WEST DOWN COMMUNITY FIELD www.westdown.org.uk
(West Down Village Green Field Association) (Charity Commission number 1153245)
ANNUAL GENENERAL MEETING 7pm 28/02/2022 West Down Parish Hall
’ - Chairman s Report 2021 2022
The Community Field is managed by Volunteer Trustees who act as the Management Committee are a totally independent organisation, meeting regularly to discuss and make decisions about the day to day and long-term actions needed to ensure that it remains fit for purpose, also help raise the essential funds for its continued operation. This Committee has done a fantastic job over the many years and continue to be enthusiastic ensuring that the Community Field remains available in perpetuity for residents.
Because we own land, the Community field is registered as a CIO (Charity Incorporated Organisation) with our Charity Commission number being 1153245, our Constitution is as recommended by Charity Commission, and all of our annual reports continue to be kept up to date. The Community Field is protected against its disposal and development by a (Deed Of Dedication) at Fields in Trust(FIT) in perpetuity. The Community Field is insured for third party liability by Allied Westminster, and we have in place a health & safety policy, also Risk Assessment along with a Equal opportunities policy. There are substantial increasing financial costs in providing this facility for the parishioners of West Down, funds which have to be provided each year - costs such as field maintenance and insurance – also of course the cost of any projects undertaken such as the play area and equipment and also such as maintenance and ongoing RoSPA safety inspections to meet our insurance requirements.
Once again a big ‘thank you’ to all of our Committee for the time and enthusiasm that they give to ensure the continued success of this major community asset. Huge thanks to the Field maintenance team for the Field in such a great condition.
Also a huge thank also to the West Down Parish Council for their continued financial support which contributes towards the continued operation of this facility for the wellbeing of West Down Residents.
2021/2022 Phew again what a year it has been! COVID has again impacted on every family in the Country and most of the World, I feel proud to be able to say that our team has been able to keep our Community Field open throughout the pandemic providing a valuable recreational space for everyone.
Following the long battle with Acorn Developments and difficulties of North Devon Council I am very please to confirm that we have now received our share of the section 106 payment to our community.
We have already replaced our ageing rotting picnic and seat bench which we had, Pre-loved! We have also carried out field drainage and picnic area ground works.
Much work has taken place in the planning of further projects along with funding applications to make these possible.
I thank everyone for your support. John Stainer Chair.