A New Beginning Andrew MacPherson on behalf of the Coddenham Community & Sports Hall - Charitable Incorporated Organisation

The Asset The Coddenham Community & Sports Hall, Tennis and Bowls Facilities, Recreation Ground and Play Areas. The volunteers and the People of Coddenham.

The History Sale and proceeds of the original village hall were conditional on the new village hall becoming a charity. Postponed in 2003 in the face of a significant VAT charge on the new build, were the asset to be transferred by the Parish Council within 10 years. Now beyond the 10 year period and establishing a charitable status is overdue. Parish Council agreed in principle in September 2018 and January 2019 to action the original underlying  resolution of 2002 and create a fresh vehicle to include the the recreation ground and playing facilities.

The Objective ‘The objects of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) are to manage Coddenham Community & Sports Centre including the Playing Field, associated land and sports facilities, for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Coddenham and the surrounding area without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race or political, religious or other opinions, including the use of the facilities for meetings, lectures and classes or other forms of recreation or leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitants and endeavoring to protect and develop the purpose of the charity.’  Simply, freedom to benefit from a community ‘ownership’,  opportunities of a charitable status, to work independently of the Parish Council (subject to a period of ongoing support) and to sustain and grow the facility for the benefit of all.

The Path Five Trustees appointed with lead roles, subject to charity registration. Ray Collins (Treasurer), Mark Darell-Brown (Funding & Grant Development), Mitch Lock (Business Development) , Andrew MacPherson (Chair, Communication/Marketing), Angela Thompson (Trust Secretary). All Trustees are voluntary & unpaid. Application to became a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO, finalised April 12th 2019. Expected to take between two and six months. On registration, a transfer will take place subject to legal guidance and conditions that will protect the original purpose of the facility and any historical bequests.

The Money The facility has consistently lost public money. 2018/9 £12,820  (subject to audit). The situation has been historically more serious until alleviated by the generosity of the Mary Day Foundation. Charitable status is not an instant ‘fix’, however it will create new opportunities for support. The Charity plans to reduce dependency on parish council funds by 50% over four years. This it is hoped, represents a minimum. We believe the target can be beaten by the engagement and support of the community that the facility was intended to serve.

The Future A relaunch and rebrand by September 2019 as ‘The Coddenham Centre’, designed to widen appeal while maintaining its clear association with the village of Coddenham. Joint marketing and development meetings to be open to all, working with the Trust and the hall’s volunteer resources. New online presence and booking facility to be established, alongside existing services. Exploration of how we can get more out of the hall in terms of configuration, storage, facilities and renewable energy economies. The research and development of funding and grant opportunities. Above all, to ensure the offer of transparent engagement and inclusion of everyone in the development of a sustainable long term future for ‘the hall.’

A place to congregate, a place to enjoy, a place to bring a community together