21 September 2022
ROTTINGDEAN HERITAGE
ANNUAL REPORT
AGM | Thursday 27th October 2022 at 6pm | Whiteway Centre
In Brief…
NICHOLSON EXHIBITION SUCCESS
Over 3000 visitors from all over the country came to see this exhibition celebrating the life of William Nicholson who lived at The Grange 1909-14. Full report follows.
CHAIR’S REPORT Chris Davidson
This was the first full year as Rottingdean Heritage, and in many ways it has been a watershed. The Grange ,which has looked so sad in recent years, has been completely refurbished, by close cooperation between the society and BHCC, with dramatic results. It provided a perfect setting for the William Nicholson exhibition, the organisation of which took up so much of the year, but was such an amazing success, and is described in more detail in a special report.
As we emerged finally from the COVID epidemic, we have been delighted by the popularity of both The Grange and the Windmill, where visitor numbers broke all records. At both sites we work to make the visitor experience more attractive, and have been delighted to have recruited more Stewards to support this. We have also had a number of children’s events at the Gallery which have proved popular, and hope to build on this in the coming year.
Some welcome news this year was that we were beneficiary of a generous legacy from a Saltdean resident. We have therefore set up a Working Group, drawing on a wider group of residents in the village, to decide how best to use these funds for the benefit of our village heritage in its broader sense.
As part of our outreach, we have set up a Forum for many of the active voluntary groups in our village to meet and discuss cooperation in future events. This was particularly focussed on the Queens Jubilee in the summer but will also be helpful as we approach the Christmas Season.
NEW VILLAGE SIGNS
New information boards for Rottingdean Cricket Club and North End House, home of BurneJones, were installed this Spring.
Ongoing matters for the society, mentioned at last year’s AGM, include the renegotiation of our lease with Brighton Council, and our commitment to transform the society into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation to conform more readily with current Charity Law. We are also continuing our discussions with the National Trust about the possible acquisition of Nicholson’s glass panels, with some progress, albeit slow.
It has been my privilege, as your Chairman, to lead such a strong team. During this, one of our busiest years, all members of the Executive committee gave up so much time and commitment, not just in the day to day running of the society but all the extra work resulting from the Nicholson Exhibition. Without that strong team spirit, the exhibition would not have been the success that it was, and it has really put The Grange Gallery on the artistic map. We owe everyone involved, on behalf of the society, a great debt of thanks.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/2022
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21 September 2022
ROTTINGDEAN HERITAGE
HERITAGE TALKS POPULAR
From small beginnings this summer these weekly talks organised by our Archivist Mike Laslett on Wednesdays have attracted a growing audience of local history enthusiasts.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GRANGE GARDENS
The Castle Theatre company, lively as ever, returned again this July for two performances of “The Comedy of Errors”, and received a warm reception from the sell-out audiences.
JAZZ IN THE GALLERY
As part of the Peter Ind exhibition in March, there was a jazz performance to celebrate Peter’s many years as a celebrated Bass player.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Rowena Bennett
We were delighted to welcome back the Castle Theatre Company from Durham University in mid-July. In future we hope to offer a variety of productions for both adults and children – we are in contact with both the Flock Theatre and another company of actors from Durham University. If you have any ideas or contacts with other groups who may be interested in performing in The Grange gardens, please put them in touch with us.
The success of the William Nicholson exhibition was attributable to many people, but particularly our volunteer stewards without whom the exhibition would not have been possible. Special mention should be made of Barry Dodds and Janet Geary who took on the huge task of co-ordination for June and July respectively and appeared on a daily basis to ensure all was running smoothly. Thanks are also due to Pat Rosine and Gail Soupporis for their unstinting work with the stewards, some of whom were volunteering with Rottingdean Heritage for the first time.
TREASURERS REPORT: Sue Swinnerton
At the close of business 30 April 2022 Rottingdean Heritage had cash funds of £61,151 and investments of £322,305. Both balances are substantially higher than last year, mainly due to us receiving a generous legacy of £170,000 from the estate of the late Mr WG Bailey of Saltdean. We have invested this donation on the advice of our Investment Advisory group while decisions are being made as to the best way to use the funds for the benefit of Rottingdean. We have kept the cash accounts higher than normal in the current financial year due to the Nicholson Exhibition.
Working with BHCC we used some funds to decorate the Grange foyer, stairwell, Gallery and North room, all of which have been very well received. We have also introduced a cordless card machine and upgraded the Alarm system throughout the top floor.
