Annual Report to March 2023 Gretton Tower Trust Charity No: 1166722
Objectives and activities
The objectives and activities of the Trust relate to the conservation of Gretton Tower (a Grade 2 listed building and associated remains of St Phillip's Chapel of Ease which is a scheduled ancient monument) and returning it to use. The Tower was in a poor state of repair which precluded its use by village organisations.
Objectives:
To conserve and maintain Gretton Tower and its grounds for the benefit of the people of Gretton and visitors to the village by:
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conducting a structural survey and carrying out necessary repairs to ensure the integrity of the tower;
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clearing and repairing the grounds;
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establishing a long term management programme;
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maintaining access for village residents and visitors; and
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integrating use of the tower into village events and festivals.
Activities:
The repair of the Tower was completed in 2020 and transferred to the Trust on 1st January 2021. Since then the Trust has used its limited funds to improve access and safety for visitors and to provide signage and interpretation materials to assist visitors.
A grant was obtained from Gloucestershire County Council under the Build Back Better scheme which has allowed the installation of a new gate, noticeboard and information materials within the Tower, and signage on the village noticeboard which is situated near the Tower. Fund raising for work on the ancient monument has been paused but walls are maintained to ensure safety. The grounds continue to be maintained so that naturally occurring wildflowers can flourish.
Due to the rising costs of commercial works over this period much work has been carried out through the voluntary efforts of the Trustees.
Public Benefit:
The approach to maintenance of the grounds has halted further deterioration of the ancient monument, and increased their attractiveness. The installation of a new gate, signage and interpretation material has allowed the site to be accessible and interesting to walkers and improved access for the village school. The Tower Trust continues to participate in the annual village Christmas celebrations illuminating the Tower with a floodlight and decorating it with candles, drawing in many local residents.
The Gretton Tower website contains historical and other informational materials. Trustees have regard to the Charity Commissioners guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and performance
The repair of the Tower to conserve it for future generations and the conclusion of negotiations for the transfer to the Trust marked the achievement of the first milestone for our planned responsibility for the site. The pandemic seriously limited fundraising and has substantially delayed plans and funding for the next phase. In this period the trustees have sought to consolidate the achievements of first phase through incremental improvements to access to and information about the Tower.
Financial review
A financial statement to the end of March 2023 is supplied below.
| Item | Income £ | Outgoings £ | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Balance | 4423.41 | ||
| Donations and fundraising | 352.08 | ||
| Grant Income | 1500.00 | ||
| Expenditure | 1328.85 | ||
| Closing Balance | 4946.64 |
Structure, governance and management
The Trust uses the Charity Commission Scheme for Charitable Incorporated Organisations. Trustees are five in total nominated by village organisations, Gretton Parish Council (1), Gretton Village Association (3) and Winchcome Parochial Church Council (1), and four or five adopted members from the village. Terms of service are staggered from two to four years.
Reference and administrative details
Operating details: Gretton Tower Trust Charity No: 1166722
Contact addresses:
| sses: | |
|---|---|
| Chair | Secretary |
| Mr Paul White | Dr John Hurley |
| Tower Cottage | Vine Cottage |
| Gretton | Gretton |
| GL54 5EU | GL54 5EY |
Trustees during this period including re-appointments and new appointments are: Paul White (appointed), Gwyneth Cocks (Winchcombe PCC), John Hurley (GPC), Jan Taylor (GVA), Vacancy (GVA), Vacancy (GVA), Stephen Parkinson (appointed), Bernard Gill (appointed), Stephen Hawkins (appointed).
Exemptions from Disclosure None
Report by Dr John Hurley approved by the Trustees 17/11/2023