AGM Chair’s Report 2025
Good evening everyone, and thank you all for being here at this year’s Annual General Meeting. It’s fantastic to see the support for the Gordon Community Sports Field Group, and it gives me real pride to stand here and reflect on what has been another outstanding year for our community.
When I look back over the past twelve months, I’m struck by the sheer scale of what we have achieved together. For a small village, we continue to punch far above our weight. Time and again, shows what can happen when people work together with determination, unity and a shared sense of purpose.
One of the major accomplishments this year has been the complete restoration of the dry-stone dyke along the roadside boundary. Supported by the National Lottery and strengthened by the hard work of volunteers within the village, the wall now looks exceptional thanks to the craftmanship of . And with the new widened gates fully installed, the entrance to the field has been transformed. It’s welcoming, it’s professional, and it makes a strong statement about who we are as a community.
We also saw the changing rooms move into a new era. The renovation work has brought them up to a brilliant standard—safe, functional and far more user-friendly. They now reflect the quality and care that our community deserves, and they stand as another example of our commitment to continually improving the facilities at the field.
Another key development has been the installation of the new 40-foot storage container. With the groundworks complete and the container now in place, it can make a huge difference to how we operate. Having secure, accessible storage is a practical improvement, but an important one, and it will benefit the community for many years to come.
This year, the sports field also hosted another wonderfully successful music festival— organised by a fantastic team of volunteers. Although it wasn’t our event, it showcased exactly why having a space like the field matters. It brought people together, it
celebrated local enthusiasm, and it demonstrated what community groups can achieve when they have a shared, accessible venue to use.
We were also delighted to host another excellent school sports day. The excitement and energy from the pupils is always a highlight of the year. Our engagement with the school continues to grow, and we are working to ensure the field can support a wider variety of sports and activities going forward.
Looking ahead, one of the most exciting developments is the progress on the tennis courts. A lease has now been agreed in principle, and our funding applications are in. We’re eagerly waiting the outcomes. Reviving the courts will be a significant step in our long-term vision of creating a high-quality environment for people in Gordon to exercise, to play and to enjoy sport for generations to come.
What truly sets us apart as a community group is not just the projects we deliver—it’s the way we work. We’ve created a model of community engagement and cohesion that really stands out. For a village of our size, the scale and quality of what we achieve is extraordinary. This was recognised in the best way possible when we were named Clubsport Berwickshire’s Community Group of the Year. Attending the awards ceremony with some of our volunteers was a tremendous honour, and it highlighted the impact we’re having both within and beyond Gordon. I hope our example inspires other communities across Berwickshire and beyond.
Before I close, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the people who have stood beside me throughout these last few years: my fellow trustees—Andrew, David and Tara. Your support, your guidance, your encouragement, and yes, the late-night emails, have meant more than I can say. Your dedication to your roles has been unwavering, and I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve done.
And so, with all of that said, I also want to share something personal. After several wonderful, rewarding years, I will be stepping down as Chair. This decision hasn’t been taken lightly. Serving in this role has been one of my greatest privileges. But I believe the time is right—for new ideas, new voices and fresh perspectives to take the group forward into its next chapter. I leave the role knowing that the organisation is strong, ambitious and supported by an exceptional team of trustees, committee members and volunteers.
I want to thank all of you—the trustees, the committee, the volunteers and the wider Gordon community—for your belief, your energy and your incredible community spirit. Every hurdle we’ve faced, we’ve overcome together. Every challenge has been met with determination. And every success has shown what a united community is capable of.
It has truly been an honour to serve as Chair, and I’m excited to continue supporting the group in whatever ways I can.
Here’s to another year of progress, partnership and pride in our remarkable village.
Thank you.
Chair
Gordon Community Sports Field Group
SC052077
Gordon Community Sports Field Group - Charity No: SC052077
SCIO Statement of Receipts & Payments for year ending 30th June 2025
| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Receipts | |||||
| Membership | - | - | 16 | 60 | |
| Field Hire Charge | - | - | 150 | - | |
| Grants | 27,550 | 27,628 | - | 37,250 | |
| Alphabet draw in | - | - | 813 | 1,689 | |
| Donations | 78 | - | 1,211 | 29,297 | |
| Interest | - | - | 69 | 66 | |
| Fundraising | - | - | - | 13,912 | |
| Total Income | 27,628 | 27,628 | 2,259 | 82,274 | |
| Expenditure | |||||
| British Gas | 535 | 535 | 812 | - | |
| Scottish Water | 692 | 692 | - | - | |
| Petty Cash | - | - | 100 | - | |
| Insurance | - | - | 548 | 475 | |
| Alphabet draw out | - | - | 442 | 1,035 | |
| Repairs | 24,243 | 24,243 | 1,040 | - | |
| Donations | 200 | 200 | - | - | |
| Grass Cutting | - | - | 200 | - | |
| Bank Charges | - | - | 75 | 41 | |
| Equipment | 6,132 | 6,132 | 144 | - | |
| Misc Expenses | 80 | 80 | - | 442 | |
| Field Purchase | - | - | - | 50,099 | |
| Total Expenditure | 31,882 | 31,882 | 3,361 | 52,092 | |
| Total Funds Brought | 29,133 | ||||
| Forward | |||||
| Surplus (Deficit) | -4,254 | ||||
| Total | 24,879 |