Magor and Undy Community Hub (MUCH) Annual Report – 2019 - 2021
Registration Number – 1185780
Address – 2 Blenheim Avenue, Magor, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26 3NB
Trustee Names : - Paul Turner (Chair), Kevin Wright (Treasurer), Linda Squire (Secretary), Sally Raggett, Sian King, Michael Burke
The Overall Project
This first report covers the period October 2019 to March 2021 to bring us into line with the Charity Commission’s requirements.
The Charity aims to build a community centre or ‘Hub’ on the Three Fields Site which was originally acquired by Monmouthshire County Council for the purpose of recreation and leisure.
The building itself will provide a wealth of opportunities for individuals, groups and clubs and societies. It will have two halls: The larger of the two will be available for concerts and shows, film evenings, exercise classes - including Yoga and Pilates etc., a Badminton/short tennis court, suitability for long mat bowls and any function that requires the amount of indoor space that will be available. The smaller hall will be available for smaller functions including meetings, clubs, art classes, pottery classes, youth and kids/toddlers’ clubs etc. Linking the two halls will be a reception office and cafe area that will provide a “get together” area for anyone wishing to meet others and/or attend classes or functions in the halls. The outside areas, which include a decking/veranda off the main hall, an ancient orchard and grassed area that will be landscaped and will provide areas for children to play and others to jog, walk or just to relax. Based on resident's feedback, a number of development priorities have been set but we continue to regularly ask for new/further ideas. We also actively seek potential new projects and groups that will operate from the Hub.
Structure and Management
The above trustees manage the business on a monthly basis, with help and advice from Monmouthshire County Council, Gwent Association of Volunteer Organisations and Magor and Undy Community Council. Routine management activities includes; forward planning, financial reporting and action tracking.
Objectives and Activities (2019/2021)
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Attaining CIO status – achieved October 2019
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Continue to develop policies (including a ‘Reserves Policy’ – see below) and procedures on a priority basis - 2020
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Produce a business plan – completed January 2020
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Continue to develop and adapt the charity and its objectives within the changing COVID restriction measures – March 2020 and onwards
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Big Lottery Stage 1 Application – submitted June 2020
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Big Lottery Stage 1 – achieved and invited to submit Stage 2 – July 2020
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Regular liaison with Lottery Funding Officer on stage 2.
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Re-establish the ancient orchard (on site of The Hub) – ongoing
07/05/21
- Supporting Monmouthshire County Council in securing complementary funding for the Hub building project
Achievements and Performance
In addition to the activities achieved above, the following tasks were completed successfully –
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Submitted a grant application to GWR assist in financing the planned walking, running and exercise track around the perimeter of the Three Fields Site but due to COVID, this funding opportunity was suspended
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Continued to seek views and feedback from residents by holding a ‘raffle stall’ at the annual Frost Fayre in the village square
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Created a link with the charity ‘The Living Levels’ to help us with the re-establishment of the Orchard (e.g. pruning, identification and site maintenance)
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The work of us, as a group of trustees, was recognised and we were invited to become trustees of the Village Memorial Hall charity (Charity No. 524391)
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Prior to COVID restrictions, several social events were arranged, including a ‘family race night’ and several coffee mornings.
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Our website and social media pages have been regularly updated to keep the community informed of progress and to seek feedback
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A funding offer letter has been received by MCC from Welsh Government to make a substantial contribution to the build costs.
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Throughout the year trustees, co-opted members and volunteers committed considerable time and effort, in excess of 350 hours
Financial Review
07/05/21
Reserves Policy MUCH is registered with the Charity Commission and complies with the requirements of the Charity Commission in temis of an annual independent inspection of the organisation's accounts and submitting ihe accounts as part of the Charity Commission's annual retum. As we are only in Phase 1 of the project i.e. raising the required funds and preparing for the build of the Community Centre (HU8), The management committee operates a system of general financial activities including raising money with fund raising events and seeking funds from funding Grant providers. At a meeting of the management committee held on 3 November 2020 members of the committee considered what level of funding the charity should hold in reserve. It was agreed that the committee ould hold £5000 in reserve. As we currently have no expenditure, our reserve is only to ensure we have enough to meet any build demands. not budgeted in the overall project plan and as match funding if we need to go to further Grant providers for additional funds. Along with a small expenses pool to enable fund raising events to be arrange e.g. equipment hire, prizes etc. We have no endowed or restricted funds. 07105121