Trustees’ Annual Report for Alford Corn Exchange Community Group (Charity No. 1154929) for the period 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2025
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 the year
2024-2025 has been another exceptionally busy year for the Corn Exchange. The building continues to be used for a wide variety of events including regular bookings – a community café, bingo evening, indoor bowling, a line dancing group, a Zumba class and a yoga class. The monthly tea dance also remains very popular.
The Corn Exchange has had many “one off” events during the year including community hot lunches, the annual community Christmas lunch, youth art events (several held per year) charity quiz nights, theatre events 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. The main hall has also been used for COVID vaccinations, as an election polling station and for public consultations by/on behalf of National Grid for various energy infrastructure projects that are potentially on the horizon.
The Corn Exchange continues to be regularly used for funeral teas which, along with the many varied other events, brings a healthy income stream to the Corn Exchange. The Trustees remain optimistic that the Corn Exchange will remain a popular venue for regular and one off events in line with its constitution.
Our Manager overseas all events and works closely with our caretaker, book-keeper and a loyal team of volunteers.
Financial Review:
The Trustees are always mindful of their responsibilities – in particular, in respect of the charity’s finances. A book-keeper 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. The Charity’s 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. Annual Accounts are approved by an experienced independent examiner.
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: 14[th] January 2026
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