## **Reffley Chairman’s Report 2020/2021** 

Once again another year has passed and we find ourselves back at our AGM , this year however has been very different to any we have faced so far , and it is fair to say that the global pandemic  has brought many new challenges and very few if any opportunities , but all have been faced with the same stoic resolve and commitment to the underlying interests and safety of the community, and these principles have been at the very core of any decisions we have had to take , from closing our doors due to the  lockdown ,  to the swift implementation of procedures and purchase of sanitizers and PPE equipment so that we could open when allowed. 

No doubt , the changes to how we work going forward will continue , and will remain in many ways unknown to us until we see the true impact of the pandemic , and  before this situation is resolved , I am certain that many more changes will have to happen in order to keep the centre functioning and financially viable , on this point It’s fair to say that whilst we did open our doors last year to help those of our regular hirers who wanted to return , because of the low uptake and inability of some groups to return ,  and also the further lockdown in October/November , this led to a significant financial loss overall and is a mistake that cannot be repeated . 

In terms of the spend on the halls over the year we have remained focused on the maintenance and general upkeep of the premises , and whilst no significant areas of spend were implemented , this was due to keeping a very vigilant watch on preserving the monies we have available , as we had no way of knowing what we could or would get in terms of grants or financial aid , and whilst we were fortunate to receive the Government grant of £10,000 and also to have received furlough pay for our staff , the treasurer has  already indicated we still ran at financial loss of over £4000 the year , the fact that the committee has been financially astute over previous years means that even with this loss , we are still well placed  going forward , but must remain focused on the financial challenges yet to come and ensure that reserves are kept to meet these as necessary . 

To the staff  , John , Emma and up until September 2020 Jacky , you have my utmost respect and thanks for the commitment and understanding you have shown over the last year , and whilst I wish it were possible to say that it will all be fine in the future and that a return to normal will happen very soon , that is a promise I cannot make , as the new normal is anywhere but certain, but do believe that wherever possible whilst in keeping with the needs of the community and the centre that the association will consider you fully in their decisions . 

As the committee already know it is my intention from this AGM to stand down not only as Chair but also from the committee , my work , family and other commitments have reached a level where I can no longer continue to give the role or the people involved , the time and attention it and they deserve , so with regret it is time to hand the baton to someone else , and I am hopeful that the existing committee , staff , and hopefully new committee members will give them the same level of support, encouragement and commitment that I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed during my tenure , and for that I thank every single one of you , indeed it has been my honour and pleasure to 



have been your  Chairman for the last 8 years and I have made some wonderful friends and will take with me many great memories. 

In conclusion, the new year is as always unknown and unwritten but, I leave feeling confident that the Community association remains strong, focused and well placed to meet whatever challenges it may bring, and that under the guidance of the new Chair it will continue to grow, prosper and face all those with undiminished enthusiasm. 

With best regards always 

Pete Chappell (Chairman RCA )