## **Moss Cottage Homes Charity No. 238596** ## **Chairman’s Report May 2023 – 2024** Natalie Terry resigned in June 2023, we thank her for her work as Clerk which commenced under Madeleine Legg’s chairmanship, a busy and challenging time. In July the Trustees agreed to share between them the Clerk’s traditional duties. The financial policies were reviewed, and the terminology updated. Yvonne Wright was appointed as accounts clerk. Yvonne’s professionalism has greatly improved the charity’s day to day and annual financial reporting and relieved uncertainty in this area. The accounts have fully changed to online banking. Jonathan Merrell was appointed as Independent Examiner to succeed Jacqueline Pritchard. Jonathan has approved the annual accounts 2022-23, which were also accepted by the Trustees. Several different works were required on the cottages during the year, inevitably causing some disruption to the residents. The Trustees thank them for their equanimity and patience. The health of some have been of concern during the winter. So far those affected have been able to manage with the support of friends and family. In June replacement exterior lighting was installed in three porches for six cottages to improve the safety and security of the residents. Trustees thank the Ashwell Show Committee for the generous grant of over £1,000 which covered this expenditure. In July the 5-yearly EICRs were carried out on six cottages. This is a 5-yearly legal requirement, additional electrical work was undertaken as necessary. Autumn 2023: external walls to bedrooms were insulated in nos. 8, 10 and 12 and the bedroom floor was replaced in no. 8. Nos. 8 and 10 also experienced problems with the instant water heaters, which were replaced with alternatives. December 2023 – April 2024: Leaks to the shared flat roof over the shower/toilet area in nos. 8 and 10 led to the successful replacement of the roof and the removal of the small, pitched roof over the rear lobby. Jonathan Ruch was appointed May 2023 – 2026 replacing Madeleine Legg. Rachel Godschalk resigned as from May 2024 (co-opted May 2019). We thank her for her contribution and legal advice to the Trustees. Phillida Shaw and Ann Robertshaw are standing for re-election at AGM (Parish Council nominees) 2024 - 2028. Stephen Fleming has received Parish Council nomination as a Trustee, May 2024 – 26, replacing Cath Connolly. This will be considered at the AGM on 15 May. The Board is delighted to have received the promise of a major private donation for immediate application to the cottages. We look forward to spending this wisely in the next few months for the benefit of the residents. _Phillida Shaw May 2024_ The Cottage Homes Stalmients Year ended 31 Deumber 2023 Fhillith (ChAir) Ffjr theye*r tmded 31 Dere4Nbff 2•23 Jditt Mitehdl Pamela Jtne JThb Ruth 40 HI￿ Stre Ash￿11 For the year ended 31 Decembw 2023 netsj. The Mths Coua8e AS J n￿.￿￿Ofit orpmsat¥L The Cw rrAde A suolw of £9.982 foT the Y1￿ (20221(w rf£8JS8). The Cl4rity'$ artivitK% It ty)a numi*r fin￿￿1￿ risks Ir¢1￿11￿8 tre￿tIn8 Fdiew Ind then awty them e