Full details of the year’s accounts are circulated to members with the agenda for the AGM
THE GRANGE GALLERY: Fiona Kirkcaldy Gallery Director
The Grange Gallery got off to a sparkling start this year with an allround refurbishment bringing new energy to a series of excellent exhibitions. We opened with a fascinating exhibition of the life and works of the late artist and jazz musician Peter Ind. This was followed by a very popular show of the works of the Gallery’s founding father, the late Barry Hinchliff.
The William Nicholson “A Was an Artist” exhibition really put us on the map, showing our capacity to host a professional exhibition, and attracting national media coverage and unprecedented visitor numbers. This encouraged new recruits to join our dedicated team of stewards, and enabled us to increase our income through an upgraded gift shop operation. The show also prompted a remodelling of the North Room as a home to both a long-term Nicholson exhibition and a multipurpose space for future events and activities.
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21 September 2022
ROTTINGDEAN HERITAGE
MAJOR GRANGE REFURBISHMENT
This year we worked closely with BHCC on a major redecoration of both the exterior and interior of The Grange, long overdue. Scaffolding earlier in the year did restrict access for a few months, with some inconvenience to the public.
The interior was more of a challenge, but the Council agreed to decluttering the Hall and entrance area to restore some of the Lutyens grandeur. RH was closely involved in the choice of colour for the Lobby and Information room, which has been widely praised.
RH used this opportunity to completely repaint the Gallery and the North Room, removing many of the unsightly display cabinets installed in the 50s. The result is a wonderful new space which greatly adds to the flexibility of the Gallery for other events. This work was made possible by some large grants RH received from BHCC as part of the COVID relief funds.
The coordination of these building works was very demanding, and was largely suoervised by Michael Bennett for which we are very grateful. Without his diligence i it would not have been completed, as it was, in time for the Nicholson exhibition.
While the Nicholson show set a high standard, during the year we have had an eclectic and vibrant programme of exhibitions showcasing the work of local and regional artists and crafts people, past and present. The Gallery will have hosted a total of 18 exhibitions this year and we are not finished yet. In October we are hosting the biennial Schools Art Exhibition which brings together five local schools and fills the Gallery with children, and to end the year our ever-popular Christmas Fair 2022, which promises to be a great success.
A huge deal of hard work by our strengthened team of stewards and volunteers has made 2022 an excellent year. We have received very positive feedback from artists and visitors alike and have built a solid platform for the future.
WINDMILL REPORT: Colin Dellar
This has been a very successful year at the Mill, which has been open every Sunday afternoon from April through to the end of September resulting in just over 2500 visitors, which is a new record. The Mill is in good condition and the usual small items of maintenance have been carried out during the year.
In May, Amanda Davidson had an art exhibition each Saturday and Sunday entitled ‘Tall Tales from the Mill’, and in the middle two weekends of July Jo Goddard had an exhibition entitled ‘Up on the Hill’. Both of these exhibitions were very popular and I am hopeful that something similar can be arranged for next summer.
Our increased number of open afternoons has meant that more stewards are needed and if you would like to be a Windmill steward next summer do please contact either myself or any Rottingdean Heritage committee member. Normally each steward is on duty about two afternoons during the summer and an in depth knowledge of windmills is not required!
MUSEUM & ARCHIVE: Mike Laslett, Curator
As Covid restrictions eased in May 2021 we were pleased to mount yet another of our ‘Treasures’ exhibitions in the North Gallery. Items relating to the 1871 Volunteer Review on the Downs, Rottingdean School and Edwardian dress were being exhibited for the first time. I was ably assisted by John Cummings, Karen North, Sue Swinnerton and Mike Jolley in mounting the exhibition.
A new initiative for 2022 was the series of ‘Wednesday at One’ lunchtime talks. These proved so popular that we soon outgrew the Information Room which only seats a dozen people. As our audience grew to at least twenty we made use of the church, the garden and the North Gallery. As well as talks on Hooker and Burne-Jones by myself or Jean Spray, we were entertained by Sarah- Helen Snow in the guise of nurses or suffragettes, and an informative talk about the Grange Garden by Tim Stevens.
Regular enquiries continue to keep the archivists busy. The most common query is ‘Where is my ancestor’s grave as I want to visit?’ The reply to one such query from a member of the Beard family in America was obviously considered satisfactory as it was followed by a donation of a $100! (You will recall many Quakers emigrated to America.)
