Fusion South Kerrier Trust 12 September 2022
Statement from the Chair
In the past year the Bus Project has continued to struggle to make progress. Post-pandemic project identity, and volunteer resources have frustrated all but minimal, yet important progress. The practical achievements have been to successfully install the vehicle’s new fuel tank and begin fitting the new nearside body panels, the former of which is key to making progress toward being able to move the bus to a commercial garage for the full overhaul of wearing parts. We have also made progress with the refurbishment of the driver’s cabin, this being necessary before installing the new driver’s seat (acquired previously) and reestablishing the functioning of driver controls, again prior to accessing the services required at a professional garage.
As Trustees we are using the present opportunities to review the scope of the Bus Project, to agree its rebranding, and in so doing, develop the interest and support of additional local Churches, widening our appeal so as to foster further volunteer engagement. It is clear that the need identified to justify the project has not diminished, and, by the cost of living crisis, additional needs are emerging and new areas of relevance are becoming clearer. Delivery of the project’s key objectives therefore remain as important as ever and our operational programmer remains broadly as described in our ministry plan and mission statement.
Similar to last year’s report, since the beginning of the project we have received donations totaling £31,500 and we still believe our balance of funding to be at least sufficient to see us through the capital expenditure phase of the project. Our account balance at the beginning of April 2022 stood at £23,769 our only significant expenditures relating to the new fuel tank and ‘rent’ for barn storage.
As previously reported we particularly require professional assistance from HGV mechanics and vinyl wrappers, but the impasse regarding access to professional HGV mechanical support has not yet been overcome. For the interim and foreseeable future we will continue with volunteer support to make progress wherever we can, always looking for ways to engage the right mix of further volunteers and professional support wherever possible. As before, at least two things remain important; first, that we take all prudent measures to reduce the risk of a breakdown when the bus is in service; and second, that we continue to develop within the team sufficient operational knowledge to be good stewards of the asset. For the time being our critical path is to progress by volunteer and professional support so as to get the vehicle to the point where is can be taken under its own power to a commercial garage. This is challenging, but we remain hopeful and optimistic.
Our current operations remain legally correct in terms of our policies and insurance. At our request and in agreement, Scripture Union now regard us as a dormant project pending further developments. We recognise therefore the need to develop and invigorate our network of volunteer supporters, both for the refurbishment of the bus and for the team that will be required when we enter the operational phase of the project, as acknowledged above.
Our continued thanks to the Alston family for the provision of space to work on the vehicle, for which the Trust continues to pay £1.00 per day. As ever I am most thankful for the support of fellow trustees and others who have kept faith with the vision for the project in difficult times.
Mark Bayliss – Chair of Fusion South Kerrier Trust
Fusion South Kerrier Trust Accounts 2021 - 2022
| Income Donations Expenditure Administration Training Bus refit Rent Surplus for the year Surplus brought forward Surplus carried forward |
£ 0.00 0.00 0.00 286.85 990.80 |
|---|---|
| 1277.65 | |
| -1277.65 25047.00 23769.35 |