ANNUAL
REPORT 2009 -2010
This
year has seen a mixture of real progress and positives together
with the inevitable frustrations and challenges. Highlights
of the year include the agreement with the Council regarding
transfer of ownership; the creation of the exciting Architect’s
plans and the Business Plan for the redeveloped Hall; and the
continuing development of relationships with the Community.
More details are given in the following paragraphs, together
with some of the challenges and opportunities that face us
going into our 3rd year.
Dumfries & Galloway Council
The Trust continues to have very
good relationships with the Council, including a Senior Manager
who is a co-opted Director
on the Board of the Trust. This provides an important link between
the 2 organisations.
Despite some frustrations and delays, we
now have agreement for transfer of ownership of the Hall from
the Council to the
Trust, and this has Ministerial approval. This will only occur
when capital funds have been obtained. This will involve significant
legal agreements, and following an intensive interview process
we have appointed Lindsays of Edinburgh to act as our Legal Team
in all of the negotiations over contracts, service level agreements,
and transfer of ownership as we go through the Project.
The Council
has confirmed in writing their intention to continue to provide
Council Services and Library facilities for at least
3 years after the redevelopment. In addition, we have obtained
the necessary outline planning permission, and Listed Buildings
Consent.
Business Planning and Development
A major part of the year has
involved continuing the work of developing the plans for the
redevelopment of the Hall, and the
benefits that that will bring. Using the funding provided by
the BIG Lottery for Technical Assessment, we have been able to
develop a full Business Plan, including detailed financial costs
and projections for sustainability once the Hall is redeveloped.
A key component of the Business Plan is the development of an
expanded range of community facilities and services centred around
an integrated Information Service which incorporates the Council,
VisitScotland and volunteering opportunities.
The exciting Architect’s plans create a 70% increase
in space and flexibility for the Hall to be used as a real
community asset. The Business Plan is a vital
component in persuading funders to provide us with the necessary funds for
the Project.
Support
The Trust is so fortunate in the degree of support which has
been provided during the year. The Community continues to show
its support in many ways, and individuals have given their time
unstintingly in helping with a range of activities, such as manning
the doors and raffles for events, selling tickets, home baking,
advertising and posters etc, etc.
We have been able to take advantage
of a ‘stall’ at
the Monthly Producers’ Market which has given us a chance
to meet with individuals about the Project. Local Businesses
[and further afield for the Grand Prize Draw] have been very
generous in providing prizes, and advertising events.
We were
particularly pleased to receive our first Corporate Donation
of £750 from Tarmac Limited. This followed an
approach to a number of larger businesses in the area, and we
hope that the support provided by Tarmac will encourage others
also to become corporate sponsors.
Contact has been made with
groups and organisations within Moffat and District who use,
or potentially may use, the Town
Hall and we are intending to establish a User Group that can
help ensure that the Hall provides the facilities that meet users’ requirements.
The
Trust has also received support from Clan Moffat, and we are
grateful to them for allowing us publicise the Project through
their Newsletter; and for the opportunity in August 2010 to present
to their Annual General Meeting when North American colleagues
will be present.
We continue to have very good links with the
Academy, and the new Rector, Lesley Watson, is committed to work
with the Trust
in maximising the value to young people within Moffat. This is
an exciting development, and we look forward to taking this forward.
The
Trust is fortunate in having Board members who are so totally
committed to the Project; they have given freely of so much of
their time and expertise, and that is reflected in the successes
achieved, and I cannot thank them enough for their input. Bruce
Clarke, as Project Manager, has been exceptional in every way,
and has given ‘above and beyond’ in ensuring that
the Project continues to progress.
Events
A full range of events has taken place over the last year,
including the Afternoon Tea with Solway Harps, the St Andrew’s
Day Concert, Burns Supper, and the Hogmanay Ceilidh. These events
have helped to keep up the profile of the Trust and to demonstrate
the potential for the Hall as an events venue. Although attendance
has been variable, attendees have been very positive about the
entertainment provided. It was especially pleasing to see visitors
coming from South Wales specifically for the Hogmanay Ceilidh.
None of these events would happen without a huge amount of effort,
and particular thanks go to Dave Stoddart and Tom Mulholland
for taking up the mantle of these events, and to Julie Beck-Samuels
for organising the Ceilidh.
The Coffee Morning in April, which
was run together with the Grand Prize Draw, raised £1700
and again, many thanks to all those who helped organise and run
it so successfully.
Funding
A significant amount of time has been spent in applying
for funding for the Project. Support has been provided by Dumfries
and Galloway Council, and Gael Force to support the numerous
events which have been held. In addition, the Council also provided £4
000 to support our work on Business Planning and Funding applications.
Major
capital applications for the £2.7 million necessary
to complete the whole redevelopment have been made or are in
progress. After a frustrating wait of nearly 1 year, we were
delighted to receive the news that Historic Scotland have in
principle agreed a grant of £227 000 towards renovations.
A major application is to BIG Lottery Growing Community Assets
Programme for £1 million pounds. Unfortunately, we have
not been successful in this round due to the intense competition
for funding. However, there is a new Programme commencing in
June 2010, and we will be able to revise and resubmit our application
at that time. We have also started applications to other bodies
for capital funding, including Scottish Rural Development Programme
[SRDP], European Regional Development Fund and Heritage Lottery
Fund. We are awaiting the outcome of deliberations on the implications
of State Aid for the former before proceeding further.
Revenue
funding applications have been made to continue the vital Project
Management role into 2010-11, and we are awaiting
the outcomes of those applications within the next month
National
Recognition
The Development Trusts Association Scotland has gained
government funding to support National Demonstration Sites for
Asset Transfer
from local Councils into Community ownership. The Trust and Dumfries
and Galloway Council have become one of only 8 national projects.
The agreement to transfer a major public building into Community
ownership, whilst retaining Council services is believed to be
pioneering, and this innovative approach has led to the National
recognition. This is very exciting in terms of raising the profile
of the Trust, and providing some resource to assist in taking
the Project forward during 2010-11.
Successes and Challenges
Successes
• Developing a full Business Plan and submitting capital bid to
BIG Lottery
• Agreeing transfer of ownership of the Hall from the Council to
the Trust
• Obtaining outline planning permission and Listed Building Consents
•
Obtaining £227 000 grant from Historic Scotland
• Maintaining Community involvement and support
• Achieving National Demonstration Site status for Asset Transfer
•
Continuing support from D&G Council
• Continuing support from Moffat Academy
• Numerous events put on to support fund-raising and awareness
raising for the Trust
• An enthusiastic and committed Team of Board Members
• Appointment of Lindsays as Legal Advisers
Challenges
• Agreeing the legal framework regarding transfer of ownership
• Meeting differing requirements of various funding bodies
• Meeting deadlines for funding applications
• Addressing the issue of State Aid with SRDP
• Maintaining momentum during difficult periods
The year has been very busy, and has resulted in many positives.
Despite some temporary set-backs and frustrations, the Board
remains optimistic for the future. We need to keep reminding
ourselves that we have only been in existence for 2 years; many
similar organisations take 5-6 years to get to the same stage.
Onwards and upwards!!
Peter Beck-Samuels, Chairman, 18/05/10
