Chair’s Report – Mr Shaun Thompson.

Just over 3 yrs as Chair now and as I identified in last year’s report, I’m amazed how quickly the time is going. Again I have to start by saying how indebted I am to the trustees, volunteers, friends and family members for all the work you and they’ve done over the last 12 months and for what you and they continue to do on behalf of the bar company and the charity, for the benefit of our residents and communities. Worthy of recognition is the fact that it’s done voluntarily which I appreciate you all know but I’m also aware that some of our residents don’t know this.

This report will identify some of the year’s highlights and successes but I can guarantee that I’ll miss something or someone and I can only rattle for so long.

Bubwith Bunnies goes from strength to strength. So much so that I understand Vickie is seeking funding to pay for a paid helper/organiser which is amazing given its humble beginnings so well done to Vickie and all involved. Last April we were well on with the Bar refurbishment, made possible by the awarding of a grant. Decor, tables, chairs, flooring and a new TV all benefited from this and it’s a massive improvement on what it replaced. More recently we’ve improved the Centre even more with the addition of soundproof Bi Fold doors, planned and organised by Barry

Charlotte Atkinson, who had been a regular behind the bar, resigned which was sad news but it meant we had an opportunity to recruit a replacement and in July, Tia joined us and she has become a great asset to the Leisure Centre. She has also become an integral part our bar team, helping and supporting Paul and Jo.

It was around the same time that Brent Hills first began to try and get to grips with EON, our electricity provider. Although the situation with them is still ongoing, it’s fair to say that EON, have met their match with Brent and I am really grateful for all the work he is doing around this. Brent has just assisted Steve Young in the submission of a grant application that would enable us to store electricity from our solar panels in batteries so fingers crossed this is successful. Big thankyou to Steve too for this and for applying and assisting others to apply for grants historically but especially over the last 12 months.

Two events of note were the Gin Festival that turned just over a £600 profit and also the Bubwith Big Bash, which despite a slow start, was extremely well attended and because of another grant, thanks again Steve, meant all activities were provided free. An impressive £2,500 was raised for the charity and I know most of the trustees, volunteers etc. were involved in making this a fantastic, community family day so well done and thank you.

Another great fund raiser for us has been the regular, summer Friday evening bar openings, supported by a variety of food offerings and I’m pleased that these will continue this year.

Panto came round in February, three performances, all well attended and what a fantastic achievement for a village the size of Bubwith. Well done to Edmund and everyone else involved, acting, organising or helping at the performances.

Another loss to us last year was our long-standing cleaner Michelle.  Ably replaced, albeit only temporarily by Jane who left and has been replaced, even more ably, by Jo who’s doing a fantastic job.

The Social Team have worked extremely hard the last 12 months, delivering events like the Gin Festival, Big Bash, MacMillan Coffee morning, Santa Run, etc. etc. and I know they are planning the next 12 months which will see the return of these events plus a George Michael tribute evening in November. Thank you to Alison and everyone that helps her plan and organise these events and everyone who helps. Without whom, they would not be possible.

Our regular user groups have been supplemented by the addition of other groups such as Pickleball, Walking Football, a Community cafe and Knit and Natter group plus the return of Tai Chi, etc. etc. We have however, unfortunately lost Kickboxing which undoubtedly will be a loss financially to the Centre although I’m sure Tracey will look forward to the time she’ll gain by not having to chase outstanding invoice payments!

A personal thankyou from me to Adrienne for her work as Secretary, not an easy job and to Lizanne as Vice Chair, supporting me and for all the time and effort she puts into the outside appearance and maintenance. Steve Young for everything you continue to do for us, not just in obtaining grant funding but for being interested in us and taking the initiative in continually looking at ways to improve what we offer here. The playground may be a step too far for a while but a Pétanque ‘terrain’, is certainly achievable given community support and successful planning. Thankyou too to Barry Carpus, who knows everything there is to know about how this place works and invariably knows how to do the repairs when necessary.

A final personal thankyou to Tracey who keeps everything and everyone organised and in the right time and place. She is the Leisure Centre and the person that I turn to every time I need help or advice, which is quite often actually!

Go Well.

Shaun.