Bishopsteignton Healthy Living Group Registered Charity (CIO) No. 1175894 AGM for F/Y 30.11.2025
Chairman`s Report
I am sure that all those involved with the HLG and its autonomous groups, would agree that the organisation continues as an integral and central element within our community. I am now able to look at the work of the HLG from a longer perspective, though the overriding sense of dedication and commitment is what continues to identify its sense of purpose. What are we for if not to make a difference to people’s lives? And, as we gain experience, the group’s collective influence is everywhere apparent. But it is not only collective endeavour and mission statements that are the driving forces behind what we do. It is the work and example of the many people, both trustees and wider group of supporters and helpers, who seek no recognition, and who are responsible for the current of goodwill and warmth that continues to characterise our influence in the village. At our meeting on 12 December, I drew attention to my own tedious and persistent health issues and I am very sorry that I have had intermittent issues throughout the year which have undoubtedly put a strain on other trustees. But this organisation is, of course, not dependent on a single individual. As they say, ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts’, and this continues to distinguish the elements within our group.
This has placed a strain on Eddy Stephenson (though he would doubtless deny this) who continues to be core to the activities of the group and its visibility. He remains as Vice-chairman, but, as we all know, he is far more than that. Specifically, I should like to reiterate our continued thanks to Eddy, and to John and Sue Stevenson, for the maintenance of defibrillators throughout our community and for the success in being able to support the work of the parish council. The number of installations continues to exceed initial hopes and expectations but please see also the attached comments concerned with ongoing maintenance issues.
Ann Meyrick and Nicola Cooper complete the triumvirate and ensure that the information presented to trustees is competent and efficient; timely reports have ensured that meetings run smoothly and efficiently and that we have well-managed accounts that enable the funds with which we are charged to be used effectively. They, and the other members of the committee - together with the group’s trustees - have demonstrated how fortunate the community has been to be able to contact a group whose members have consistently worked together for a common and agreed purpose.
I should like to pay particular tribute to the work of Lis Durham who has completed four years with the HLG (until last year) and now feels that the time has come for her to step back. This was not a sudden decision but Lis’s tireless efforts and her success in promoting a variety of activities will be deeply missed. Particular mention of Lis’s contribution to “Singing for Memory” was noted in my annual report at last year’s AGM.
The outstanding work in Carewatch (Sylvie Lockhart) and Memory Cafe (Richard Moore) continues as autonomous sections within the HLG and we are very grateful for the additional work of Dr Roger Avery and Finella Whitehorn who are now co-ordinating the ever popular “Singing for Memory” sessions and in the compilation of regular reports and for Elaine’s ongoing contact with the parish council. Their purpose in assisting people suffering varying degrees and types of isolation or who find it difficult to communicate or make clear choices is invaluable. The matter of local isolation is clearly a recurring issue and can defy detection. The perceptive and sensitive work of individuals is clearly a key element in ensuring that help and comfort is available. The many who are involved with transporting members of the community to and from hospitals are in many ways the unsung heroes of our community and play a part in this recuperative aspect of the group’s work. Indeed, we are continually indebted to those who organise and help run their
activities that contribute so effectively to the sense of purpose that people feel who benefit from participating in their activities. This sense of purpose is also apparent in the enthusiasm not just of the recipients themselves but also welcomed by their families and carers, who are often in attendance and whose feedback is such a positive way of responding to the work of the group’s volunteers.
In summary, I hope that all volunteers and those who help in the great and small ways within our organisation and community will feel that at least part of this report acknowledges their own contribution and that, named or unnamed, they are valued by members of the wider community. My contacts within the village suggest that this is very much the case. May this continue to be so in our continued efforts to enhance the experiences of all our residents throughout the coming year. Alun Williams
Chairman
Income and Expenditure summary Debits and Credits 2025 2024 Ineom¢ Donations Otst 2789.43 / 4024.77 ExppDditsLre Methodist thuT¢h ststio] Fecs, mobil¢ phon¢ tOPUP8 ¢te D¢fb maintenance Singing for Memory ex]Knditure M¢morv Cafe ¢x[dItre Virtual d¢mential tour tralling Pavilions T¢ignTnouth show tickets for SFM Surplus of iticoJJJe overexpeftditllre -120.00 -99.85 -344.28 -140.40 -50.91 -loo.00 -10800 .175.24 -721.83 -889.90 -1188.00 -790.42 -3873.39 151.38 -739.87 -1595.31 1194.12 Balante sheet 38 at 30 P4oYembtr 2025 Assets Chatballk 9711.73 ¥. 8517.61 Represented by BishopsteigDton H¢aJthy liTring Group CIONO. 1175894 Gelle1 Fund Bslattee blfwd tss at 1st December2024 Sutplus of income on expenduture foryeÉr 8517.61 1194.12 9711.73 Appnivtd Si8n¢d- Signed.. Tr¢asur¢T Report to the Trustet$ of Btshop$eigntott Healthy Livlthg Gr0P CIO In accordan¢g with you[ instTu¢tiotss I hav¢ atJdit¢d thc aknv¢ incomc and LXPBnditute for tbe petiod froTll IgtDgcemlr2024 to 30th NoveMr 2025 tO8ethcr with the balance sheet &8 at 30thNovemlxr 2024from the tK)oks andvouchets presejjtedto me. I hearby certify tbe above fjttattcial stat¢m¢nts to b¢ in accordance th¢r¢witlL . 3d JoLb Sigtt Date