## **Chairman’s Report 2020/21** ## **Introduction** It is my great pleasure to write the sixth Chairman’s report for NAP for what turned out to be one of the strangest years that most of us have ever experienced. In August 2020, as we decided not to hold an AGM, I wrote a Briefing Note to all Members and this report is an update. In view of the pandemic it is fair to say that NAP was not able to achieve a great deal during the year, though the Executive did continue to work together to keep things ‘ticking over’. ## **Executive Committee** For the past year, the Executive Committee has comprised: Patrick Candler, (Chairman); David Newport, (Vice-Chairman); Sue Longden, (Treasurer); Pat Richards; Stephen Walker. Emma Garfoot is our Secretary, with Anne Garfoot our minute taker. The Committee has met via remote conferencing on four occasions to conduct its business. The City Council has been represented by Jo Hunt, Rachel James, Rachael Evans and Ron Inglis. ## **Governance** In April 2020, after more than a year of trying NAP formally became a Registered Charity - 1188392. Our Governance model is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which will help us with fund raising and give us greater credence with potential sponsors and funders. ## **NAP Vision** The NAP Vision which had been agreed in 2014 remains a key document which underpins the work that the Partnership continues to pursue. It can be referenced on the NAP web-site. ## **World Monuments Fund** During the course of the past year, we have remained in contact with the WMF and in particular the Chief Executive, John Darlington, who is supportive of the work that we do and has confirmed the continuation of the revenue funding received some years ago from the WMF. NAP members will recall that the main funding for any work that we wish to undertake has come from the WMF, supported specifically by the Mellon Foundation who made an initial extremely generous offer of £40,000 to help NAP get things started. £30,000 was designated towards the repairs to the West Front, while £10,000 was set aside to help establish NAP as an organisation. Further WMF funding of £27,322 was also earmarked for NAP to spend on the West Front improvements, and this was drawn down upon receipt of the building repairs plan and full costs. ## **New Projects** As the repairs to the West Front and the Cannon Fort have been completed, the Committee has been considering what might be the next phase of works which will need funding. There has been a long standing view that the Japanese Gardens are in need of a major investment, while there are rooms in the main building (the Pink Drawing Room for example) that could be brought back into better use. Discussions will be had with the City Council as to a priority listing. NAP has been able to support the work of the volunteers in getting the gardens tidied up and re-planted. ## **Byronathon** The taster Byronathon was scheduled to take place on the week-end of May 2[nd] but had to be cancelled. A good deal of rehearsal preparation had already taken place with the volunteers while dedicated funding had been secured from the Miner to Major Landscape Partnership Scheme (M2M), with a further grant made to Gedling Borough Council. There is still an ambition to put on the event, the only question being the continuing involvement of the volunteers and the agreement for a date. ## **Events** No member events were organised in the year. ## **Communications** This is still an area that requires some improvement, and consideration has been given to how best this can be achieved. The NAP web-site continues to receive positive comments, but we do need to think how it can be made more relevant and arguably it needs updating. Likewise, our social media presence is not as proactive as we would like, so there is new work that can be developed here. We also need to think of other ways of getting the NAP message out and meeting the requirements and aspirations of NAP members and nonmembers. ## **The Future** It is really pleasing that NAP has been able to keep going during this year and as the lockdowns come to an end and the Abbey is reopened, we will be able to re-schedule our activities. We recognise that there is still a lot of work to do and there is very good potential for NAP to be at the forefront of developing a greater protection, preservation and promotion of Newstead Abbey. ## **Thanks** It is always appropriate at this juncture to thank all those who have supported the work of the NAP in whatever way they can. The Executive Committee has worked throughout the year to keep the organisation going - so thanks to David, Pat, Sue, Stephen, Emma and Anne. We are also grateful for the support of the City Council and staff at the Abbey who given us constructive advice and guidance – Rachel James, Rachael Evans and Ron Inglis. We also send our best wishes to Jo Hunt who left her position as the Site Manager during the course of the year. Our funder, the World Monuments Fund, has been a very influential body, without whose support we would not be where we are today – John Darlington and Sarah Meaker have both assisted with advice and guidance on our work. And finally, to all Members of NAP who have been part of the group in their support for the improvements to Newstead Abbey. Dr Patrick Candler Chairman, NAP. 27.8.19 ## **ACCOUNTS - 6.3.2020 31.8.2021** ## **OPENING BALANCE AT 6.3.2020 - £1272.24** ## **INCOME EXPENDITURE** **May 2020 Membership Fees £15 Jan 2021 Nottinghamshire Local History Association Annual Subscription £15 Sept 2020 Membership Fees £10 Feb 2021 Webhosting – Newstead Abbey Partnership Annual Domain Renewal £44.09 Feb 2021 Donation from Nottinghamshire May 2021 Donation to Newstead Abbey £65.05 County Council £1,000 £124.14 Feb 2021 Membership Fees £5** **May 2021 Membership Fees £20** **£1050** **CLOSING BALANCE AT 31.8.2021 - £2198.10**