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21 September 2022
ROTTINGDEAN HERITAGE
GRANGE GARDEN
At the beginning of the year, Sue Backhouse, who has led the team of volunteers for many years, moved away from the area. We are very grateful for her commitment to the Society over many years.
Katherine Holman has stepped into her role, aided by Tim Stevens, and with their volunteers they kept the gardens beautiful over the very dry summer. The decision was made not to enter any competitions this year because of the disruption caused by the building works.
ART SOCIETY VISITS
This year saw an increased interest in Art groups visiting Rottingdean as part of their itinerary in Sussex. We welcomed a group of almost 40 from the Warwick Fine Arts Society in May, here seen listening to Martin Knott talking about the Burne Jones windows in St Margaret’s Church.
We also hosted a smaller group from Surrey Arts & Crafts Society in September who thoroughly enjoyed our guided visit through the village.
Keep up to date with all our exhibitions and other activities on: www.rottingdeanheritage.org.uk
Finally, after protracted negotiations, Brighton Museum have agreed to restore the 1832 Parlby map of Rottingdean and return it to The Grange.
PLANNING & CONSERVATION: Michael Bennett
It has been a relatively quiet year on the planning front. The most significant application was for the construction of an extension to St Margaret’s Church, yet to be determined by the planning authority. Work has started on The Vale site on the Falmer Road adjoining Longhill School.
In conservation terms, the most important development is the St Aubyn’s site. The first phase has been completed and the second phase, being the building of additional residential accommodation on part of the playing field, is underway. The chapel is in the process of being repaired, as will the pavilion, and the remainder of the field will be laid out as a public open space. The parish council has exercised its option to acquire the open space, pavilion, war memorial, fountain, and chapel for a nominal sum. The future uses of these community assets are prescribed by a s106 agreement.
MEMBERSHIP & MEDIA REPORT: Barry Wright
What a difference a year makes. Our total membership has increased to 303 from last year's 251 with a healthy increase in volunteers mainly due to our “V is for Volunteer” campaign held in the first three months of the year.
Just a quick reminder that it is our policy to offer free membership to all our volunteers, whether they volunteer in the gallery, garden or the windmill. Many of these generously pay their subs as well, which is gratefully received. Please bear this in mind if you do know of anyone thinking of volunteering, as there are many benefits to becoming a full member. These include early booking opportunities for events, (especially the popular Castle Theatre Company's Shakespeare play in The Grange gardens), members only private views of exhibitions, and other trips specifically arranged for members.
I know that this is probably not a good time to remind you, but last year we increased the minimum annual subscription to £15 for a single membership, and £25 for a Household membership. Unfortunately many longstanding members have not yet adjusted their regular payments in line with the new subscription. So can I please take this opportunity to ask you to attend to this, particularly if you pay by Standing Order? Your continued support is not taken for granted and is very much appreciated.
Our website continues to attract an increasing number of visitors and has become a really useful resource for anyone who wishes to be kept up to date with all that we have going on. www.rottingdeanheritage.org.uk
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RorriNGDEAN HERrrAGE Charity Number: 264056 Receipts and Payments Accounts For the Year Ended 30 Aprll 2022 SKtion A Receipts and Payments Unrpstritt•d Rtstslcled Endovment Funda Funds Funds Total Funds Last Year Recelpts Sub5CriPtKpn$ 3.6 Logacs and Donaknns wdmIll Donalions Rent ReCed Tea Gardens EXhIbitn8 and Renl Museum Sa5 Other Income From SubscriptJns Account 178,704 178,704 633 12,0 3,352 31,229 4.031 15.185 760 11,500 1,400 4.594 586 18.276 12,IK)O 3.352 31229 4.031 15.185 248.824 248.824 42,046 A$8ot•nd Inv•skn•nt Sales From United Trust Bank From HargreaNes Lansdown Total Recelpts 248.824 248.824 42,046 Payments Museum Stock for Resa Museum Costs Grange Rent and Ratès utiffitss Advertiwg and PUblty Grange Running Costs Gardening and Piqnls Repairs, Maintenance and Secunty Commer¢l81 and General Insurance Membershi) Costs Artist Payments Inet of Commisswjnl Windm41 Repaws 8nd Pats SubscriptKJns and Donath)ns Meetings and Annual RetK)rt MlAneoUS 6,698 1.960 3.076 1.121 5,192 9,883 3.757 6,698 1,960 3.076 1.121 5.192 9,883 3,757 1,440 6,154 2,420 5,884 2,842 21.621 21.621 5.794 3,119 3.119 2,883 18.260 1,797 18260 1,797 1.863 $31 492 4.508 7S5 25 335 531 492 79.170 79,170 32.854 A8¥•t and Investment Purehas To Har9aVe$ Lansdown 140.050 140,050 15,(KlO 140,050 140,050 15.000 Total Paymènts 219,220 219.220 47,854 Net of RgcoiptsI{Payments) 29,604 29.604 5,808 Transfers Bet4¥n Funds Ca8h Funds Last Yg•r End 31.547 31.547 37,355 Ca$h Funds This Year End 61.151 61,151 31.547
