stepped down from the committee.I would like to record my thanks for his help and support and for being that essential link between the committee and the parish council. He was replaced by parish councillor Jane Bell.
4.9 We have also completed a Legionella risk management audit . It is right that as part of our role in overseeing the safe use of the facilities we consider and address all potential risks, and I am grateful for the support of Dave Roberts in leading this work.
5. Future Challenges and objectives.
5.1 Development of the new car park.
5.2 Development of the pavilion improvement project.
5.3 Recruitment of committee members.
5.4 Increasing use and hire of the facilities. 5.5 Developing costing methods to reflect the true costs of using the facilities. 5.6 Delivering new secure storage of the tractor. 6. Closing remarks This has been year with much focus an effort in shaping the proposed pavilion redevelopment . Many hours have been given by a number of our committee members and I am very grateful for their dedication , wisdom and patience. The children of the village are now enjoying the new play equipment and this benefit comes from the parish councils efforts to obtain the sect 106 funds and the committees willingness to spend it wisely on behalf of the village.
I am once again grateful to all those who have found the time and energy to continue the collective efforts required to maintain the facilities, and attempt to provide opportunities for sport and recreation for the village. I am also grateful to those who were able to step in an chair meetings in my absence. I am excited by the projects 2025 may bring.
M. Manley M Manley Chairman, Long Bennington Playing Fields Management Committee. 23/4/25
Long Bennington Playing Field Management Committee
Income & Expenditure Account
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Income Summer Meal Christmas Meal Long Bennington JFC Pitch Usage Bowls Club Contribution to Water Rates Other Hire Donation including Gift Aid Interest Received Total Income Expenditure Summer Meal Christmas Meal Waste Disposal Light & Heat Ground Maintenance Miscellaneous Cleaning Repairs & Renewals (Pavillion) Water Rates Parish Council- Contribution to Precept Total Expenditure Surplus for the Year |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,125 1,990 1,622 1,750 6,040 6,040 99 112 4,679 4,412 37,500 - 250 - 51,315 14,304 910 1,540 1,311 1,295 938 845 2,080 1,898 1,355 250 118 324 3,182 2,806 1,685 769 761 477 4,000 0 16,340 10,204 34,975 4,100 |
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Lon8 Bennington Playin8 Fleld Management Commlttee Balance Sheet At 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Current A5sels Debtor5 Current Account Savings Attount 2(K) 9.118 50,250 6,191 18.402 Total Current Assets 59,568 24,593 Current Uabilitie5 Creditors Total Current Liabllitles Net Current Assets 59,568 24,593 ReseThes Opening Balanre Surplus for the Year 24.593 34.975 20,493 4,IiXI 59,568 24,593 Accountants, Report I have examined the above financial statements forthe year ended 31 December 2024 and confim that they are in accordance with the books and records maintained by the Treasurer. ScAh Stephen Peck FCA Margaret Butcher- TreasUr