Memorial Ground Trust

27th September
22nd November
17th January 2011
21st March
16th May
18th July (AGM)
(Meetings are usually held on Mondays, every other month, in the King's Head, at 8.00 pm.)

1. The Chairman , Sheila Campbell reported on a very busy year and thanked the many volunteers who help support the Trust. There are concerns about the Trust’s financial position because of the severe drop in interest rates. Every effort is being made to reduce our costs and to increase our income. She encouraged everyone to come up with ideas to increase the use of the MUGA, which is a huge asset to the village.
2. There was no change to the nominated representatives to the Trust.
3. David Hawker is kindly preparing a web page for the MUGA to go on his village web site.
4. The Doctors are to be asked to remove the shed that was erected without planning consent.
5. New play equipment has recently been erected on the children’s play area and the soft safety matting is soon to be replaced.
6. The proposed community building is still causing the Cricket Club concern.

1. The Trustees discussed the replacement of the soft safety covering in the children’s play area and are investigating how best to pay for it.
2. Letters are being issued to all users about the revised hire charges for the coming year.
3. The Memorial Ground Trustees voted in favour of supporting the planning application for the proposed new community building. A letter of support for the application will be sent to the planning office.
4. The Parish Council will be asked to support the spending of R2 money on some keep fit equipment suitable for all ages to use.
5. Everyone was tasked with encouraging more use of the ground and the facilities we offer.
6. The Memorial Ground Trustees voted in favour of transferring the endowment money to an account, which pays a higher rate of interest. The Trustees are also investigating, with the Parish Council, the possibility of changing their insurance provider to procure a more attractive fee.

1. The Surgery are investigating fire regulations and will then decide where to reposition the refuse shed and apply for planning permission.
2. Quotes are being obtained for replacing the soft safety covering under the childrens’ play equipment.
3. There is now a First Aid kit and accident book in a marked cupboard in the pavilion to comply with Health and Safety requirements.
4. Continued focus is being given to the Trust’s financial situation. A grant has been applied for from the Area board.
5. The Parish Council has approved spending R2 money on renewing the slide and the hexagonal frame.
6. Proposed drawings for the Community building were shown to the Trustees ; the Project group hope a planning application will be made shortly.

HIRE CHARGES FOR THE MEMORIAL GROUND 2010

The Trustees held a special meeting on 22 February to discuss its financial situation and set the charges for the next financial year.

The Trust is suffering from a severe drop in income because of the poor interest rates experienced in the current financial climate. This situation looks unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future.

The Treasurer had prepared some figures which showed the Trust as likely to have expenditure of around £6000. This is without the cost of grass cutting which at present is paid for by the Parish Council. The biggest expense which cannot be done without is for insurance and safety inspections.

Income at present is around £1000 pa.

The revised fees are necessary to deal with some of the shortfall, but all Trustees were tasked with trying to raise some extra income.

We have a splendid facility in the form of the MUGA, but unfortunately this is not used as extensively as we had hoped. It is available for one off bookings such as for birthday parties and of course for regular family use.

If you think you can help us raise some extra income then please let us know !

The new fees are as follows:

MUGA
Family membership £50 pa
Single membership £20 pa
Under 18 membership £10 pa
External hire £25 per session
Football club £15 per session
Youth sports will continue to be free
Non members court fees - £8 adult,£4 under 18

Football and cricket teams: £225 per season

Hire of ground: Full day £100; Half day £50

1. Discussions are continuing with the Surgery with regards to the shed and planning matters.
2. The MGT are to send an official response to the Village Design Statement group, following their presentation to the Trustees.
3. Trustees are continuing to make repairs / improvements recommended by their insurers.
4. The missing seat, given in memory of Mrs Morris, has been located. A village resident has kindly undertaken to repair it before it is returned to the ground.
5. Health and Safety issues in the pavilion are being addressed.
6. Quotes had been received for the grounds maintenance work. A recommendation is being made to the Parish Council who will award the contract.
7. The financial position of the Trust was discussed. An extra meeting has been arranged for 22 February to finalise the all important hire charges for the coming year.

1. An interesting presentation was received from the Village Design statement representatives.
2. Decisions were made to ask the Parish Council to purchase a brush for the MUGA; storage facilities for it and new football nets with the available R2 money.
3. Expenditure was agreed to bring the pavilion wiring up to the required specification to obtain the electrical safety certificate.
4. Tenders are to be invited for the next contract for Grounds maintenance.
5. Repairs to equipment as indicated by the Insurance inspection are being addressed.
6. Thanks were expressed to the volunteers who had cleared the car park recently of brambles etc.
7. There were good reports from both the football and cricket teams.