Crawshawbooth Community Association
Chair’s Report to 2021 AGM
The year 2020/21 started and ended with lockdowns, with various levels of release or freedoms during the 12 months. But at no time was it anything like normal.
Within a couple of weeks of lockdown, we took a decision to put foodboxes outside the building to help anyone who might be struggling with shortages of items or just through financial hardship. We have supplied food parcels for many years and used that stock to start with. We also have a lot of support from Goodshaw Baptist Church and many other local organisations and individuals.
Throughout the year our boxes, and then drawers were out seven days every week including Christmas and New Year and have included toiletries and other non-food items and novelty items and toys for children. We are part of the 15 strong Rossendale Food Box Scheme which particularly supports the individuals who are running boxes from their homes. We have also been able to access grant funding to help provide food and other essentials. We provide food bags for families during holiday time and special treats at Christmas. None of us thought it would be anything other than short term help but the level of need is not diminishing and reductions in benefits which are imminent are likely to hit hard.
After the first total lock down the return of some children to schools meant a need at a reduced level for our Out of School service. This continued to operate during the year with a “bubble system” and strict hygiene rules.
Fortunately, we were able to use the Furlough system to help pay staff who were not needed to work and have also been able to access “business interruption grants” through Rossendale Council which have made a huge difference to us because many of the costs of running the centre continue even during closure.
Towards the end of the year we raised around £500 through an on-line raffle with prizes for every ticket. We still have lots of prizes left for future fund raising.
Our Library remained closed for most of the year with a brief open period under Covid regulations with screens in place and books being quarantined.
As members know, the Centre was burgled before lockdown. We had a new alarm system fitted just before everything closed which was a relief. Although nothing had been taken during the break in, there was serious and substantial damage not only to the alarm but to two external doors and the office door. These not only cost a lot to replace but took a long time partly because of lockdown but also because of the specialised nature of the doors. Our Manager was tenacious in tracking down the company.
Finally, I would like to thank all our staff and volunteers and every single person who helped support us during that uniquely difficult year. We lost friends during the 12 months and like so many were not able to say a proper goodbye. But we also have new supporters and can look forward with hope.
Hazel Harding
Chair of Trustees
Cr•wsh¥wbooth ¢ornmunlty As50tlaiion At¢ounts fortht wrlod 16t Aprll 2020 10 31 2021 ¢• AP 3i•J)7 15 bniy Isy ISA)) ¥J7J i*Jl
Cr•wsh¥wbooth ¢ornmunlty As50tlaiion At¢ounts fortht wrlod 16t Aprll 2020 10 31 2021 ¢• AP 3i•J)7 15 bniy Isy ISA)) ¥J7J i*Jl