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Annual Report
2014/2015
Evesham Town Council
Welcome to Evesham Town Council’s Annual Report for
2014/2015
This year the Town Council has dedicated itself to improving,
developing and evolving.
We have taken steps, which will see Evesham Town Council go
forward after the election as a more effective and engaging
council, where public participation will be welcomed and
embraced. The recent standing orders review will put the new
council and councillors on a new level of efficiency and
effectiveness.
The completion and adoption of the Town Plan also helps guide
the council and sets objectives which we should all be aiming for.
The creation of a new Town Plan committee which also includes
non-councillors is a first for Evesham Town Council and it proves
our desire to work with all parties and shows we recognise the
contribution they can have and do make in our town.
We have had one new addition to the Town Council this year with
Councillor Emma Haynes being co-opted to fill the vacancy left by
the death of Councillor Ivor Stewart. Emma is well respected in
the Evesham community and we are delighted to have her on
board. 2014 also saw the untimely death of Councillor Reg
Jakeman. Cllr Jakeman served at a Town Councillor and District
Councillor and will be sorely missed.
The Town Council has actively participated in local projects and
fully supported initiatives led by others, such as the ‘No limits’
campaign to improve disabled access and equipment at the crown
meadow park; the commemoration festival of the 750th
anniversary of the battle of Evesham; the Bell Tower Appeal and
doing our own bit to improve our town and its assets with
projects such as the renovation of the War Memorial and the
Photography project of Evesham’s History around the bottom of
the town hall.
We all breathe a collective sigh of relief as the South
Worcestershire Development Plan moves forward and we have
been glad to see recent inspector decisions at appeal supporting
Wychavon as having a five year housing land supply.
One tangible benefit of growth, though, is the New Homes Bonus,
a Government grant intended to reward local communities that
have increased numbers of occupied homes. Three major projects
have benefited from this funding pot in the last 12 months: The
Bell Tower Appeal (£50,000), the Almonry Museum's "Great Big
Almonry Project" (£58,000) and improvement work on Wallace
House Community Centre (£20,000).
Being Mayor of Evesham has been an enormous privilege and
pleasure, I have learnt about so many aspects of the town, which
I was unaware of before. Evesham despite its faults is a vibrant
place situated in a wonderful part of the world. Times have been
hard, but things do look like they are on the up. Waitrose coming
to Evesham will no doubt boost trade, but the contribution made
by local independent traders and trader groups have also been
enormously encouraging and the sense of community seems to
be washing all over us.
Town Mayor’s
Report
2014/2015
Finally, I'd like to thank my fellow councillors for their invaluable
support and guidance during this year - their commitment to the
job at hand is second to none. I wish those who are not standing
for re-election a happy retirement and to those who will stay and
fight the election good luck. In the same breath, I look forward to
welcoming new Councillors and I hope I’m there with them!
I must mention the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Fred Kaler, who has
stepped in for me on many occasions when a clash of dates made
it impossible for me to attend an engagement. He has been a
great deputy.
I'd also like to thank the officers and staff of the Town Council for
all of their work throughout the year and the support they have
given me as Mayor.
Cllr Charlie Homer
Mayor of Evesham 2014-2015
Town Mayor’s
Report
2014/2015 /cont...
Introduction to the Town Council
Evesham Town Council is at the first tier of local
government providing services for the people of
Evesham with an operating budget of approximately
£500,000. The Council is made up of 24 elected
councillors representing five wards, and a small team
of officers led by the Town Clerk.
The Town Council is responsible for three allotment
sites, three cemeteries, two closed church yards,
Christmas lights, the Charter Market, Evesham Town
Hall (first floor), Bonfire/Firework event, floral
Evesham and the Almonry Museum and Tourist
Information Centre. The Town Council is also a
statutory consultee on many issues including planning
and acts as a trustee to the Samuel Wallace Smedley
Trust.
The Council also provide financial support for various
festivals in Evesham as well as other projects such as
the Town Plan. The Town Council distributes grants to
various local organisations; application forms are
available form our website.
