## Community Centre AGM – Chairman’s Report for 2022 Following a challenging 2021, the Community Centre in 2022 has grown from strength to strength. At the end of 2021, we commissioned a building commission survey. We received the findings at the beginning of 2022 which provided detailed insights into the issues and complexities we face in maintaining a grade 2 listed building of this size. Normally in these situations, such a report would end up in a draw and ignored, however our committee has risen to the challenge. We have created a regeneration working group that is exploring the best route forward to repair and maintain this fantastic building for future generations. We felt it was important that this reflected current user needs, as well as considering possible wider community demands. Therefore, we commenced a process to engage the community – we appreciate all the input into our 2022 survey, these findings were published in the Chronicle and online. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee members who are leading this project but also the support and engagement from both Bishopsteignton Heritage and the Parish Council who are collaborating on this project. During February we saw the long-awaited new curtains for the Robinson room replaced. The previous ones had been taken down at the beginning of Covid as an infection control precaution, but their condition was not up to standard. It’s great to have curtains back up, which helps to keep the room warm but also greatly improves the acoustics. Bookings have continued to increase throughout the year and we are now at or above pre pandemic levels. The internal booking system is working well, becoming an invaluable tool to our caretaker for opening and closing times for bookings. Working with our bookings coordinator, we are hoping to introduce this online booking system our users in the coming months. As with many activities during Covid, attendance at the Lunch Club was greatly reduced. However, it has been wonderful to see the numbers steadily returning. After many years at the helm Mal (one of committee members and Trustees) is taking a well-deserved step back. Mal has been instrumental in running the Lunch Club, where many people have come to enjoy a good home cooked hot meal and place to catch up with friends. The club has also kindly donated back to the Centre on numerous occasions, so we are fortunate that Mal has agreed to help with the transition to ensure that this much-loved club continues to run into the future. I wish to thank Mal for all her efforts over the years supporting this club and I am sure she will be sorely missed. The rising costs of utilities is affecting us all and the Community Centre is not exempt from this. We have been working hard with our utility suppliers and tenants to ensure that where possible, we can get the best fixed rates for our gas and electricity. So far, we have been able to absorb these costs without having to increase our user rates. We will continue to monitor this through the coming months. One regular event that was missing from the Community Centre calendar these past couple of years was our much-loved annual Village Show. It was fantastic to see its return to the Centre in September and although the number of entries were lower than pre-Covid years (partly down to a very dry summer), the community spirit was high, and everyone is looking forward to what the Village Show committee has up its sleeves for 2023. This report would not be complete with out the mention of general maintenance and updates to the Centre. Although we now have a regeneration group looking at the longer-term future of the building’s condition and use, interim maintenance and improvements are critical. This has included installing new fire doors, emergency lightening, and repainting areas of the Centre. In addition, we are hoping to bring Wi-Fi to the whole building in 2023. Finally, I must thank every committee member (including our three newest members) for their support and positivity in continuing to keep this wonderful building at the centre of the community. Thank you to our tenants Bishopsteignton Heritage and Bishopsteignton Parish Council and users, who I’m so glad continue to make use of the Centre. There is nothing like seeing the centre buzzing with activities, from amateur dramatics to flower and garden clubs. Whether you’re a regular visitor, attend the occasional event, or make the odd booking, I would like to conclude with a thank you to the wider community and local businesses for continuing to use and support our Community Centre. 88 8 rq r www 88 8 m rq r4 8 ¥ 8 88 8 r4 r4 r4 J w 8888 IMW 888 13115411 1511811151