Langham Village Hall aka Langham Community Centre
Charity Commission Number 268187

Managing Trustees’ Annual Report 31st March 2020

The Managing Trustees present their Report for the year ended 31st March 2020, which should be read in conjunction with the attached Financial Statements for the same period.

Legal Status
The Charity was established on 4th April 1978, whereby Langham Parish Council is the custodian Trustee of the freehold land now occupied by the Community Centre and Car Park.

Objects, Policies and Organisation
The Trust is established to provide and maintain the Community Centre for the benefit of the inhabitants of Langham, without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, with the object of improving the quality of life of the inhabitants.

The Centre is available for hire by any individual or organisation in accordance with the standard hiring agreement and scale of charges adopted for the year. It is intended that the scale is sufficient to generate enough income to meet the ordinary expenditure incurred in providing the Centre. Significant improvements are funded out of revenue by specific appeals, fundraising and utilising grants as available.

Review of the Year
2019/20 was another very busy year at the Community Centre with Sue Armstrong sometimes having to disappoint prospective new hirers because of capacity bookings. This meant she and Cheryl having to work harder than ever.

The biggest focus was probably the procurement of two grants towards the replacement of our old, unreliable heating system with a new air-conditioning system in the Community Centre, including a new consumer unit to replace our old fuse-boards. A generous award was received from Enovert Community Trust and a smaller amount from the Community Initiatives Fund.

A separate air-conditioning system was installed in the Pre-School and eventually a new hot water system for them and the Community Shop was devised.

Other improvements included:
Re-marking of the spaces in the newly-repaired car park; sanding and cleaning of the hall floor and replacing the wooden edging; decoration and repair of the rear balcony; temporary replacement of the fallen acoustic curtain; replacement of stolen lead flashing with a fibre alternative; storage shelving fitted in the old boiler room; planned removal of the oil tank (delayed by prolonged winter rain) to provide storage space. A new three-year electricity contract was negotiated with British Gas Lite on improved terms and a smart meter fitted.

Purchases:
We have upgraded the kitchen appliances as necessary, including a new oven, commercial microwave and dishwasher, as well as fitting roller blinds. A new projector was acquired for Langham Film Nights.
Anglian Water carried out a visual inspection and one or two improvements were made. We passed reinspection and their next scheduled visit is in ten years.

We participated in a 37-page 10-yearly survey of village halls for ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England).

A new departure was a joint venture with the Community Shop and Pre-School in late November with a performance of “A Christmas Carol” by local actor/director Anthony Roberts. It was a very enjoyable evening, making a small profit for all and bringing the three organisations together.

On 23rd March the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of the premises to the public. The Trustee meeting due on 26th March and the celebration café for the installation of the heating system on 27th March were postponed indefinitely. COVID restrictions will have a very serious effect on our income for the year ending 31st March 2021.

Finances
The financial statement for 2019/20 is attached to this report. It was a very busy year with a lot of expenditure but we managed to end it with a pleasing bank balance. This will help cushion us against the loss of income during the current twelve-month period.

Income is banked with Barclays Bank PLC with a current account cheque book and online payment processing system requiring two signatures and card holders. Additionally, we have an Active Saver account.

The Trustees are responsible for preparation of the financial statements and for keeping proper accounting records which disclose the financial position of the charity.

Management Committee Members
The members of the Committee during the past year and their appointing bodies were

Alan Cadman Chairman elected
Liz Winter Secretary elected
Maureen Shouksmith Treasurer elected
Jutta Brawn Bowls Club
Denise Hobday Parochial Church Council
Elizabeth Schofield Co-opted
Peter Dawson Parish Council
Daphne Bettle Bridge Club
Bob Schofield Recreation Ground
Maria Bukovenczki Pre-School
James Puxley Scouts
Andrew Craig Community Shop
Marlena Lipski Patchwork Pals
Mark Kleingeld Tennis Club
Sue Trimnell Langham Ladies

Sue Armstrong Commercial and Marketing Manager (employee)
Cheryl Williams Caretaker (employee)


Mr. Alan Cadman Mrs. Liz Winter Mrs. Maureen Shouksmith





Chairman Secretary Treasurer


Dated………………………………….