## **Carmel Village Hall – Chairperson’s Annual Community Report 2024** This year at Carmel Village Hall has been one of steady progress, community spirit, and continued dedication from our trustees, volunteers, and the many groups who bring the building to life each week. Although 2025 did not begin on the happiest note for the village, with the sad passing of Sally Brighton, the year itself shows how strong and supportive our community continues to be. Our warmest thoughts and condolences remain with Sally’s family. Despite a wintery and disruptive start, which caused several groups to cancel sessions for safety reasons, activities soon picked up again and the hall returned to its usual busy rhythm. ## **Trustees, Volunteers and Governance** We were delighted to welcome new trustees this year: **Mali** , **Hazel** , and **Jenna** , who many will know has been involved with the hall previously. Their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved has strengthened our committee and ensured smoother running of bookings, events, and maintenance decisions. Carmel Village Hall continues to operate thanks to a small but committed team of trustees and “friends of the hall”. From day-to-day administration to grounds care, fundraising, and opening/closing for bookings, this small team keeps the charity going. A special thank you goes to: - **Vinny** , for regular garden and exterior tidy-ups - **Our hall cleaner** , who continues to volunteer time at no cost - All community members who support us through donations, attendance, and volunteering Your contributions make a genuine difference. ## **Hall Improvements, Repairs and Maintenance** A number of significant improvements were completed this year: ## **Exterior Railings Refurbishment** A major project that has already made a visible difference. The new-look railings strengthen safety and improve the appearance of the hall. ## **Heating Service and General Upkeep** Routine gas servicing was carried out in December. Ongoing repairs—including roof works which trustees voted to progress—ensured the building remains safe and in good condition. ## **Grounds and Recycling** With new recycling systems being introduced in Flintshire, we encourage all groups to follow the guidelines carefully. Most temporary groups now remove their own general waste, and this arrangement will also apply to private parties going forward. ## **Grants, Donations and Financial Support** The hall continues to be financially stable thanks to: - **£2,000 grant from Whitford Community Council** - Donations, including **£84.10** from the church group following their quiz night - Regular income from user groups and regular coffee mornings - Careful financial management by trustees This support helps us keep rental rates fair and accessible, despite rising energy costs. We are also grateful to local charities who collaborate with us, including hosting events at the hall with no charge when supporting a community cause. ## **Community Groups and Hall Users** Carmel Village Hall proudly hosts a wide range of clubs and activities. Some are long-standing, others new or temporary, but all contribute to the vibrancy of the community. Groups meeting in the hall include: - Cubs, Scouts, Beavers - Rainbows, Brownies, Guides - Irish Dance - Gardening Club - Knit & Natter - WI - Tai Chi - Paper Craft Group - Yoga - 5 Villages Craft Group - Christian Fellowship - Flintshire Social Services - Twinkleleds Play - Temporary sessions such as **Baby Brews** The regular **Coffee Morning** has grown even more special thanks to **bimonthly visits from children at Ysgol Bro Carmel** , strengthening the bond between school and hall. A heartwarming story from the Knit & Natter group: one talented knitter asked for crochet advice and now can’t stop crocheting — a perfect example of the warmth, welcome and friendship at the hall. ## **Events and Community Engagement** Highlights of the year include: - **Regular church quiz nights** , supporting a range of charities - **NSPCC Charity Quiz Night** - **Annual Gardening Club plant sale** - Promotion of the **RHS Harlow Carr coach trip** for 5 July 2025 - Planning for more social events in the new year, led by Jenna and supported by Hazel and Julie - Support for the **Healthy 5 Villages** initiative, which hopes to bring wellness sessions to the hall - Advertisement of the **Craig Petrie Memorial Walk/Run** taking place in Greenfield Valley The hall Facebook page continues to be a great place to check for upcoming sessions, lastminute updates, and community notices. ## **Bookings and New Group Interest** We continue to attract both long-term and short-term bookings. Temporary groups such as Baby Brews and new Tuesday morning sessions help showcase the versatility of the hall and the ongoing need for community spaces. A reminder that booking enquiries can be made through **Mali** , our Bookings Manager, or by contacting **Chris Dolphin** . ## **Looking Forward to 2025–26** The focus for the coming year includes: - Launching a new **Events Committee** and social programme - Continuing improvements to the hall and grounds - Expanding partnerships with the school and local organisations - Encouraging volunteer involvement - Attracting new groups while supporting our established ones - Maintaining our commitment to affordable hire and community support ## **Closing Remarks** Although it has been a quiet year in some ways, it has also been an eventful and productive one. The Trustees extend sincere thanks to everyone who contributes to the running, improvement and love of Carmel Village Hall. ## **Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda** Here’s to a healthy, happy and community-filled 2026. 1141riry Namo Carmel Vlllage hall o Ilf anvl 1188535 (HARITY COPAMISSION Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from Yertoa 51art Qdie To 0110812024 3110712025 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds to the nearest £ Endowment funds Total funds Last year to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest A1 Receipts Hire of Hall Fundraisin Dividends Grants 6,452 500 161 2,000 6,452 500 161 2,000 1.348 150 2,600 tota rDSS Income or 9,113 11.062 AR) 9,113 A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). Total receipts 9,113 A3Pa Cleaner U&M Admin Insuran ui ment utilities Petty Cash ments 176 3,671 136 2,387 240 4,923 656 4,692 262 1,048 843 4,597 176 3,671 136 2,387 240 4,923 Sub total 11,538 11,538 12,098 A4 Asset and investment urchases see tsble Sub total Total payments 11,538 11,538 12,098 Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds thls year end 2,425 2,425 1,036 23,532.00 21,107 21,107 1,036 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Categories B1 Cash funds Details Unrestricted funds to nearest £ Restricted funds to nearest £ Endowment funds to nearest £ Petty Cash Bank 1900 21,088 Total cash funds (agree balan￿$ receipts and payments account(s)) 21,107 Unrestricted funds to nearest £ Restricted funds to nearest £ Details Endowment funds to nearest £ Details Fund to which asset belon Cost (optional) Curront value O tional Details Fund to which asget belon B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use Cost (optional) Current value tional Detalls Fund to whlch relates Amount due tlonal When due o tional B5 Liabilitles . Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees Signature Print Name Date of ioval CCXX R2 accounts (SS) 1411112025