RornNGDEAN HERITAGE Charlty Number: 264056 Recelpts and Payments Accounts For thè Year End•d 30 Aprll 2022 S•cllon B Stst•m•nt ol Awts •nd Lloblllll•• a• at 30 Aprll 2022 Fund¥ Fund• Fund• Lh)ydS TS8 Cfftent Acoxjnt 51.425 pdty Cash 700 Totsl Cash Fund• 61,151 Hargrea Lansdryn Portfrlio ljnitgj TnJst Bank 283,135 39,170 Fund5 to which asset belong$ Cost Valu Inwestrnent Absèts Resale Unr8s1ridl 6,549 Funds to which liabilty relaiÈs Amount Due Wh U•bilrlies De[t hdd re Flat D8sit Tea Garden Indwdent Ey3minws' Invoi(* due Unreslrieted Unrestrided Unrestritxed 700 4C(J &grwJ by one or iwo trustees on behaff of all Ihg Iruslo8s'. nature Print Name POG) Cj £C Tr 27.10.2
Independent Examinerfs Report on the Accounts Report to the trustees of Rottingdean Heritage on accounts for the year ended 30 April 2022 I report to the twstees on my exarnination of the accounts of the above charity 1.the Trusff} forthe year ended 30 April 2022. Respertlve responsibilities of trustees and examlner As the charit5 trustees are resFM)nsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Att 20111.the ACVI. The thariS trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144121 of the 2011 Act) and th8t an independent examination is needed. It Is my re5ponsibility- To examine the accounts under secbon 145 of the 2011 Act. To follow the procedures laid (Jown in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145lbl of the 2011 Art- To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examlnerfs report My examination was carrieil OLrt in accordan with the General Dirertions w'ven bythe Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wf(h those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you a5 trustees conmIng any such matter5. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audlt. and consequently no opinlon Is given as to whether the accounts present a.true and fairf view and the report is limtted to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to rny attention l. Which gives me asonable cause to believe that in. any material respect. the requirements: To keep actountin8 re¢ords in ac¢ordan¢e with s¢¢tlon 130 of the 2011 Act.. and To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting reouirements of the 2011 Act- have not been met: or 2. To which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in onlerto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 27 October 2022 Name: Philip Woodgate, FCCA Professional Body: ACCA Address: Woodgate A¢tountin8 Services Ltd, Unft 43. Newhaven Enterprise Centre, Newhaven, East Sussex. BN9 9BA
Independent Examinerfs Report on the Accounts Report to the trustees of Rottingdean Heritage on accounts for the year ended 30 April 2022 I report to the twstees on my exarnination of the accounts of the above charity 1.the Trusff} forthe year ended 30 April 2022. Respertlve responsibilities of trustees and examlner As the charit5 trustees are resFM)nsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Att 20111.the ACVI. The thariS trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144121 of the 2011 Act) and th8t an independent examination is needed. It Is my re5ponsibility- To examine the accounts under secbon 145 of the 2011 Act. To follow the procedures laid (Jown in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145lbl of the 2011 Art- To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examlnerfs report My examination was carrieil OLrt in accordan with the General Dirertions w'ven bythe Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wf(h those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you a5 trustees conmIng any such matter5. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audlt. and consequently no opinlon Is given as to whether the accounts present a.true and fairf view and the report is limtted to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to rny attention l. Which gives me asonable cause to believe that in. any material respect. the requirements: To keep actountin8 re¢ords in ac¢ordan¢e with s¢¢tlon 130 of the 2011 Act.. and To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting reouirements of the 2011 Act- have not been met: or 2. To which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in onlerto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 27 October 2022 Name: Philip Woodgate, FCCA Professional Body: ACCA Address: Woodgate A¢tountin8 Services Ltd, Unft 43. Newhaven Enterprise Centre, Newhaven, East Sussex. BN9 9BA