Membership during 2018/19
David Bissonnet, Chair and independent member
Pat Clare, Secretary and Chair of Parish Council
Mike Balmer, Treasurer, Independent member
Mary Button, Parish Councillor
Paul Carter, representing Claxton Church
Jason Cantrill, Parish Councillor
David Hamblin, Parish Councillor
Kevin Parker, Independent representing Ducan’s Marsh
Sarah Kennedy, Parish Councillor
Introduction
Claxton Parish Pit Trust is a registered charity 243172. The Trust receives income from three assets. Ducan’s Marsh, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, for which grants are received from Natural England as well as grazing rent. Number 3 the Warren which is a semi-detached house in the village which is let and a share of the income from the solar panels on the village hall.
The allotments are leased from the Claxton Manor Estate and administered by the Trust on behalf of the Parish Council. In addition, the Trust shares with the Village Hall the income from the solar panels which are fitted to the Village Hall and which were funded by the Trust.
Subject to payment of expenses (maintaining the properties and meeting all other outgoings payable in their respect and charges and expenses incidental to administration and management of the charity) the Trustees shall apply the income of the charity for the charitable purpose for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Claxton. (Quote from Charity Commission).
Governance
The Governing Document of the Claxton Pit Trust follows a standard Charity Commission model and is available on the village website for all to read. N.B. Trustees are not remunerated and do not claim expenses.
The Trustees have been advised by the Charity Commission that the following guiding principles should be followed:
- That the funds be targeted rather than shared generally,
- That the funds be applied in support of existing statutory benefits such as social security to avoid loss of benefits,
- That the funds be used where other funds are not available.
- In addition, the Trust has established the following principles:
- up to £2,000 pa available annually as a bursary for educational purposes, up to £500 per case for assistance to the elderly or anyone incapacitated, to help with maintenance of properties excluding any capital works and up to £100 per annum towards the cost of hospital visits to family. In addition, any other requests will be considered by the Trustees, who will hold the information in confidence
Following these principles, the Trustees have sought to benefit the parish and parishioners.
This report summarises the activities in 2018/19.
Meetings
The Trustees have met six times in 2018/19 to ensure management of the assets and review requests for assistance and plans for the expenditure of funds.
Finance
The Treasurer prepares a financial report for each meeting showing income and expenditure. The Trust is required to have enough reserves to meet any likely shortfall in income and the target of two years’ expenditure has been set. Accounts are provided annually to the Charity Commission.
The Trustees have rebuilt the reserves of the charity following the refurbishment of 3 The Warren and have now met the target level of reserves and which will be maintained for the future.
Assets
No 3 Warren – This is the primary asset of the trust and was refurbished in 2015-16 and is let through professional property managers. We are pleased with the continued tenancy to a young family. Additional remedial work is been carried out in 2019. A specialist Fire Safety inspection was carried out during 2018 and the recommendations in the report have been implemented.
Ducan’s Marsh – Under the agreement with Natural England, we are subject to Higher Level Stewardship management which while providing grant income requires us to pro-actively manage the site in line with their guidance. South Yare Wildlife Group has continued to provide support with volunteers taking part in working parties and organising a very successful open day for the village and visitors. Kevin Parker has played the lead role in liaising with NE and coordinating the working parties. The maintenance, access and enhancement of the site including installing bird boxes has been carried out by volunteers supported by the Trust and the site is now much better known, used and enjoyed by the village. The Trustees agree funds to be expended each year on maintaining and developing this important wildlife area.
Allotments – The Allotments are managed by the Trust on behalf of the Parish Council. There has been very limited interest from the village in the allotments for the past few years. The Trust has decided that the creation of a community orchard as a suitable long term use for the area and a commemoration of the Centenary of the end of World War One would be an appropriate use of the site. Claxton Manor Estate who own the land have agreed to this proposal and a formal lease is to be signed shortly. Work has started on implementing the scheme
Solar Panels on Village Hall
These panels are proving to be effective and provide income which is shared by the Trust and the Village Hall Charity.
Requests for support
The Trust has not received any requests during the year for individual support, for example education or training costs, or hospital travel costs. The Trust has reasonably wide discretion and can consider a range of requests for assistance in confidence through the chair or any trustee.
Defibrillator Installation. The Trust has provided a grant to the Parish Council for part of the cost of the installation, training and maintenance of a Defibrillator which is located outside the village hall.
Contact Care. The Trust has agreed to provide the cost of the 24 hr lifeline emergency response service provided by South Norfolk Council through Contact Care. Currently four villagers are supported. All residents of Claxton are eligible, and the Trust welcomes further requests which all treated confidentially.
Speed Awareness Monitor (SAM). The Trustees have agreed in principle to support an application by the Parish Council for the shared purchase with Langley with Hardley PC of a SAM which will be located in agreed locations on a rotating basis.
Claxton Church Tower repairs. The Trustees have agreed in principle to support a grant application by the Parochial Church Council for repairs to the church tower.
Parish Council Elections May 2019
The Parish Councillors are automatically trustees of the Pits Charity. Mary Button did not stand for re-election to the Parish Council in May and has therefore ceased to be a trustee. The Trust wishes to thank Mary for her long service to the Trust.
The Accounts and Treasurer’s Report
An unaudited financial statement is available on the Village website and notice board.
David Bissonnet
Independent Chair 8th May 2019
