2012/2013Annual Report

Contents

Chairman’s Report 1

Grants 2

Grants awarded 8

Fundraising 10

Testimonials 14

Gifts in Kind 16

Financials 17

Acknowledgements 18

Trustees 20

Ways you can help 21

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Thanks to our loyal supporters, the Trust was able to continue its valuable work in the community this year; changing lives for the better and helping those in desperate need. A total of 42 local community groups and clubs received funding from the Trust, benefitting hundreds of people in the Stevenage area. The winter of 2012 was especially cold and long but through a new initiative working in partnership with the Follett Trust and Chauncy Housing Association,

Chairman’s Report

we were pleased to be able to help 51 families, in particular the elderly, to keep warm through the cold spell by offering assistance with their heating bills. Another partnering success story is our collaboration with the Stevenage Credit Union to provide short term loans for small amounts of money for individuals and families who have found themselves in an unexpected crisis situation. Thank you to the Credit Union for their on-going assistance with this project which has been a real life saver for those in desperate need.During the year we changed the business model of the trust. Most of the burden of organising fundraising events has been taken on by the trustees. This has enabled us to reduce our staff to one hard-

working part-timer. In consequence, our costs have fallen significantly, leaving us more money to help worthy causes and needy families in Stevenage.The support from so many individuals and businesses in our community never ceases to amaze me and it’s thanks to you all that our fundraising initiatives and events were so successful this year. Whether it was running a marathon, raffling a Christmas hamper or attending our most successful Celebrity Lunch ever, I can assure you that as a small local charity we will be allocating these funds wisely and making them stretch as far as possible to help as many people as possible in our community.

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Grants

Phoenix Group for Deaf ChildrenThe Trust presented a grant of £1,000 to this local charity so that a group of deaf children could take part in a four week programme of activities during the summer. The funding was used to pay for a communicator so that the kids could understand and take part in the events. The aim was to integrate deaf and hearing young people to help improve communication and remove barriers that currently prevent social cohesion. Included in the activities were deaf awareness training, a British Sign Language course, sport, drama, trips out, music, dance and events in the park.

Stevenage Women’s RefugeA grant of £700 funded a day at the zoo for the women and children from the refuge. Many of these families had fled their homes due to repeated physical and mental abuse so it was lovely that for one day, mums were able to enjoy some time out with their children away from their worries, and the children were given a chance to be just that; children.

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Grants

Barclay School Kart ClubThe kart club was set up over 40 years ago and is run completely by volunteers and funded by regular fundraising events such as quiz nights, band nights, and raffles. The club allows children to participate in a sport which would normally be cost prohibitive for many. All the funds raised are spent on the club owned karts and race meetings held around the country. The team meet every Thursday at Barclay School where they build, repair and maintain the karts themselves under the supervision of volunteer mechanics. The Trust was able to help the club with a grant of £2,000 to update the karts which have enabled the children to compete on a similar level with other teams and attract new members.

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Carers in HertfordshireCarers in Hertfordshire is a charity that was set up in 1995 and now supports over 700 Stevenage carers. They are keen to reach many more of Stevenage’s estimated 10,000 hidden and un-served carers and help them to access essential support available to them. To help them achieve this they wanted to produce a film with interviews from members of the Stevenage Group and Carers in Hertfordshire staff sharing their experience as carers and of giving and receiving peer to peer support. Thanks to the Trust, a grant of £1,500 meant they were able to produce this film and raise awareness of the essential support that is available to carers.

The film also helped to demonstrate to Stevenage carers and local organisations, the benefits of getting support – these include physical and mental health benefits, prevention/relief of financial hardship and reducing isolation.

Stevenage Town Rugby ClubThe 1st team rugby posts, which were 30 years old, were blown down and desperately needed replacing, and the clubhouse was deemed unfit for purpose, a health and safety hazard and had no facilities for the disabled. The toilets were so old that they would not flush and had cracks that leaked water. A grant of £3,619 from the Trust paid for new toilets, urinals, sinks, taps and support rails for the disabled as well as the much needed goal posts.

Grants

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Turn the TideThis project is primarily a boat building programme for youngsters with behavioural issues, the isolated within dysfunctional families, those struggling in the education system, and even for child carers of sick parents.Run by volunteers, this venture gives young people the opportunity to pursue a skill, in hobby form, which may develop into a lifelong passion and interest with the additional benefit of gaining a qualification en-route. A grant of £1,500 was used to purchase materials to build 4 new boats which will benefit 16 young people initially with many more getting the opportunity to sail the boats at Fairlands Valley Lakes. The project is provided at no cost to young people across the

town and works closely with Schools, Youth Offending Team and Youth Connexions.

Grants

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Bedwell Rangers Football ClubThe Trust was thrilled to be able to provide Bedwell Rangers U17 Ladies with a new football kit, sweatshirts and training jackets after receiving a positive statement about the girls from a member of the business community, she said “I saw the great work the manager does with the girls; the football keeps them focused and hence generally making them better members of the community.” The club has one of the largest girls and ladies sections in Hertfordshire with children starting from as young as 6 years old.

