The Lee Old Church Trust
Chair’s Report for 2022
During the past year we attempted to bring the work of the Trust and its activities back towards pre-Covid state. We successfully ran a number of events, and although it is clear that some people were slower than others to regain their confidence in venturing forth for evenings out, we were very happy with the way matters went.
Our main reason for existence is to maintain the fabric, and that was something that was nicely illustrated by comparison with the re-construction of the “Cutty Sark” after the disastrous fire in 2007. Stephen Archer gave a terrific talk in early April, from the stance of a Trustee involved in fund raising and communications; demonstrating both the difficulties and value of such an important piece of our history. His talk followed a sparsely attended AGM. When we set up the CIO to ‘upgrade’ the original Trust, the template constitution utilised means that we have to have 50% of members present to be quorate. This is impossible to achieve in practical terms, as despite being implored to attend, insufficient members do so. We had no alternative under the rules but to adjourn the AGM. The resumed AGM needs no such qualifying number of members, but we are intending to apply to amend the constitution to avoid this situation. We aim to have a rule that will reduce the required number of members, but still ensure the protection of the Trust.
In midsummer, we had a very welcome return by the Fayrfax Consort, who performed an evening programme of delightful variety; as always an opportunity to listen, learn and simply enjoy exquisite singing and the Old Church. Our thanks to David Ireson and co.
In October, we were able to finally secure the attendance of Alistair Dick-Cleland, put back from the start of the pandemic. A highly entertaining talk about the work of the Landmark Trust, and how it goes about securing, funding and then renovating idiosyncratic properties that would otherwise fall down and be lost for ever. The ‘resumed’ AGM was completed prior to the
talk, but again disappointingly few members came to deal with that. We will hold it in June 2023 to try and resolve this difficulty.
A popular return to the Old Church by the Fayrfax Consort in December meant that ever-popular Christmas performance was given for the first time for several years. They did not disappoint, and the audience left after mulled wine and mince pies knowing that the celebrations for Christmas were underway.
The other side of our work is to do the work, or fund it when required, to ensure the building is maintained. This year has highlighted the unusual relationship we have with the Parochial Church Council. Before we can do necessary works, or hold events, we need to have the support and permission of the PCC. This has the potential for delays in getting things done. We are trying to ensure that this does not happen, but there are some pressing needs such as repairing the roof of the outbuilding, and applying for retrospective permission through a faculty for earlier necessary repairs. We are confident these will be resolved during 2023. We, as a Trust, are conscious of the workload of the vicar, who has to cover the needs of 4 parishes, and 5 separate buildings; something that should not be under-estimated. We hope to lighten that load, but we need the support of the PCC to achieve it.
We held 2 work parties to clean and tidy the building and its surrounds. These are always very well supported, and we have recruited some very talented help for this. We are very grateful for the time that people generously give to help the Old Church.
We support the extended use of the building for services; now at least twice-monthly 08:00 Book of Common Prayer Communion worship takes place.
Financially the Trust remains healthy, and we can face the future with some confidence. In my last report, I referred to the late Queen, and her longevity; it is to be hoped that this was not a case of “commentator’s curse”… and we now enter the reign of Charles III.
The Lee Old Church Trust (Re8iJierdCJATfityil'wKber 1182744) me and Ex tnditur¢ Atcount for the Peri Endin December 31 2022 Inco 20 2021 rriends, SubS¢TiPtions Old ChurGh Boxes Donation5 Reclaim of Tax on covenant5 and Gift Aid Fund Raising Evenis- Gr055 Income Less Associatcd Lxpenses Interest on Building Societ), and Savings Accounis 1.900.00 31.70 185.IK) 470.65 1,580.00 80.1)0 I,(K)3.86 .890.00 .1,472.33 417.67 502.81 0.00 45.65 Total R¢¢¢ipts 3,507.83 2,720.51 nditure Lighiing & Ileating Structure & Fabric Equipmeni PosLqgc. Priniin& & Stationery Insurance Chur¢hyzrd Expenses 1221.00 958.67 110.37 33.01 836.76 619.75 1,338.00 5,029.08 0.00 25.40 788.54 846.00 Total Payments 3.779.56 8.027.02 Surplu$ / D¢fi¢lt of In¢om¢ ov¢r Exp¢Ddlture -271.73 -5,306.51 B%lY4nce Sheet %5 at December 31 2022 A$$ets 202 2021 Current Account Dep051t AcGounts 9.795.94 135.084.39 10,575.48 134,576.58 144,880.33 145,152.06 resented b Attumulated Fun Balancc at 151 January Surplus / Dcficit of Income over Expenditurc Transfers from charity 286870 145,152.06 -271.73 149,728.07 -5.306.51 730.50 145.152.IK> 144,880.33 R.A. Fowler Treasurer Dat¢ 7.LL LJ)- February 2nd 2023 Ngtes.. in¢lude$ expense5 associated with the Cuity Sark talk, for which no income wa8 received