WRC Chair Report AGM Thursday 12[th] June 2025
Introduction
Welcome to our 2024/2025 AGM, lets begin with the first item on the agenda;
1. Apologies:
2. Minutes of the last AGM:
I hope you have all read and digested last year's minutes. I now need a proposer to accept the minutes from Waterford Recreation Committee’s 2024 AGM.
And a seconder.
Thank you.
3. The Chairs Report by Lacey:
It’s been another exciting year for the WRC. As always, we’ve come together to create what we hope is a celebration of fun and community spirit. As you know, a great deal of hard work goes into making these events happen, and I’m continually amazed by the teamwork and dedication of every committee member. Without that commitment, the WRC wouldn’t be what it is today.
So let’s take a look back over the year. We start in May last year, when we hosted a Village May Day Picnic, inviting all villagers to join us for an afternoon of food, music, and fun. Lloyd and Jess provided the live music, while everyone enjoyed ice creams and a refreshing Pimms or beer from the bar. The children had a great time on the bouncy castle, and thankfully the weather held out for us.
The day ended with a now-annual tug of war; High Road versus the rest of the village. It was a close competition, but the rest of the village pulled through as the overall winners! Although this is a non-profit event, its true purpose is to bring us all together and celebrate everything our wonderful village has to offer.
The beginning of the summer marked the biggest change this past year with the introduction of the first Village Pop-Up Pub, run and hosted by our wonderful neighbours, Mike Shirley and Elenor Francis. I think we can all agree it was a very welcome addition to the village and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The evening brings the community together over a gin and tonic, a cold glass of wine, or a pint of your favourite ale, while enjoying conversation with neighbours and friends. There's always high demand for the bar snacks on offer, and the good times often continue long into the night. The first was such a success we followed on with another in August.
A special thank you goes to Mike and Elenor, and their families, who work incredibly hard each time to bring these Pop-Up Pubs to life — we are extremely grateful.
In July we entered Hertford In Bloom once again we were delighted to receive First Prize for our category of Best Community Group despite the pesky onslaught of slugs! Once again we had a gorgeous display around the hall thanks to the amazing Jane Guinn and of course all of the hardworking watering team! We are entering again this year and the hard work has already begun. If you wish to get involved please let me know and we can pass your details onto Jane.
The end of the summer saw the return of our Summer Fete, and it turned out to be a lovely day. Although not quite as warm as the year before, the sun still made an appearance. The dog show was as popular as ever, with lots of different breeds from around the village taking part and competing for their rosettes.
We also had the return of the Helter Skelter, which remained a firm favourite. The BBQ and bar were busy throughout the day, keeping the cooks and bar staff on their toes. All of the stalls did well, especially the craft, plant, and produce stall, which had plenty of handmade items on offer.
Music on the day came from Why Not , who created a great atmosphere, followed by a few songs from the Stapleford School Choir. Overall, it was a successful and enjoyable event that brought the community together and raised an impressive £______ for the new Village Hall.
Onto October where we held our ever-popular Quiz Night, hosted this year by Shirley and Steve. It was a fantastic evening filled with laughter, a healthy dose of competition, and a well-earned win for the top team.
November brought another successful Bonfire Night, with our child- and animal-friendly fireworks creating a lovely display alongside the roaring bonfire. It’s always one of our most popular events, and this year saw full attendance, the village and those from surrounding areas really turned out to enjoy the evening.
Thanks to the hard work and careful planning by the committee, everything ran smoothly, and the BBQ was busy keeping everyone well fed and warm. It was another great success, helping us maintain our reputation for putting on one of the best firework nights around!
To close out 2024, we had my personal favourite event, our Christmas Bazaar. Building on the format from previous years, we created a cosy ‘Christmas Café’ atmosphere, complete
with warm mince pies, mulled wine, homemade sausage rolls and a very special visit from Father Christmas himself.
Alongside the festive spirit, attendees enjoyed browsing our beautiful craft stall, featuring handmade products from our talented craft team — some of our very own village ladies. The raffle was the busiest in recent memory, with everyone eager to win the gorgeous hamper and other fantastic prizes. It was a wonderful way to bring the community together as the year came to a close.
Into this year, in February, we held a one-off St. Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Pub. It proved to be a popular way to celebrate, with many locals coming to the village hall for drinks, nibbles, and great company. This event was led by Mike and Freddie Shirley, who worked tirelessly to stock the bar, decorate the hall beautifully, and make sure everyone had a wonderful time.
March this year showcased what Waterford does best — coming together as a community for our Book Sale Coffee Morning. It was a lovely chance for residents to catch up and chat over coffee and cake, and maybe pick up a book or two. This simple gathering proved to be a huge success, reminding us how something so straightforward can create something truly wonderful.
