DCA ANNUAL REPORT for 2022
The DCA was formed in 1972 but we didn’t celebrate 50 years of the association last year due to the ongoing fallout of the pandemic. What has been on our minds is that our existing constitution needs to be changed to be more representative of what the association is now and what it would like to achieve going forward. The original thrust of the association was to provide the village with a reasonably sized venue for “dances” and events. Several years ago, we democratically canvassed our affiliate organisations to see if the notion of a village hall was something they still wanted. The response was an emphatic no. It is obvious with a change in the demographic and what the general population aspire to 50 years on plus several venues which are now available in the village, this objective is no longer required.
Recent conversations have also found several parts of the constitution to be “Non-Compliant” so a change is overdue. I note that we have actually been looking into this since 2018! However, we must not diminish the task involved, for instance what do we want to be, what will our future aims be? It is also difficult and taxing as the wording and descriptors have to fall in line with the Charity Commissions acceptable text. Thanks are due to all those involved. I would like to think that a reference that we are here to support and enhance village life should be included in the revised constitution. But of course, that will not be my decision.
The defibrillator roll-out is now almost complete with one for, New Zealand Lane outstanding. This will be sourced and fitted when a suitable location has been identified and negotiated. As mentioned previously there is a map available online showing where all the defibrillators are (including the non-public ones). Although the rollout is over, they still need to be checked and maintained. DCA members do this on a regular basis to ensure that if needed they are in tip top condition.
However, over the Christmas period we suffered a theft of the unit in the phone box on Hazelwood Road. Fortunately, it turned up a few days later without its battery. The batteries cost £212.00 which comes out of our reserves to replace. My thanks to Judy Hooker who was able to replace the battery in double quick time. I would also like to thank all those who have contributed or have been and continue to make this initiative a great success.
I have been asked by a several people why so many defibrillators in our village? Well the guidance states that there should be access to one every 400 metres, hence the number. On a selfish note with less available I would prefer not to have a heart attack running across the village to get one!
But seriously it’s to the credit of everyone involved but hopefully they will not be needed? We are course reliant on the goodwill of the various shop’s organisations and the Parish Council for their unwavering help in making this project such a success. On behalf of the DCA thank you.
This last Christmas after a year of a limited tree display in the village in 2021, we were able to install new and improved decorations for Town Street and Wirksworth Road corner. We also had a good number of volunteers to help put up and take down which is refreshing to note. Again, I reiterate comments from previous years that we need new members but I am pleased to notice that over the last year or so we are seeing new faces which is very promising and reassuring for the future of the association.
I have been involved with the DCA since we came to the village 25 years ago. At that time, we had a one year old, (later to be joined by two more who are now all grown up), we moved in on a Friday and on the Saturday, we watched the Carnival procession pass our house. It was then I decided to get involved. I spoke to Judy Clough and she put me on to the then Secretary, Derek Cook who welcomed me aboard I am not sure how long I have been the chairman but it is probably approaching 15 odd years. During this time, we have achieved a lot and this is down to all the members of the association who seem to pick up on ideas and run with them whether its wild flowers, bulb planting, Christmas decorations or organising the Carnival. Carnival week is our major income generator and this is thanks to Nigel Hookers stewardship and his teams’ efforts have made it a very memorable week year in year out. The income derived enables us to help individuals and affiliate organisations to purchase items or fund their own specific projects within the village. This to me is what enhancing village life is all about and long may this continue.
I am pleased to report arrangements the 2023 Carnival are now well advanced. It will take place on its traditional third week of June. Fortunately, it will not clash with the coronation which for a while was a concern until the date was announced.
However, this leads me onto my final point, after a lot of thought and reflection it is time for me to move on and put my energies into some of the things I keep meaning to do before it’s too late! Therefore, I have taken the decision to stand down and will leave the DCA as of this evening. I understand there may be a vote on my succession in the following Council meeting. Whoever takes over I wish them well and I hope they enjoy their new role as much as I have. I leave with many good friends made over the years.
Thank you to all on the Executive and the Council. What I am sure of is the DCA is in good hands!
Thank You.
Chris Johnson. Chairman. 15[th] February 2023.
DUFFIELD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
| INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER | INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME | ||
| Subscriptions | 2,824 | 2,801 |
| Donations | 2,355 | 1,886 |
| Defibrillator Donations | 5,151 | |
| Interest Received including Bond | 15 | 13 |
| Carnival and Bonfire Night | 32,839 | 681 |
| TOTAL INCOME | 38,033 | 10,532 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Newsletters | 1,500 | 1,419 |
| Donations | 1,765 | 1,784 |
| Carnival and Bonfire Night | 21,270 | 2,195 |
| Christmas Lights and Trees | 791 | 380 |
| Defibrillators | 96 | 4,837 |
| Insurance | 413 | 403 |
| Printing & Stationery / Administration/Gifts | 79 | 243 |
| Room Hire | 35 | 18 |
| Common Areas Renewal and Maintenance | 1,145 | 1,072 |
| Bank Charges | 164 | 240 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 27,258 | 12,591 |
| NET SURPLUS(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR | £10,775 | (£2,059) |
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