Chairman’s Report 2021/22
Introduction
It is my great pleasure to write the seventh Chairman’s report for NAP.
As we have come out of the Covid 19 lockdowns, NAP has been able to pick up on some activities that we had been working on for several years.
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 Terry is our Secretary, with Anne Garfoot our minute taker. The Committee has met on four occasions, via remote conferencing and more recently live at the Abbey.
The City Council has been represented by Rachel James, Rachael Evans, Mick Smurthwaite and Ron Inglis.
Governance
NAP is formally registered as a 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.
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.
Initial discussions with the City Council have been held as to how best we can support their fund raising programme.
NAP has continued to support the work of the volunteers in getting the gardens tidied up and re-planted.
Byronathon
The main event of the year was the successful organisation of the Byronathon on October 30/31 2021. Prior to this week-end, 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 from Gedling Borough Council.
During the year, David Newport re-worked the format into the Life of Byron which was put on at the Abbey over the week-end of August 20/21 and attracted 60 visitors. Special thanks must go to all the volunteer readers who have given up a lot of time for rehearsals and the performances.
Events
A visit to the house and gardens of Geoffrey Bond at Burgage Manor in Southwell was organised in May and 20 members were able to take part.
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
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.
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. 29.8.22
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
1 st September 2021 - 31 st August 2022
INCOME EXPENDITURE
Membership Fees & Donations £70 September 2021 AGM expenses £119 Grant from Gedling Borough Council £450 Byronathon/Life of Byron expenses £678.97 Donation to Reach Charity £20 Web Hosting UK-Web Domain Renewal £55 N.L.H.A.- Annual Membershp 2022 £15 Donation to Mary Garden plants £25 Total Income £520 Total Expenditure £912.97 Opening Balance 1/9/2021 £2,198.10 Closing Balance 31/8/2022 £1805.13 ( Including £586.95 Restoration Fund)
NEWSTEAD ABBEY PARTNERSHIP