Earlier this year, we were saddened to hear of the passing of one of our long-standing residents, Sue Bonfield. Sue was a founding member of the Waterford Recreational Committee and served as a dedicated volunteer for many years, giving so much to Waterford throughout her life in the village. She is greatly missed — not only for her loyal service to the community but also for her wonderful friendship, kindness, and, of course, her sense of humour. To honour Sue’s contribution, the WRC has installed a memorial plaque in the wildflower bank, a small but lasting tribute to someone who meant so much to us all.
And that brings this year’s activities to a close. However, I do want to mention a few upcoming events. The dates for this summer’s Pop-Up Pubs are Friday 27th June and Friday 15th August. If you’re able to help, whether that’s behind the bar, with setting up, or clearing away, please do let Mike, Elenor or me know.
Looking further ahead, Sunday 14th September will be our Village Summer Fete. Once again, we’ll be looking for volunteers to help make this fantastic event possible. If you’re able to lend a hand, or if you have any fresh ideas to bring to the table, please speak to me. You don’t need to be on the committee to get involved, everyone is welcome.
As with all our events, none of this would be possible without the support and enthusiasm of both the Committee and the residents who give up their time to help and attend. For that, we are truly grateful.
Thank you.
Now onto item 4 on the agenda, the Financial Report delivered by Treasurer Jo Willis.
4. Financial Report delivered by Treasurer Jo Willis
5. Election of Officers:
Re-election of WRC Members:
Chair: Lacey Owen Treasurer : Jo Willis (Trustee) Secretary: Shirley Howells (Trustee) Booking Secretary: Diane Shattock
June Hounslow (Trustee) Peter Crossley (Trustee) Rod Willis (Trustee) Jean Wildi (WI Rep) Dawn Crowdy (Trustee) Barbara Perry (Trustee) Caroline Barnes Trevor Chamberlain Helen Melville Sarah Baldwin (Trustee)
New member joining:
Mike Shirley
Our constitution requires that new members be proposed and seconded from the floor:
Proposed:
Seconded:
6. Confirmation of the above Trustees
Even if you do not feel you can join the committee, we are always grateful for volunteers to help at our main events and to bring forward any new ideas! Please make yourself known after the meeting if you want to contribute.
7. Appointment of Independent Examiner – Over to Jo Willis
8. The new hall redevelopment project update - Over to Rod Willis
9. AOB and Matters Arising
So that completes our business of this evening. Thank you for coming and I would like to invite you to join us for a glass of wine.
Management Report
Waterford Recreation Committee For the period ended 31 March 2025
Prepared on 14 November 2025
For management use only
Table of Contents
Statement of Activity........................................................................................................................................3 Statement of Financial Position.......................................................................................................................4
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Statement of Activity
April 2024 - March 2025
| Statement of Activity April 2024 - March 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| Total | |
| INCOME | |
| Bonfire Night | 2,086.04 |
| Charitable activites | 1,116.83 |
| Christmas Fete | 401.00 |
| Easter | 649.83 |
| Non-Profit Income | 291.78 |
| Pop up Pub | 1,324.26 |
| Quiz night | 829.29 |
| Services | 14,095.46 |
| Summer Fete | 3,017.37 |
| Village Picnic | -215.87 |
| Total Income | 23,595.99 |
| TOTAL | 23,595.99 |
| EXPENDITURES | |
| Advertising/Promotional | 100.00 |
| Event | 373.70 |
| Hall Maintenance | 3,100.78 |
| Insurances | 1,786.36 |
| Office/General Administrative Expenses | 920.88 |
| Phone Costs | 332.13 |
| Playing Field | 750.00 |
| Utilities | 3,464.21 |
| Total Expenditures | 10,828.06 |
| NET OPERATING INCOME | 12,767.93 |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | £12,767.93 |
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Waterford Recreation Committee
Statement of Financial Position
As of March 31, 2025
| Statement of Financial Position As of March 31, 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| Total | |
| FIXED ASSET | |
| Total Fixed Asset | |
| CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND | |
| Co-operative | 17,490.70 |
| Cooperative Savings | 69,489.61 |
| Paypal | 200.00 |
| PettyCash | 781.41 |
| Total Cash at bank and in hand | 87,961.72 |
| DEBTORS | |
| Debtors | 288.00 |
| Total Debtors | 288.00 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |
| Stock Asset | 176.69 |
| Total Current Assets | 176.69 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 88,426.41 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS(LIABILITIES) | 88,426.41 |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 88,426.41 |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | £88,426.41 |
| CHARITY FUNDS | |
| Opening Balance Equity | 33,361.50 |
| Retained Earnings | 42,296.98 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | 12,767.93 |
| Total Charity funds | £88,426.41 |
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Waterford Recreation Committee