Welcome to this year’s AGM.

I’d like to start by looking at our achievements throughout the year.

Achievements:

Sports Hall Kitchen and Toilets Upgrade:

The work was contracted to TLB Construction Ltd and what an excellent job they’ve done. In addition to the existing disabled toilet, we now have two unisex toilets complete with wash hand basins and dryers, and a modern fully fitted and functional kitchen. These added facilities will hopefully make the premises more attractive to potential hirers and feedback from users and members of the public is very positive.

Sports Hall Replacement Acoustic Panels and Re-decoration:

The existing acoustic panels in the Sports Hall have been replaced by up-to-date panels installed by Sound Reduction Systems.

TLB Construction did an excellent job of taking down the existing roof and wall soundproofing and re-installing a flat ceiling prior to the new panels being fitted.

An excellent job also by Dave Goodburn, our local painter and decorator who finished the project by painting the hall throughout.

Our thanks go to Gill Tapping who project managed the whole process and kept everything running smoothly.

Main Entrance Front Door Replacement:

After many years we finally said ‘Goodbye’ to the old doors which had become shabby, slightly damaged and had a problem with the locking mechanism. Again, Gill project managed this in conjunction with TLB Construction Limited who organised the work through a qualified double glazing company.

Future Projects:

• To provide decking at the rear of the hall – although plans were submitted to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Planning Department in 2023 this is currently on hold due to insufficient funds at this time.

• To extend the existing car parking – plans have been submitted for this too but, as the estimated cost is prohibited given our funds, will not go ahead for the foreseeable future

• To replace existing chairs and trolleys in the main store room.

Challenges:

Currently, as we don’t have funds to take on the above and/or any other projects, our focus need to be on applying for available grants, promoting the Centre as a multi-purpose venue, e.g. wedding, parties, business use etc. so we all need to work towards those ends.

Finances:

Our finances have been excellently managed throughout the year by our Treasurer, Tadeusz Dobrowolski, allowing us to continue to maintain the fabric of the building and to make purchases to improve facilities for its users. Despite the financial support given by grant from the Parish Council for 2025 remaining at the same allowance as the previous year this will continue to reduce by £1,000 per year so we need to be self-sufficient and financially supported by 2030. Our thanks go to Andy for his diligence in questioning our energy contracts and sourcing the most financially beneficial deals.

Bookings

Our on-line Hallmaster booking system is regularly used by hirers and administered by Kate Sketchley who continues to do a fantastic job following up bookings and addressing queries, plus organising Trustees for opening and closing the Centre for hirers (including taking many of these on herself).

Our local websites – Thorntonvillage.com and Facebook – are managed and regularly updated by Gill Tapping and Amy Bakewell thus providing us with new opportunities to advertise the Centre’s facilities and events.

Our thanks go to all three mentioned for their commitment, help and enthusiasm in promoting the Centre.

Health and Safety

Weekly checks continue to be done on fire alarm points and monthly checks on emergency exits and lighting.

Annual PAT testing on all relevant electrical appliances has been completed.

Annual gas safety testing has been completed throughout the Centre.

In conclusion:

Finally, I would also like to thank the following:

• all the trustees for their continued support;
• Gill Tapping – project management and applying for and obtaining a number of grants throughout the year;
• Alex Docherty of Sound Reduction Systems – Sports Hall sound proofing; 
• Dave Goodburn, Painter and Decorator;
• Tim TLB Construction Ltd.;
• Jon Loseby of Losby Lectrics – statutory and ad hoc electrical testing;
• Tom Orme of Charnwood Heating Services – statutory gas testing, plumbing tests, plus ad hoc repairs.

Mary Gibson,

Chair of Trustees.

22^nd May 2025

New Chairperson and Vice Chair Thornton Community Centre

At the AGM, Mary Gibson stood down as ‘Chair’ after a 5 year term of office.

The trustees thanked her profusely for presiding over the many improvements at the Centre especially post Covid and for all her hard work in overseeing the day to day running of the Centre.

At the AGM Dan Smith was elected as the new Chair, and Delia Geary the Vice Chair, of the Community Centre Trustees – we wish them well in continuing to oversee all the improvements, renovations and repair work and day to day running at the centre.

Although most of the work has been completed there is still more to be done.

Urgently required are fund raising ideas for the centre – we need to replenish our depleted reserves to get the decking and car park extension built, the kitchen/toilet flooring replaced and new tables and chairs and trolleys purchased. COULD YOU HELP TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF THIS WONDERFUL VILLAGE RESOURCE? – Then please contact the trustees – thorntonvillage@aol.com