Chairman’s report – January 2013
The committee has decided to place a short regular commentary of its activities in the public domain (notice boards, Village Newsletter and Parish Council website) so that the residents know what is happening. Following the 2011 questionnaire and the 2012 AGM the Committee is looking at a number of possible projects which might provide for the community of the Wigboroughs benefits equivalent to those originally made available when the old School was purchased for use as a Village Hall and a Trust was set up.
A structural survey has established that the old building is past repair. Raising the money to build, equip and maintain a replacement Village Hall which would be financially viable is beyond the reach of our small community. At the 2012 AGM an agreement in principle was reached that when the time is right the
In preparation for that time we are currently talking to professionals who will guide us through the process of maximising the return from the site by selling it with outline planning permission.
Of the various projects suggested for re-investment of the proceeds we are talking to the Church about the possibility of using the nave of St Stephen’s Church as a virtual Village Hall and there will be similar parallel conversations about potentially using facilities at Abbotts Hall Nature Reserve and/or Peldon Village Hall. Another project under investigation is the purchase of land within the Wigboroughs to provide a village green area and a recreational area for children and young people.
A detailed business plan must be produced for each of these projects and any more which are suggested. Plans will show the set-up and ongoing costs, the likely usage and income, the legal relationship with any partners or associates and arrangements to protect the legacy resource. Full details will then be submitted for approval by the Charity Commission who will want to see that the terms and objectives of the original Trust Deed have been complied with as far as is possible. Surviving projects will then be presented to residents who have the casting vote in which project or projects are progressed.
Jinny Gale
Chairman WVHMC
Our parish diary has been updated with a wealth of events over coming weeks ranging from snap-action, dragons and some baroque as well.
running between Tiptree and East Hill, Colchester (via Smythe’s Green, Birch, Heckfordbridge) between approximately 13:15 & 13:45. Why not turn out to line the route and cheer on these international athletes – and best of all, it’s free!