The Town Mayor, a position that has existed in the
town since it was awarded its Charter in 1604, chairs
council meetings. All Council and committee meetings
are held at the Town Hall and are open to the public to
attend. Agendas and Minutes can be downloaded
from the Evesham Town Council Website.
www.eveshamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Twitter: @EveshamTC
www.facebook.com/eveshamtowncouncil
www.mayorofevesham.co.uk
www.almonryevesham.org/
Phone: 01386 443322
EVESHAM TOWN
COUNCIL
Mr Stuart Carter
Town Clerk
Office Staff
Carol Chambers
Keeley Palmer
Almonry Museum & TIC
Staff
Tonia Collett
Adele Webb
Claire Costello
Philip Logan
Jayne Flaxman
Ground Staff
Richard Osbourne
Anthony Keithley
David Haynes
Christopher Dowling
Keith Fitzgerald (seasonal)
Tiers of Local Government in Evesham
In Evesham, there are three tiers of local government, all with
different responsibilities and duties.
Evesham Town Council is at the first tier, the grass routes of local
democracy.
The three authorities in Evesham are:
Worcestershire County Council (WCC)
WCC is responsible for services across the whole of the county,
including:
education
transport and highways
planning
social care
libraries
waste management
trading standards
Wychavon District Council (WDC):
WDC covers a smaller area (Wychavon district) than WCC and is
responsible for services including:
rubbish collection
recycling
Council Tax collection
housing
planning applications
Evesham Town Council
We operate at the grass roots level and only cover the Parish of
Evesham.
We are responsible for and provide a number of services such as:
allotments (3 sites)
public clocks
bus shelters
The Almonry Museum and Tourist Information Centre
grants to help local organisations
grants for local festivals
consultation on planning
cemeteries (3 sites)
closed churchyards (2 sites)
Evesham Town Hall (first floor)
The War Memorial
Council Tax
Evesham Town Council constitutes the smallest proportion of your
council tax bill. The average Band D property will pay £47.89 per
year for the Town Council services. This is the first year in five
that the charge to residents has increased.
Evesham Town Council receives no funding from central govern-
ment, nor does it receive income from business rates. The Town
Council is purely funded by he Council Tax levy, and through in-
come generated from its assets.
Tiers of Local Government
in Evesham
Avon Ward
Your Councillors (all Councillors are Members of the Planning & General Purposes Committee)
Cllr R S W Jones
11 Woodland Piece
Evesham
WR11 1BJ
Member of Promotion Committee
Cllr Mrs Jean Taylor
58 West Street
Evesham
WR11 3DR
Cllr Martin Hammon
Number Ten
Albert Road
Evesham
WR11 4JX
Member of Promotion Committee
Bengeworth Ward Cllr Alan Booth
19 Littleworth Street
Evesham
WR11 4AW
Member of Personnel Committee and Chairman of Grants
Committee, Chairman of Promotion
Cllr Michael Elliman
4 Brick Kiln Street
Evesham
WR11 2AA
Member of Property Committee
Cllr Mark Goodge
8 Elm Road
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 3DL
Member of Promotion Committee
Cllr Norbert Tucker
63 Elm Road
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 3DR
Cllr Mrs Rebecca Whiting
4 Masters Close
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 1EL
Member of Promotion Committee
Abbey Lane (Abbey Lane Court, Abbot Walters Court)
Abbey Road
Abbot Chrytons Place
Albert Road
Avon Street (Brick Kiln Place, Magpie Court)
Bewdley Lane
Bewdley Street (Bewdley Court, Brewery Court, Court-
lands, Haines Place, Rowlands Court, Sinclair Court)
Boat Lane
Briar Close (Burlingham Court, Terrill Court)
Brick Kiln Street (Hopkiln Gardens)
Coxlea Close
Edward Street
Ferry View
George Street
Henry Fowler Close, Henry Street, High Street (Yates
Court)
Huxleys Way
Littleworth Street (Tredwells Court), Littleworth Walk
Merstow Green (The Old School House)
Merstow Place (Meade Court)
Queens Road, Rudge Road, Shepherds Pool
