## **Old Newton Village Hall Management Trustees – Annual Report** On behalf of the Old Newton Village Hall Management Trustees, we are pleased to provide an update on recent developments and ongoing initiatives concerning the Village Hall and surrounding facilities. ## Staff Update We would like to acknowledge the long-standing service of our caretaker, who has recently retired due to health reasons. We thank them for their years of dedication to the upkeep and smooth operation of the Village Hall. We are pleased to announce that **Stuart Boulter** has been appointed as the new caretaker. Stuart brings a wealth of experience and a proactive approach, and we look forward to working with him to continue maintaining our facilities to a high standard. ## Facilities Improvement Programme Our ongoing **Improvement Programme** continues to make progress, focusing on essential upgrades to enhance the comfort and functionality of the hall and surrounding areas: - **Toilet Refurbishment** : The outdated 1960s toilet facilities are currently undergoing a full revamp. This much-needed upgrade will significantly improve the experience for all hall users. - **Children’s Play Area** : We are in the process of updating the children’s play area, with the installation of **new, modern play equipment** . This will provide a safer and more engaging environment for younger members of our community. Funding is actively being sought to support both of these projects. We are exploring grant opportunities and welcome any community-led fundraising initiatives to help us bring these improvements to completion. ## Website and Booking System We are pleased to report that the **Village Hall website has been updated** , featuring a new **planner and booking system** . This now integrates activities scheduled at both the **Village Hall** and the **Playing Field** , allowing for better coordination, particularly with regard to **car parking and space management** . This is already proving beneficial in reducing congestion and ensuring smoother event planning. ## Community Collaboration – Footpath Installation The Village Hall Committee was recently approached by **Keepmoat** , regarding the installation of a **footpath over the Village Hall frontage** . After careful consideration, the committee agreed to **donate the required piece of land** to enable this project to proceed. We believe that this footpath will be of **significant benefit to the wider community** , improving pedestrian access and enhancing the safety and connectivity of the area. ## Increased Use of Playing Field Facilities The **use of the playing field has increased significantly** over the past year, with several external organisations now making regular use of the facilities. This includes the **Salvation Army Football Club** and **Stowmarket United FC** , who both make use of the grounds for Sunday morning matches. In addition, the **Old Newton Cricket Club** now has **two teams** using the field on an **ad hoc basis** during the cricket season. This growth in usage is very welcome and supports our aim of maximising the benefit of our community assets. ## Evergreen Club Update After **30 years of holding their monthly meetings at the Village Hall** , the **Evergreen Club** has made the decision to relocate their gatherings to the **Sports and Social Club** . We would like to thank the Evergreen Club for their long-standing relationship with the Village Hall and wish them well in their new venue. ## Legal Review of Leases, Licenses, and Operational Oversight With the increasing number of organisations using the Village Hall and playing field facilities, the Trustees are now **seeking legal advice** regarding **leases and licenses** . Our aim is to **create consistency across all user agreements** , ensuring that responsibilities, access, and expectations are clearly defined and managed. This will help streamline administration and ensure the sustainable and fair use of our shared facilities. As part of this work, we are implementing **annual checks** for all regular users to verify up-to-date **insurance documentation** and relevant **management information** , ensuring safety, compliance, and accountability. We have also sought legal guidance regarding the **effective management of the car park** . Recommendations include, but are not limited to, the introduction of **designated parking spaces** for the **Sports and Social Club** . This measure is intended to promote **fair usage across the various organisations** and to support better planning and access for all users. We would like to thank all members of the community for their continued support and involvement. The Village Hall remains a central hub for Old Newton, and we are committed to ensuring it evolves to meet the needs of current and future generations. **Old Newton Village Hall Management Trustees** Sept 2025 Old Newton wlth Dagworth and Glpplng Vlllage Hau and Playlng Flold Charlty numbor 271292 Income and Expendlture 202412025 Income Frorn 2025 2024 Bookln8 Fees 19593.40 17104.00 Recycllng Fees 551,72 631.00 Grant3 (R8strlct8d) * 14463.00 4486.00 Donatlon8 1205.00 1823.00 Fundra181ng 2065.74 3470.00 Movoment ol Funds 685.91 1617.00 Total Incom• 38584.77 29131.00 Exp•ndlturn 2025 2024 Bulldlng 4076.00 Fundralslng Costs 387.18 2294.00 Repalr8 and Malntenance 1673.87 2055.00 Heatlng Lightlng and Water 3338.88 3787.00 Wage8 5813.00 5300.00 In8urance and Llcences 1802.37 2328.00 Sundry Expen8e81movement 622.00 481.00 Bank Chafges 68.66 87.00 Intemet Webslte 59.09 216.00 WIFI 344.27 389.00 Refund of Darnage Walver8 2400.00 2750.00 Purcha888 1434.24 1461.00 Cleanlng and Hou88k6eplng 513.50 149.00 Total Expendlture 18457.06 25373.00 Net Fund Movement 20107,71 3758.00 Toial Funds BIF .33241.97 9346.00 *R88trlcted Grants CIL, Lottery, Parlsh Councll jb￿ J,-,