WHITECROSS VILLAGE HALL
WHITECROSS VILLAGE HALL, LANTEGLOS-BY-FOWEY, CORNWALL, PL23 1NF
Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: 1176075
CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN SECRETARY Gavin Shakerley Helen Doe Margaret Shakerley Hall, Bodinnick Penolva, Mixtow Hall, Bodinnick Lanteglos-by-Fowey Lanteglos-by-Fowey Lanteglos-by-Fowey Cornwall Cornwall Cornwall PL23 1LX PL23 1NB PL23 1LX
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 - 2022
The Annual Report for the year May 2021 to May 2022 summarises the years' activities and financial accounts for Whitecross Village Hall. This report is normally presented to the Committee and the public at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Hall. This took place on 3[rd] of May. The annual report, incorporating the accounts which were verified on 30[th] May, will be circulated to the Committee electronically and copies posted on the hall's noticeboard.
The purpose of the Hall and the guiding principles that the trustees adhere to, is the promotion of the intellectual, social and physical welfare of the inhabitants of the parish of Lanteglos-by-Fowey and extending to inhabitants of neighbouring communities, irrespective of their race, creed, colour, sexual orientation or physical ability. Additionally, to provide a range of facilities that will improve the conditions of life within the community, including use for meetings, lectures, classes and for other forms of recreation and leisure time occupations. The Trustees achieve these objectives by preserving, developing and improving the structure and fabric of the building and its surrounds.
The Management Committee are the Trustees. The Trustees are responsible for all aspects of the management of the Hall. The Hall is a freehold property. Committee members are elected on a one, two and three year rotation and may then apply for reelection.
The Committee comprises the following members, who were elected at the AGM: Chairman: Gavin Shakerley; Vice Chairman: Helen Doe; Secretary & Bookings Diary: Margaret Shakerley; Treasurer: Gavin Shakerley; Maintenance: Toby Wakeham & Joan Bunt; Advertising & Online Bookings: Margaret Shakerley; Events: Jane Wakeham; Produce Market: Liz Luck. Ruth Talling and Sophie Simmonds joined the Committee. It was also recorded that key holders were as follows: Gavin & Margaret Shakerley, Joan Bunt, Helen Doe, Liz Luck, Toby & Jane Wakeham and John Adams (Lanteglos Parish Council). Alison Hunter retired from the Committee. Other retiring members by rotation, who wished to continue to volunteer, were re-elected. Penny Tuck was welcomed to the Committee in November. A General Meeting followed the AGM.
The Committee agreed that the Hall should be adapted as much as possible to have the widest appeal to attract new bookings. Covid protection measures were reviewed. Ideas on greater use of the outside of the Hall were examined in detail. John Venning (local architect) has been asked to advise the Committee on ideas for making better use of the interior and recommendations on any changes to the structure.
Improved access arrangements to the Hall includes the installation of a key safe at the eastern door. To improve use of the outside, two sails were installed which could be temporarily raised above the east gable entrance covering the area to the newly constructed tearoom and servery “Brew with a View”. The Committee are investigating further ideas on how to create more permanent structures to facilitate better use of the outside of the Hall.
Committee meetings took place on 29[th] June 2021, 22 September, 17[th] November, 17[th] January and 10 March 2022.
The Hall's website at www.whitecrossvillagehall.org.uk continues to be very informative with a “Home” Page; “About the Hall”; “What's On”; “Hire the Hall”; “Location” and “Contact Us” pages. Details of the new BACS system were added to the website.
The Committee organised some outstanding entertainments throughout the year. “The Countrymen” evening was very well supported, as was the evening with Johnny Cowling, who managed, to every ones delight, to insult all and sundry. In March the Hall hosted a coffee morning “In Aid of Ukraine”. A significant sum was raised and subsequently delivered to Shelterbox in Truro. With the relaxation of Covid regulations the monthly Produce Market has returned to being a well supported event. The December market was particularly successful. Similarly, weekly Pilates classes and Yoga sessions are proving increasingly popular. Lanteglos Parish Council (PC) are conducting half of their monthly meetings at the Hall. Our Cornwall Councilor holds
her local “surgeries” at the hall, coinciding with the Saturday local produce market. The Whitecross & District Gardening Club resumed their talk programme in October.
The Treasurer presented the accounts for the year. They are checked and verified by an independent member of the community, which is the accepted audit equivalent for a charity with a small turnover.
Covid restrictions have also had a continuing effect on closure/ bookings for the year but the Hall has managed to increase its income almost back to previous levels, but ongoing running costs and services are increasing at an alarming rate, illustrated by the electricity bill increasing from £1590 (2020-21) to £3225 (2021-22). The outcome is that the Hall has effectively been financially rescued by Government Grants. These payments have been assessed by the Hall's charitable status and rateable value. Over this financial period the Hall received £10,667 in Covid Relief Payments. These payments have turned around a dire financial situation of needing to engage reserves to a welcome surplus of £8,108.
The trustees of Fowey Hospital are administering the closure of their Welfare Fund and are putting remaining funds to best use in the locality. They offered the Hall financial support for the installation of a Defibrillator. The Hall has paid for the necessary electrical connection and associated installation costs.
Hall improvement costs included a new electrical supply to “Brew with a View”, improved external lighting and the provision of electricity to the Defibrillator. Improved lighting and an external power point installed on the west wall.
Free banking for charities with HSBC has ceased. They have introduced a monthly bank charge of £5.
The refurbished Telephone Box on the Green continues to be a well used “Seed Swap” destination.
The Covid pandemic has had a significant impact on the use of the Hall. It has been closed during all official lock-downs. An immediate (Covid) Risk Assessment was implemented and is constantly under review. The Committee strictly follow Government guidance on health and safety procedures as promulgated through ACRE, SECCHN, Cornwall Council and Lanteglos Parish Council.
Gavin Shakerley
Chairman
Whitecross Village Hall 30[th] May 2022
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