St Lawrence Road, Temple Mews, Vine Street (Vine
Mews)
West Street, William Crescent
Abbey Gardens,
Abbey Gate,
Abbey Mews
Abbey Road
Allardene
Badsey Lane
Badsey Road
Bridge Street (Monks Walk)
Broadway Road (Hill Crest, Longdon Hill)
Burford Gardens, Burford Road
Burlingham Avenue
Castle Street (Banner Court, Nailers Row)
Cedarwood Gardens, Cestrum Crescent, Cestrum
Walk, Church Street (Gardners Square, Cravens
Court)), Clyde Avenue, Common Road, Conwy Drive
Conduit Hill (Pinder Heights), Cornflour Drive
Coronation Street, Cowl Street
Deacle Place
Drakes Lea
Elm Road, Elmside
Freesia Close
Glencoe Road
Harvey Road, Hyacinth Close
Kings Road (Philipscote, The Old School)
Knowle Hill
Leys Walk, Lichfield Avenue, Lily Walk
Lime Street (Masons Court)
Leys Walk
Lock View
Lower Leys (Goodwin Gardens)
Market Place, Marigold Close
Medway Road
Mill Bank (The Old Mill), Mill Street Monks Walk
Montfort Street, Mortimers Quay, Mount Road
New Street
North Road
Northwick Road
Oat Street
Offenham Road
Port Street Robins Meadow, Robins Corner, Robins
Meadow Robins Walk, Rosebank
Shannon Way, Shor Street, Solent PlaceSwan Lane
Tamar Place
The Leys,
Tyne Drive
Vine Street, Viburnum Walk, Violet Walk
Wards Close Waterside Wesley Cottages, Wisteria Drive
Great Hampton
Ward
Your Councillors
Cllr Mrs Diana Raphael
19 Boat Lane
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 4BP
Chair of Property Committee & Member of Promotion Ctte
Cllr Mrs Frances Smith
The Orchard
Malinshill Road
Evesham
WR11 2QG
Chairman of Personnel Committee
Cllr John Smith OBE
The Orchard
Malinshill Road
Evesham
WR11 2QG
Member of Property Committee
Little Hampton
Ward Cllr Andrew Dyke
6 Blackberry Way
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 2AH
Member of Property Committee, Promotion Committee
and Personnel Committee
Cllr Wendy Dyke
6 Blackberry Way
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 2AH
Cllr Gerry O’Donnell
4 St Paul’s Close
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 4TA
Member of Promotion Committee
Cllr Fred Kaler—Deputy Mayor
53 Columbine Grove
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 3LR
Member of all Committees
Cllr Robert Raphael
Hampton Ferry House
Hampton
Evesham
WR11 2PR
Member of Promotions Committee
Alexandra Road
Basson Court, Berryfield Road, Blossomfield Close
Bredon Crescent, Brookside
Charlton Close, Chestnut Close, Church Road
Clarks Hill Rise (Hampton House)
Evendene Road
John Martin Square
Highfield Road, Hillside Close, Hylton Road
John Martins Square, Kent Close
Lilac Close, Lunns Gardens
Malinshill Road, Martin Avenue, Marymans Road
Maycroft, Meadows End, Merrybrook
Merrybrook Heights
Mill Road
New Road
Parklands, Peewit Road
Pershore Road (Churchill Court)
Red Lane, Rosemary Close, Ryden Lane
School Road (Lynwood Close, Old School Court)
St Andrew Road
Summerfield Gardens
The Pool, Workman Road
Andrews Drive
Battleton Road
Blackberry Way
Bluebell Way
Celandine Way
Cheltenham Road (Orchard Walk)
Coldicott Gardens
Columbine Grove
Cornmill Road
Fairfield Place
Fairfield Road (1-84)
Goodwood Close
Hamilton Road
Hemmingway
Honeysuckle Close
Isbourne Crescent
Jasmine Walk
Kempton Close
Larkspur Drive
Lavender Walk
Lingfield Road
Pershore Road
Robina Close
St Catherines Road
St Davids Drive
St Georges Close
St James Drive
St Margarets Road
St Patricks Close
St Philips Drive
St Wulstans Close
St Johns Close
St Lukes Close
St Marks Close
St Matthews Close
St Michaels Close
St Pauls Close
Salisbury Drive
Sandown Road
The Heathers
The Link
Thistledown
Waterside (Fountain Court, Fountain Gardens)
South Ward
Your Councillors Cllr Jim Bulman
12 Broadway Road
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 1BH
Member of Property Committee & Promotion Committee
Cllr Mrs Lynne Jakeman
11 Manor Close
Badsey
Evesham
WR11 7HH
Member of Personnel Committee and Grants Committee
Vacancy
Twyford Ward
Cllr Patrick Boyd
Wren Cottage
