L> 11 ul a7E J£J
ffllltN]
888 00000 U CL Cts u O *X>
L> 11 ul a7E J£J
ffllltN]
888 00000 U CL Cts u O *X>
Trustees’ Annual Report for Alford Corn Exchange Community Group (Charity No. 1154929) for the period 01.04.2023 to 31.03.2024
Charity Name: Alford Corn Exchange Community Group Registered Charity Number: 1154929 Charity Principal Address: Alford Corn Exchange, 9 Market Place, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9EB Trustees: Harry Dewick-Eisele, Andy Taylor, Janice McHamilton, Nick O’Farrell, John Hynes, Neil Calvert, Lucy Iaquaniello, Denver Husband, June Husband and Michael Vickers Type of governing document: Charitable Incorporated Organisation with Constitution adopted 10.04.2013
Trustees are appointed (or re-appointed) annually at the AGM.
Objectives:
“To further or benefit the residents of Alford and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.
In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power: To establish or secure the establishment of a community centre at the historic Alford Corn Exchange and to maintain and manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the preservation, maintenance and management of the building for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects.”
Summary of Development
2023-2024 has been another busy year for the Corn Exchange as public confidence to socialise continues to grow following the pandemic. The building is used for a wide variety of events including weekly ones – a community café, bingo evening, indoor bowling, a line dancing group and Zumba classes. The monthly tea dance also remains very popular with people travelling from other parts of Lincolnshire (as well as locally) to participate.
Similarly, the Corn Exchange continues to have many “one off” events including community hot lunches, the annual community Christmas lunch, youth art events (several held per year) charity quiz nights, various fund raising events as well as parties for both children and adults. The Craft Markets are held every year at Easter and Christmas and the hall has proved popular for music events, “sound baths” and wellbeing events. Hirers have the opportunity to use the bar area, the main hall or the upstairs balcony room (or all three). The hall is also essential for a number of important local events including Elections, consultancies on a number of new infrastructure projects in the area and the annual town council meeting
A major improvement this year has been the addition of acoustic wall panels which have improved the sound clarity in the main hall with positive responses from all users. We are securing our reputation as the area’s premier concert venue with increased music and theatrical events.
In addition to the above, the Corn Exchange has established a “niche” for funeral teas which, along with the many varied other events, brings a healthy income stream to the Corn Exchange. The Trustees are very pleased with the wide variety and volume of events that have taken place which is reflected by the additional time that our appointed Manager has spent at the premises overseeing matters.
The Trustees are confident that the building can continue to be used in the way that it is in accordance with the charity’s objectives.
Financial Review:
The Trustees are very mindful of their responsibilities – in particular, in respect of the charity’s finances. A bookkeeper assists with the finances and liaises closely with the Manager and Trustees. All payments made by the Corn Exchange are authorised by one of the appointed Trustees approved by our charity’s Bankers and financial policies are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. Financial updates are provided at our monthly Trustee meetings and prudent financial management continues to be carried out and remains at the heart of all decisions taken by the Trustees.
Declaration:
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Annual Report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees
Signature:
Full name: Nicholas O’Farrell Date: …10[th] January 2025………………..