Annual Report on Village Hall and Playing Fields 2020
Principle activities in pursuit of objectives
As a result of the COVID19 pandemic, the hall has only been available for hire by organisations, for a limited period of the year. Extensive risk assessments relating to COVID19 have taken place for both the hall and external play areas and a specific process and schedule of cleaning has been implemented.
As may be expected, due to the restrictions placed upon all activities by the COVID19 pandemic, there has only been a limited number of regular users using the hall during a major part of the year. Some dog training sessions and fitness classes have taken place, operating within the guidelines related to COVID19.
The playing fields have continued to require maintenance and the trustee’s thanks go to Alan & Trevor Jones who spend many hours throughout the year looking after the playing field and associated equipment.
Funding strategy and reserves policy
The hall management strategy is to maintain the revenue budget on a self-financing basis i.e. lettings and hires. The trustee’s thank the Treasurer for the obtaining of a (COVID19) grant from the Cherwell DC and also thank Steve Trice for the securing of an agreement with the PC and Sports Club for the reimbursement of a portion of field maintenance costs. Currently the hall has sufficient reserves for day to day expenses and it is the aim of the trustees to maintain that status. The hall is also building a reserve fund for future capital projects.
Volunteer contributions, grants and fundraising
The trustees thank Emily Ackland for her work on the ‘grant procurement’ subcommittee which has been successful in obtaining a substantial grant from HS2 organisation. The roof of the building has been replaced during the year and additional plans are approved for the building of a storage and garage extension. Some of the associated building work is currently on hold due to restrictions placed by COVID19 regulations. However, it is hoped that work will shortly re-commence.
The Village Hall Management Committee continues to operate under an informal authority from the Parish Council. The committee believes that this arrangement represents an issue that should be resolved by the Parish Council as soon as possible.
Future plans
The core activity of the hall and playing fields management is the delivery of a sustainable, safe and high-quality community building for the use and benefit of the
village. This is in line with the charitable objectives. Hall management has been in a steady, sound and well-established state throughout the past year and should continue so, ensuring that the following priorities are met:
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The hall is properly and fully maintained.
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Running costs continue to be met.
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Build up reserves to cover future repairs and capital projects.
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Continue to have a strong and dedicated management committee that continuously reviews, updates and improves our management process.
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Monitor and react to the needs of users and the wider community.
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Promoting the hall for use by the local community.
The management looks forward to a return to normal activities once the current COVID19 pandemic has passed.
Secretary Village Hall Management