8 Glebe Road
Aston Somerville
WR12 7JB
Member of Property Committee
Cllr Charlie Homer-Mayor
8 River House
Common Road
Evesham
WR11 4QY
Member of all Committees
Cllr Mrs Beryl Gurden
11 Simon de Montfort Drive
Greenhill
Evesham
WR11 4NR
Member of Property Committee
Cllr Mrs Jo Sandalls
4 Homesmith House
St Mary’s Road
Evesham
WR11 4EH
Member of Property Committee & Grants Committee
Cllr Ms Emma Haynes
48 Bredon View
Hampton
Evesham
WR11 2AG
Member of Property Committee
Alder Grove, Almond Close, Anne Crescent
Ash Grove, Aspen Close
Barnards Close, Battleton Road,
Bayly Close
Beach Close, Birch Avenue,
Blackthorn Close
Broadway Road (Longdon Hill)
Burma Close, Butterfly Crescent
Cavendish Place, Charles Close
Church Street (Barley Orchard Court)
Cherry Close ,
Coopers Lane (Fairwater Gardens)
Cypress Close
Davies Road, Digby Road,
Donney Brook
Durcott Gardens, Durcott Road
Elizabeth Road, Fairfield Road (86-156)
Fairwater Close, Falkland Road
Fielden Close, Forest Gate
Foster Road, Four Pools Lane
Four Pools Road
Foxglove Close
Hawthorn Road, Hazel Avenue
Holly Close,
Holmwood Gardens
Laburnum Drive, Larch Road
Laurel Avenue, Linden Close
Lindsey Avenue, Longdon Hill
Maple Close, Mansion Gardens
Masters Close, Mayfair
Oaktree Close, Overbrook,
Owletts End
Poplar Close
Porter Road
Priors Walk
Rowan Close
Saxonbury, Simons Way
Spinney Grove
St Peters Close
Sycamore Avenue
Thorn Lea
Trinity Close
Waterside
Watsons Lane, Willow Road,
Windmeres
Wood End, Woodland Piece, Woodlands
Yew Tree Close
A46 Evesham Bypass, Abbotswood
Balmoral Close, Blayneys Lane
Cambria Road, Collinsfield
Common Road – River House
Common Road – Vale House
Croft Road
De La Bere Close
Goodalls Grove
Greenhill, Greenhill Gardens
Greenhill Park Road, Greenhill Terrace
High Street
Lanesfield Park, Leicester Grove
Prince Edwards Close, Prince Henrys Close
Princess Road, Rightons Court
Rynal Place (Conduit House)
Rynal Place (Willmott House)
Rynal Place (Tarrys Row)
Rynal Street
Sandringham Close
Simon de Montfort Drive
St Mary’s Road (Homesmith House)
Swan Lane, Tarry’s Row
The Hodges, The Squires
Victoria Avenue,
Windsor Road
Worcester Road (Daniel House, William House)
No
Image
Available
Planning and General Purposes (P & G P)
Annual Report 2014/2015
The P & G P Committee is primarily responsible for
making recommendations on planning applications.
Over the last 12 months the P & GP has considered
and reported on planning applications ranging from
proposals to erect garden fences through to house
building.
We have had to consider whether there were any valid
planning reasons for objecting to the application being
approved. Before approving and application we look
at whether the proposal is consistent with
development plan for the area.
We also look at effect on amenities and the possible
impact upon the appearance of the surrounding area,
and the increase in traffic movement and parking etc.
The Town Council is consulted as of right on all
planning proposals within its boundaries and its
responses are considered by the Planning Authority
WDC who has the final decision unless, the matter
goes to appeal and/or public inquiry.
Other matters the committee considered including
traffic calming, footpath, street trading consents etc.
For the future there is some apprehension that even
more housing are planned, much of the concern is will
our green belt cope, only time will tell.
It remains for me to thank all the Town Councillors for
their contribution/expertise during the past twelve
months the Town Clerk and staff for their support and
advice.
Cllr Fred Kaler—Deputy Mayor
Planning and General
Purposes Committee
Meetings held on the last
Monday of each month with
the exception of May,
August and December
Promotion Committee Report 2014/15
The Promotions Committee, of which I am proud to chair, is
charged by the Town Council to spend it’s budget wisely to
promote Evesham to as wide an audience as possible.
