Eighton Banks Village Hall Trust – Trustees’ Annual Report 2026
1. Introduction
Eighton Banks Village Hall Trust (Charity No. 1152464) exists to provide an accessible, inclusive and sustainable community facility for the residents of Eighton Banks and the surrounding areas. The hall is a volunteer‑led charity that supports social connection, wellbeing, learning, and community pride. This report covers the period 1 January – 31 December 2026.
2. Objectives and Activities
The Trust’s charitable purpose is to provide and maintain a village hall for community use , enabling activities that relieve isolation, support wellbeing, reduce food and fuel poverty, and strengthen local community life.
During 2026, the trustees continued to:
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Maintain and operate the village hall as an affordable, accessible community space.
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Provide warm hub activities, social groups, and community events.
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Develop partnerships with local organisations, councillors, schools, health and wellbeing providers, and voluntary groups.
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Improve the hall’s infrastructure to support long‑term sustainability and expanded community services.
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Ensure robust governance, safeguarding, and financial stewardship.
3. Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to consider the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. All activities delivered in 2026 were designed to be accessible, inclusive, and beneficial to the local community, with particular focus on vulnerable residents, older adults, families, and those experiencing financial hardship.
4. Achievements and Performance in 2026
4.1 Community Services and Engagement
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Continued development of warm hub sessions, for providing a safe, heated space, social connection, and low‑cost refreshments.
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Increased participation in community groups including craft sessions, wellbeing activities, and social drop‑ins.
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Strengthened partnerships with local councillors, Gateshead Council services, Tyne View Health & Wellbeing, and voluntary organisations.
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Expanded volunteer involvement, including new roles supporting events, maintenance, and community outreach.
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4.2 Capital Improvements and Infrastructure
Significant progress was made on key development priorities:
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Kitchen extension and compliant catering facilities – planning, design and fundraising progressed to enable future delivery of an affordable community café and expanded warm hub meals.
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Accessible disabled toilet – development work continued to ensure full accessibility for residents with mobility needs.
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Security upgrades – installation of additional CCTV units and window shutter planning to improve safety and reduce vandalism risk.
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Technical and utilities review – trustees undertook detailed work to confirm infrastructure ownership, utilities mapping, and compliance requirements.
4.3 Governance and Compliance
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Trustees completed safeguarding training and strengthened policies and procedures.
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Updated risk assessments, hall hire agreements, and health & safety documentation.
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Improved financial reporting, budgeting, and grant management processes.
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Continued to operate as a fully volunteer‑led organisation with strong governance and transparent decision‑making.
5. Financial Review
The Trust remains financially stable, with careful stewardship of funds and a commitment to keeping hire costs low and community activities affordable.
Income
Income in 2026 came from:
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Hall hire fees
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Fundraising events
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Grants for capital improvements and community activities
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Modest donations from residents and supporters
Expenditure
Key areas of expenditure included:
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Utilities and insurance
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Maintenance and repairs
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Community activity costs
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Professional fees relating to capital development
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Security improvements
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Reserves
The Trust maintains modest reserves to ensure operational stability and to support planned capital works. Trustees continue to balance affordability for residents with long‑term sustainability.
6. Plans for 2027
The Trust’s priorities for the coming year include:
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Completing the kitchen extension and accessible toilet project.
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Launching the affordable community café and expanded warm hub meals.
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Installing window shutters and completing CCTV upgrades.
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Increasing community programming, including intergenerational activities, healthy eating workshops, and volunteer development.
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Strengthening digital tools, including website improvements and online booking systems.
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Continuing to address food and fuel poverty, social isolation, and accessibility barriers for vulnerable residents.
7. Structure, Governance and Management
Eighton Banks Village Hall Trust is governed by a board of volunteer trustees. The Trust is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission. Trustees meet regularly to oversee operations, finances, compliance, and strategic development.
New trustees are inducted through a structured process including safeguarding training, policy review, and mentoring.
8. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity:
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Keeps proper accounting records
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Prepares an annual report and accounts
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Safeguards the charity’s assets
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Complies with relevant legislation and Charity Commission guidance
The trustees confirm these responsibilities were met throughout 2026.
9. Conclusion
2026 was a year of meaningful progress for Eighton Banks Village Hall Trust. The charity strengthened its role as a vital community hub, advanced major capital improvements, and deepened partnerships that support local wellbeing. Trustees remain committed to delivering accessible, inclusive, and sustainable services that meet the needs of residents across Eighton Banks and the wider Gateshead community.
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| STATEMENTOFFINANCIALACTIVITIESYEAR EN | DEDAPRIL2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2m6 | 2025 | |
| f | € | |
| INCOME | ||
| HallRentals | 9r138 | 5S8 |
| Awardslcompensation | 500 | 490 |
| lnterest | 766 | 404 |
| Fundraising | 4010 | ?291 |
| TheatreGroups | t7?8 | 20E,2 |
| Membership | 150 | 140 |
| Total lncome | 16512 | 12255 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Telephone, broadband,Utilities | 3041 | 3280 |
| lnsurances and licences | ff!48 | 902 |
| Property maintenance | L12l | 24622 |
| Waste | 451 | 423 |
| Cleaning | 2479 | 2583 |
| Events | 1(xl7 | 913 |
| Pettycash&Sundries | 589 | 272 |
| TOTALEXPENDITURE | 10036 | 32995 |
| NEIINCOME | =Ztu',4€3 | |
| NfTMOVEMENT INRESESI'ES | ||
| Net income | 6576 | -x'se |
| Net movement inreserves | 82038 | 89 601 |
| General reservescarriedforward | 754ff2 | 68 861 |
| DepositAccount | 509U' | 60134 |
| CashatBank | 14536 | 8?O5 |
| Cashinhand | 26 | 22 |
| 75$2 | 68861 |