Chair: Louise Murray             Deputy Chair: Lesa Blenkinsop          Treasurer: Sheila Wilson Chair Telephone Number:  07971 964558 Registered Charity number 1157023 

## **Annual Report** 

The Management Committee continue to meet on a regular basis to ensure the safe and successful running of the Centre. 

It is fantastic to have the support of those who attend and volunteer. As always, the Committee would like to appeal to more people in the local area and host a wider range of activities and events. We continue to promote existing activities and seek new ideas from members, through Facebook and in the Parish Council Newsletter. Again, it will be no surprise to mention that we are always seeking support from new volunteers and new Management Committee members. If you are interested please speak to any of the current Committee members or email louisemurray@virgin.net. 

In 2023 we worked hard to maintain and improve the building and hosted a variety of events. The Centre finances remain in a healthy position although we did see income fall below expenditure for the first time in a number of years. 

Our regular coffee mornings have gone from strength to strength and generate a steady stream of donations, largely as a result of the hard work of Lesa and Leanne. Thank you to the volunteers who make it happen, everyone who regularly donates raffle prizes and all those who pop in for a cuppa and chat. 

We’ve used these events to raise funds and as an opportunity for residents to showcase their arts & crafts: 

- Car wash fundraiser 

- Armed Forces Day 

- Crafts & Coffee 

- Family fun a craft mornings 

We also hosted some great events: 



In July our Red, White & Blue summer event, was a brilliant success. Attendance was great and the entertainment was popular. Special thanks to Magic Mick who did a brilliant job entertaining the children and Rebecca who braved the windy conditions to entertain the grown ups. 

In August our friends from Trail Outlaws returned for the Hawthorn Trail Run 

In October we hosted a fun Horse Racing night that raised funds for the Centre. 

In December we hosted a theatre show from the Bad Apple Theatre Company. It was so good we’ve asked them back in May to share their new show. 

Our regular activities include art & craft classes, our art group, garden project, yoga, community library and table tennis. 

The following maintenance projects were completed in the year: 

- Complete redecoration of the Centre 

- New blinds throughout 

- Seeking solutions for the damp which returns each winter 

Finances remain healthy, however we must be mindful that expenditure exceeded income by £2,315 in 2023. This was mostly a result of spending Covid-19 restart grants received in 2022 to encourage people back into the Centre. The Committee will continue to monitor this in 2024 to ensure that our finances remain healthy to protect the future of the Centre. 

## **On behalf of the Management Committee I would like to thank Hawthorn Parish Council for their ongoing support.** 

In conclusion, the Centre has had a successful year as a result of the commitment and work of our Management Committee and volunteers. 

As always, a bigger group of volunteers would allow for a wider range of activities. Our building continues to require maintenance and repairs which make it essential to maintain a healthy financial position to ensure we can maintain and improve what is a very old (but loved) community building. 



HAwfHORN COMMUNITY CENTRE
INCOME & EXPENDITURE DEfAILS 2023
Income
Table Ter￿￿$
598.1
78.
13920
Trall Aun
1048.(KI
1271.77
279.(Ki
82224
'. MS & I Intrnt
49.16 TV
159.
Total InG¢m¢ 2023:
128e3.14
121163.14
I (N8 &12022 Bfftj
Mo
3WMO.81
SIGNETr.
Lb frlpRIL aoa
SIGNETr.
ECLJ
DATE LF fipoiL aoawo .

BALANCE SHE
FtNANCIAL REfuRN 2(123
LLOYDS BANK CUIUIENt ACCOUNT . 34093160
RECONCILIATION including NS&I ACCOUN[
l.loyd$ t14nk Sw¢m¢ni l)aled .11 o tkcember 2023
32.607.67
158lawJee
32607.67
@ 31112tt2
34972.09
I￿1}￿e Jan - Ikc 202.3 {irt N￿1 Intertst of £49.16).
10347.811
45119.97
Exprnditurc Jao. tkc 2023
12663.14
11*1 In¢ l F.%p
32656.&1
(a) Llvyd¥ B￿k & NS&I 3111 ll3
N. S. Inv¢stuKut Acwuul
6402.94
Lloyds Current Acrjjunt
3260727
Tot*1
-IWIO.21
RCW Treasurer /February 2024