For many years we have had the enviable reputation amongst
the District and much further afield of providing a very large
number of events drawing large crowds from the local area and
much further afield.
In the year just gone the Town Council gave financial support
to the Vintage Festival, the River Festival, the Festival of Brass,
as well as paying for the production of various guides and
leaflets to promote the town.
So from Bands in the Park through to the Vintage Festival we
have a wide range of attractions to please both the local people
and visitors to our town.
As well as supporting events in the town we also work with
other organisations to try and provide inward investment by
companies in terms of retail shops and other businesses.
2015 promises to be a major year for Evesham. The Town
Council has agreed to support the Battle of Evesham Festival
with funding of £20,000 to help make this event the biggest
and the best it can be. So much is planned so please tell your
friends and family about it, www.battleofevesham.co.uk for full
details. The festival, is just one part of a series of events to
mark 750 years since this nation defining event took place and
it is all on our doorstep.
You the residents can do more to promote Evesham than
money can buy. Please spread the word about the these
fantastic events, , the beautiful river, the great parks, and the
proud history this town has, so as many people visit as possi-
ble.
As well as thanking my fellow members of the Committee and
the Town Council Staff, I would like to pass on my thanks to
the myriad of people who work so hard and put in many hours,
organising and putting on the events that occur throughout the
year.
Cllr Alan Booth
Chairman
Promotion
Committee Meetings held quarterly
Property Committee Annual Report 2014/15
The Property Committee has the responsibility of
looking after the Town Council’s portfolio of buildings
and outdoor spaces, the Town Hall, Almonry Heritage
Centre, three cemeteries. To help us do this, we
employ a team of four outdoor staff and one part-time
gardener, Brian Hemming who is the caretaker for the
Town Hall is retiring after many years of service.
Thank you Brian for all your hard work and we are
going to miss you.
The Town Hall in the Market Square is the spiritual
home of the Town Council and the venue for all its
committee and council meetings. Grade II listed, the
Town Hall provides a grand setting for all the groups
and classes that meet there. The Town hall is afforda-
ble and versatile, and is a great venue for any occa-
sion Weddings and Anniversaries, Christenings and
Funerals.
The Council often receives enquires about the ground
floor of the Town Hall. Unfortunately, we do not hold
the lease or freehold to the ground floor and
therefore have no control over it. We have however
improved the look of the ground floor at the
instigation of our Mayor Councillor Charlie Homer with
the photographic project that portrays Evesham over
the last Century.
The Almonry is arguably the most loved building in
Evesham (along with the Bell Tower), and it is the
Town Council who are responsible for maintaining and
staffing it. The Almonry is not just a fantastic local
museum that all Evesham residents should visit; it is
also a vital tool for promoting the town and its
businesses in its capacity as the Tourist Information
Centre. Over the past year, the Almonry and TIC staff
have been exceptionally busy formulating bids for the
Heritage Lottery Fund to aid a restoration of this
historic building and enhance the way the collection is
presented.
The Town Council is responsible for three Cemeteries
(Waterside, Hampton, and Bengeworth) and three
Allotment sites (Rynal Place, Common Road and Inch-
es Lane). Like most local authorities, the Town Council
has faced problems with capacity, burial space is
running short and allotments are over subscribed.
The Town Council are proceeding with plans to expand
Hampton Cemetery into the playing field. The surveys
are at present with the Environment Agency and we
hope to make more progress shortly.
Regarding allotments, we have continued our
inspections to ensure that any plot holders not
cultivating their plots are following a warning letter,
are removed from their plot. We have recently
installed a new gate on the site at Inches Lane
Property Committee
Meetings held quarterly
Property Committee Annual Report 2014/15
continued
and continue to look at ways to improve all the sites.
The biggest project on the allotments this year has
been the clearance of overgrown plots and rubbish
that has accumulated over 10 years on the Common
Road site. We have removed around 9 tonnes of
rubbish and rubble and are in the final stages of
clearing it in preparation of creating two new plots.
The Town Council staff also maintain All Saints
Churchyard, Hampton playing fields and the closed
Churchyard at St Peters. The Council has undertaken
significant tree work in All Saints Churchyard over the
last year, including the filling of potholes.
