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Rowlands Castle Recreation Ground Charity

Registered Charity No: 1163497 Sole Trustee: Rowlands Castle Parish Council

11 The Green, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6BW Tel: 02392 413044 and Email: clerk@rowlandscastlepc.org.uk

Trustees Annual Report and Accounts 2024

1163497

History and Background

The land forming the Recreation Ground was conveyed to named Trustees on 19[th] November 1924. A Deed dated 27[th] January 1925 confirmed that the land was to be used “forever hereafter as a public playing field or Recreation Ground for the benefit of the inhabitants of Rowlands Castle and the immediate neighbourhoods.” The Trustees are at liberty to make and enforce any bye-laws.

By a Deed dated 28[th] April 1949, Rowlands Castle Parish Council, as a corporate body, was appointed the sole Trustee, so replacing the named Trustees in the 1924 and 1925 Deeds, some of whom had by then died.

By a Constitution dated 18[th] May 2015, Rowlands Castle Recreation Ground Charity converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Foundation.

To retain integrity, avoid conflicts of interest and ensure scrutiny of works designated working groups are formed, which include the Facilities Officer, a minimum of 2 Parish Councillors and interested parties. These groups report to the sole Trustee, Rowlands Castle Parish Council (‘the Trustee’). During this year working groups have been formed to review the installation of CCTV to tackle antisocial behaviour and to design and commission a new playpark.

In June 2021, the Trustee appointed a Facilities Officer to undertake the delivery of specific projects and support aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Recreation Ground. The Facilities Officer acts in support of the objectives of the CIO.

Objectives and Activities

The aim of the Recreation Ground Charity is to provide and maintain the Recreation Ground for the benefit of the parishioners of Rowlands Castle and the immediate neighbourhood to include Finchdean. There are 4 football pitches, one cricket pitch, 3 tennis courts, a pavilion, a children’s play area, outdoor gym equipment and a car park.

The Charity:

Maintains and develops the Recreation Ground and land it manages to ensure it provides a safe, pleasant and fit-for-purpose space.
Maintains the outdoor gym and playground equipment, with weekly equipment checks to ensure it is in good working order and state of repair. It also organises an annual ROSPA inspection.
Maintains the Pavilion to ensure it is kept clean and in a good state of repair.
Grants permission to local football and cricket clubs to hire the recreation ground land for matches and training purposes.
Grants permission to other local bodies for recreation/sporting activities to take place on the Recreation Ground, such as charitable fundraising events and the village annual fireworks display.
Leases the tennis courts to the Trustees of Rowlands Castle Tennis Club, who maintain the courts to ensure they are in good working order and state of repair. In addition to private use by its members, the Tennis Club facilitates public bookings as part of the terms of the lease.

Seeks to provide excellent facilities that encourage as many residents as possible to benefit from the recreation ground space.

Projects during 2023/24

Design and commission of a new playpark which was installed in September 2023, following a competitive tender process
Grant funding awarded by East Hants District Council from the S106 Sports Facilities Funding and Supporting Communities Fund towards the new playpark
Grant funding awarded from the Hampshire Police and Crime Commission Emerging Needs - Crime Prevention fund towards additional CCTV cameras to cover the playpark and outdoor gym
Asbestos survey was carried out on the pavilion
Roof survey was commissioned to advise on works needed, and recommended repairs implemented.
Major repair carried out on a piece of outdoor gym equipment
Chin Up bars installed in the outdoor gym
Continuation of a programme of pitch improvement treatments
Assessment of all football pitches carried out by the Hampshire FA

These projects were/will be managed by the Facilities Officer, who acts in support of the objectives of the CIO.

Financial Affairs, Assets and Liabilities

The Recreation Ground Charity generates income from the hire of facilities to sports users and set up its own bank account with effect from 29[th] May 2015 following its conversion to CIO.

Rowlands Castle Parish Council pays for additional expenses beyond those covered by revenue to the CIO from sports users, supplementing the total costs associated with maintaining and improving the Recreation Ground facilities. The Charity had full financial responsibility for utilities and grass cutting during the financial year.

The Charity’s assets are listed and insured under Rowlands Castle Parish Council’s policy. The charity has no debtors or creditors and no outstanding loans.

Volunteers

We would like to thank the volunteers involved with the charity, including the Parish Councillors, the groundsman, cleaning staff and contractors who work hard to keep the recreation ground at a high standard for all users.

Governance, Management and Administration

All correspondence should be addressed to the Administration Officer at Rowlands Castle Parish Council, 11 The Green, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire, PO9 6BW. Tel: 023 9241 3044. Email: clerk@rowlandscastlepc.org.uk

This Trustee’s Annual Report and Accounts was approved at a Meeting of Rowlands Castle Parish Council on 4 November 2024 and signed by the Chairman of the Council.

Cllr C Stanley, Chairman of Rowlands Castle Parish Council