It’s official – Swalcliffe village now has its own dedicated charity.
Summary:
A new charity has been set-up to benefit the village and, subject to a formal process, become the long-term custodian of the village hall. The charity, represented by 8 trustees, will team up with residents and community groups to help raise funds that can be allocated to benefit the village and those that live in it. The charity will help to complement existing volunteering and fundraising in the village, working collaboratively to do more, rather than replace all the amazing work that currently happens. Activities of the charity will be published along with details about how others might want to get involved. It will take several months to get everything running as it should, so watch this space!
Why a charity - did we need it?
Yes! The benefits are massive. Because it is a registered charity it can be exempt on some vat costs, collect gift aid on some types of donations or operate as a vehicle for local grant applications that need a registered charity to apply. It will not be stepping on toes of existing volunteering but will be able to offer support where this is helpful. The charity hopes to enable and recognise the valuable efforts of everyone who volunteers their time and energy to the village. If you want to know how you can be involved or suggest ideas, then the charity wants to hear from you.
What is the Swalcliffe Village Charity?
Conversations started back in 2023 about establishing a dedicated charity with the purpose of benefitting the village and those who live in it. The charity is now registered with the Charity Commission and can officially start its work. It intends to support village fundraising initiatives, sponsor local projects, and invests the money it secures to support local assets.
One aim is that the charity becomes the new custodian of Swalcliffe Village Hall. Investigations completed during 2023 showed that the hall was set-up as a charitable trust one hundred years ago, but that this original arrangement needs updating. Transferring the hall to the charity will require a formal process, including consulting with the local community. Effectively one old charitable arrangement is closed, with another more modern and better suited arrangement replacing it. This will also allow the hall access more grant opportunities to cover the cost of the ongoing renovation and maintenance work.
Who is involved?
Eight villagers have stepped forward to become inaugural charity trustees. These individuals having helpful links within the village and valuable skills that they can apply. They are Nico Borkmann, Martin Collett (Chair), Kate Foley, Steve Gandy, Laura Holloway, David McLindon, Ian Purvey, and Peter Riordan (Treasurer). In total the charity can have up to 12-trustees, but eight was felt to be a reasonable number to start with. Anyone else who wants to express an interest in knowing about future trustee vacancies should make themselves known, as the current trustees will need to establish a succession plan to ensure rotation in the fullness of time.
The Parish Council has agreed to help the charity establish itself by providing a contribution towards initial set-up costs.
How will the community know what the charity does?
The charity is committed to operating in an accountable way and one of the immediate tasks is to establish a plan on how it will communicate effectively with the local community. It will function transparently, with agreed policies, minutes from meetings and finances published on the village website which will be adapted to accommodate details of the charity.
How will funding be raised and allocated?
The charity will be able to support local fundraising activity in a structured and effective way. Because it is registered it can do things that informal arrangements can’t. Trustees have already started to consider how it will work closely with and complement existing fundraising activity. It will also focus on promoting regular donations and/or legacies directly to the charity. The charity will also need to consider how else it might secure income to fund grants – any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Some of the funds it receives will already be intended for specific projects or assets, for example if funds are raised to support the village hall, play park or church. However, the charity will publish a clear policy on how funds can be applied for by other local projects and people.
What happens now?
The trustees will meet again in September to formally agree some more fundamentals to ensure that the charity runs efficiently and delivers its agreed purpose effectively. In the meantime, the charity has already started involvement in local activity where it can, including the Christmas Market. It might take a few months to get everything running as intended and trustees will keep the community informed on this work. This is great news for the village and will offer some exciting and beneficial opportunities.
How do I contact the charity?
For the moment, anyone who wants to get in touch should talk to one of the trustees involved or email martin.collett@swalcliffe.co.uk
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Saturday 31st August Swalcliffe Hold 'Em Hoedown
kindly hosted in ‘the Barn’ at Grange Farm. This promises to be a HUGE event!
Professional line callers, best quality burgers street food, licensed bar, Swalcliffe goes country style this summer with a fun party for all the family & friends!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
The Queens Platinum Jubilee - June 2nd to 5th
CLICK HERE to see all the details you need to know:
Swalcliffe Christmas Market
CLICK HERE FOR INFO PLUS IMAGES FROM THE DAY
Swalcliffe Park Equestrian
As part of this years more inclusive village we are including as many event within the village as possible.