Once again of the highlights of the last year was the
amazing floral display. The Council employs seasonal
gardener to maintain these displays and almost all of
the plants are sourced locally.
We are very lucky to have such enthusiastic gardeners
and a supplier who really cares and I anticipate that
it will be even better this year when we celebrate the
750th anniversary of the Battle of Evesham.
Evesham is a fantastic place, and we hope that Town
Council enhances it through its buildings and green
spaces.
Finally, I would like to thank all Evesham Town
Council’s staff and my fellow committee members for
all their hard work over the last year.
Councillor Mrs Diana Raphael
Chair of the Property Committee
Property Committee
Meetings held quarterly
Grants Committee Annual Report 2014/15
The Grants Committee only sits once annually,
however, is one of the most satisfying to be involved
in, as it distributes funding to local groups and clubs.
In the financial year 2014/15 the committee
distributed £16,339 in small grants to groups as wide
ranging as Evesham Rambling Club to the Citizens
Advice Bureau.
There are many deserving groups in the town and
when awarding the grants, the committee takes into
account many different aspects, benefit to residents,
membership, whether funding is being sought for a
specific project. Ultimately, we judge each application
on its merits and try to help all those that apply.
The groups supported by grants in 2014/15 were:
Wallace House Community Centre
Citizens Advice Bureau
Evesham Mental Health
Evesham Adventure Playground
Evesham Twinning Assn
Avonbank Brass Band
Simon De Montfort Society
Riverside Shopmobility
Royal British Legion
Garage Art Group
Heart Support Group
Worcestershire Early Music
Evesham Arts Society
Evesham Rambling Club
Childrens Kayak Club
Evesham Music Club
Evesham Volunteer Centre
Smith Memorial Trust
Ourside Youth Association
Evesham Scouts
Applications for grants from local groups and
organisations are always welcome. The deadline for
applications is late July, so please ensure that you get
your completed applications to us in good time. An
application can be requested from the office or
alternatively, downloaded from our website http://
www.eveshamtowncouncil.gov.uk/council-committees/
grants-committee.html. For further information then
please contact the Town Clerk.
Councillor Alan Booth
Chair of the Grants Committee
Grants Committee
Meetings held Annually
The Town Council continues to support projects
through New Homes Bonus
The Town Council continues to support local projects and initia-
tives through New Homes Bonus funding from Wychavon
District Council, and this year as been no different.
‘No Limits’ inclusive play project—Crown Meadow
"The Town Council contributed £5,000 of New Homes Bonus
(NHB) funding towards the ‘No Limits’ project. The project, led
by local mother Lucy Bickerstaff, aimed to raise £20,000 for
new inclusive (where able bodies and physically impaired play
together) play equipment at Crown Meadow. So successful was
Mrs Bickerstaff, that she raised in excess of £40,000. The
installation of the new equipment is being done as this is
written.
Evesham Bell Tower
The Evesham Bell Tower project has received a vast amount of
local and regional media coverage as the fantastic fund raising
team looked to raise in excess of £400,000 to help restore this
Evesham landmark. The Town Council successfully bid for
£50,000 of NHB funding for this project and has helped them
all but succeed in hitting their fundraising target.
Restoration work to the Bell Tower will begin shorty. For more
details visit www.eveshambelltower.org.uk.
The Great Big Almonry Project
Another heritage project, is the fundraising appeal to restore
and enhance Evesham’s Almonry Museum and Tourist
Information Centre. The Council successfully applied for
£56,000 of NHB funding for this project, which is estimated at
£1.7 million. For more information visit
www.greatbigalmonryproject.com
New Homes Bonus
The Almonry Museum
& Tourist Information
Centre
Almonry Museum and Tourist Information
Centre
Annual Report 2014/2015
2014 was a bumper year for events and exhibitions at
the Almonry, with the staff working all out to create a
hugely varied programme for visitors of all ages to
enjoy.
The change to our ticket prices, with each one now
allowing multiple visits in one year, has been well
received. Visitors have commented on what good value
for money it is and we have already seen familiar faces
returning to make the most of the heritage the Almonry
has to offer.
Our ticketing partnership with Evesham Arts Centre has
continued to grow, alongside their own development as a
top venue for live comedy and theatre with big names
such as Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans and Alan Carr all
previewing their shows in Evesham for the first time.
