Annual Report to 31/3/2024
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.
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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:
Fundraising continues to be difficult due to the nature of the project making grant eligibility a challenge.
However decisions have been made to maintain the grounds as a natural
wildflower area as part of the village rewilding strategy, to improve access, and
informational materials.
Public Benefit:
The continued maintenance of the grounds has halted further deterioration of the
ancient monument. This has allowed the site to be accessible to walkers and for use by
the village school. The Tower Trust participated 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 maintenance of the grounds ( lawn mowing ) by unpaid local volunteers help to maintain access and amenity of the Tower.
Other than that, very little maintenance is required.
Financial review
A financial statement to the end of March 2024 is supplied.
Accounts to 31/3/24:
Income £ 20.20
Outgoings £ 525.22
Opening Balance 4946.64
Donations and fundraising 20.20
Expenditure 525.22 (insurance premium )
Closing Balance 4441.62
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:
Chair
Mr Paul White
Old Tower Cottage
Gretton
GL54 5EU
Secretary
Mr Stephen Hawkins
Churchwell
Gretton
GL54 5EU
Trustees during this period including re-appointments and new appointments: Paul White (appointed), Gwyneth Cocks (Winchcombe PCC), Jan Taylor (GVA), Vacancy (GVA), Stephen Parkinson (appointed),
Bernard Gill (appointed), Stephen Hawkins (appointed).
Exemptions from Disclosure None