Thanks to our two new volunteers, Sue Hall and Karen
Meadows, we were able to offer a new experience for
visitors throughout 2014: Collection Discovery Points.
These two dedicated individuals were on hand to help
visitors get up close to items from the collection
normally hidden away in stores or behind glass. People
really appreciated the chance to see and hold artefacts
from Evesham’s past.
Our rolling programme of children’s activities started off
with Picture the Almonry in February, Medieval Map
Makers at Easter, Pesky Monks during the summer
holidays, Oh Those Fossils during the Big Draw month,
and Repulsive Remedies in October. We finished this
programme with Breaking the Code, a day given over to
code breaking, messenger pigeons and the history of
ciphers which included a replica Enigma machine.
To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the start
of World War I, we held a series of exhibitions that ex-
plored the impact of the Great War on ordinary lives
within Evesham and the Vale, culminating in the tragic
story of Gunner Horace New from Bengeworth. These
exhibitions were jointly curated with the Royal British
Legion, the Racing Pigeon Association, GCHQ, and the
Rudge family.
Fundraising events for the Great Big Almonry Project
started with the Make Merrie evening here where music
was provided by Musyck Anon, dancing and Tudor banter
by the Tudor Maydes, and plague pustules by Steve
Chambers! We followed that with a Medieval weekend,
thanks to the kind donation from Feudals re-enactment
group of their time and equipment, where visitors could
visit Queen Eleanor and her camp. Three ghost hunts, a
Frost Fayre (featuring an appearance by the Winter
King) and our first ever live folk music event (a sell-out!)
featuring legendary Irish folkies Tir na nOg, rounded off
the year.
The Almonry Museum
& Tourist Information
Centre cont...
Almonry Museum and Tourist Information
Centre
Annual Report 2014/2015
And finally, we are immensely proud to have been able
to work with the Evesham and District Fine Arts Society:
their team of skilled embroiderers created thirty monks’
robes, small enough to be used by schools during our
education days.
For more information about the Almonry, the Great
Almonry Project and our events throughout 2015, please
visit www.almonryevesham.org.
Tonia Collett
Manager
Wallace House Community Centre
Annual Report 2014/15
The Town Council acts as Trustees to the Samuel Wallace
Smedley Trust.
Wallace House Community Centre began in 1946 when
Samuel Wallace Smedley set up a Trust Fund for the
people of Evesham to be used for a facility for
recreational, social, educational and sporting
opportunities, with particular emphasis on young people.
The present Community Centre was opened in 1969 by
W.V Smedley, son of the original founder. We offer a
wide range of activities for people from 6 months to our
senior Citizens Group.
Wallace House is an organisation which endeavours to
address the needs of the community, wide-ranging in
age, needs and abilities. Staffs have the ability to work
with a friendly, helpful and flexible approach to dealing
with members of the general public, particularly young
people.
This year has been a difficult year in regard to accessing
funding areas, mainly due to the changes which we have
seen over the past two years with many more groups
relying on funding from Trusts, due to the decline in
support from the government and austerity cuts. On a
more positive side Wallace House has been successful in
securing much needed funding for our work with young
people to continue in the project You Turn, a grant for
another year from County Council (£35,000) and Awards
for All (£7,000). Unfortunately our After School Club had
to close because of the clubs inability to be sustainable.
The reason is due mainly to parents now relying on
family and friends to look after the children and save on
child care costs. At present we are awaiting to find out if
the Centre will be successful with two grants - Sports
England (£72,000) and Severn Waste Fund(£10,000) to
move forward with the Management Committee Plans for
a much needed refurbishment.
The Centre’s successful work with young people includes
peer mentoring which enables the team to work with
local schools and early intervention with young people
with multiple family issues. The You Turn project has
been very successful with its work with 16 – 18yrs olds
and 19+ supporting them in their journey to employment
or further education. This project has developed a Youth
Allotment and Youth Cafe as well as enabling many
young people who attend to gain Open College Network
national qualifications. One of the main problems the
youth team encounter is young people with low level
mental health issues and at present You Turn is working
on securing funds for a specialist mental health worker.
Though this year has been very difficult and funding
limited all the team at Wallace House remain positive and
local people have been using the Centre, with many new
groups starting to use the facilities.
Mrs Lynda Huggan
Manager
Wallace House
Community Centre
Oat Street
Evesham