Datchworth Parish CouncilFor over 10 years, Datchworth Parish Council had been trying to put to good use a dilapidated area of their ground but financial restraints meant this had not been possible. With help from Stevenage Community Trust, the space has been transformed into a multi-use play area for adults and children of all ages. The area was resurfaced, sports courts were marked out, basketball nets and football goals were added as well as installing a range of play equipment.

Stevenage Community Trust Emergency Loan SchemeThe Stevenage Credit Union requires individuals to successfully save a manageable amount each week for a period of 8 consecutive weeks prior to release of a loan. In 2012, the Trust approached the Credit Union to set up a scheme which would provide immediate loans for those in urgent need. An initial amount of £1,500 was given to the Credit Union with all referrals and approvals being administered by the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Grants

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Surviving Winter campaignFollowing generous donations from The Follett Trust and the Chauncy Housing Association, the Trust was able to distribute almost £8,000 in small grants to over 50 individuals and families at risk due to the cold weather during the winter. The funds were especially aimed at the elderly, the homeless and families on low income to help with heating bills, bedding or other items to help them keep warm. Working in partnership with a number of support agencies in the town, the Trust was able to ensure the funds were used to support those most in need in our community.

Grants

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Grants awarded

Wheels ProjectThe Hertfordshire Groundwork TrustBunnies Parent and Toddler GroupFriends of Martins HouseStevenage Garden and Allotment AssociationKnit and NatterStevenage ShopmobilityUpfront ProjectHomestart StevenagePhoenix Group for Deaf ChildrenGEMMSStevenage Women’s RefugeOut There CharityBarclay School Kart ClubCrossroads CareTurn the Tide Stevenage Hindu Guajarati AssociationCarers in HertsStevenage Storm Netball ClubThe Living RoomThree Horseshoes Bowls Club

Hertford Road Community CentreRemapStevenage District ScoutsDatchworth Parish CouncilWoolmer Green Parish CouncilStevenage Sporting FuturesPin Green Juniors FCGobi RanganathanHyperfusion Theatre Company Self-EmpowermentStevenage Credit UnionMossbury SchoolStevenage MuseumStevenage HavenIngelheim and Autun AssociationHerts AidCentral Stevenage Schools Stevenage and North Herts Athletic Club Albion Youth FCSalle Hadalin Fencing ClubBedwell Rangers FC

Grants awarded this year…

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We’ve also helped numerous individuals and families suffering financial hardship through our emergency grant scheme.

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London MarathonStevenage resident, Nick Henry, kindly offered to run the 26.2 mile course of the Virgin London Marathon in April 2012 to raise funds for Stevenage Community Trust. Thrilled with his achievement, Nick managed to raise a fantastic sum in excess of £2,000 for which the Trust is truly grateful.

Fundraising

Easter egg-stravaganzaThe Trust received overwhelming support for our Easter raffle in 2012 and was able to deliver a whopping 37 prizes to local businesses and community groups who kindly agreed to raise funds for the Trust by taking part. Each year this fundraising initiative continues to grow thanks to the generosity of our supporters. The idea is simple; participants are provided with an Easter gift and are asked to raffle the prize for a donation to the Trust. Thanks to all who took part in 2012 and helped to raise a record amount of £1,612.

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Golfing gloryTeams from local businesses came together for the 2012 Stevenage Community Trust charity golf day and helped to raise a fantastic sum of £1,725. For the first time in its 21 year history, the event was held at Knebworth Golf Club which provided a new challenge for many of our returning supporters. The weather was glorious and all who attended had a fantastic day. The winning team were from Leafbud Ltd with additional prizes being given for Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive and a Putting Competition.

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RLF Quiz NightThe annual quiz night continued to grow on its past success to provide an evening full of fun and entertainment for all who attended. The event, sponsored by local construction and property consultants, Robinson Low Francis (RLF), saw 22 teams compete for the title of quiz champions 2012 through 8 rounds of quiz questions and spot prize rounds with winning performances to the Steps classic ‘Reach for the Stars’ as well as prizes for the best gorilla impressions. Quiz master Vince Salter entertained guests in his guise as legendary Welsh songstress Shirley Bassey performing some of her hit songs, with amended lyrics for added entertainment value! With costume changes a plenty, Vince

also appeared as Snow White and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, all proving a hit with laughs and applause from the audience. The winning team was ‘The Vee Gees’ from local architects, Vincent and Gorbing. With generous donations from all of the teams who attended along with the proceeds from the raffle and a good old Heads and Tails game on the night, RLF were thrilled to present a cheque to Stevenage Community Trust for £2,112.65.

Fundraising

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Sponsored SwimMBDA apprentice, Laura Chapman and partner Christopher Morgan took part in the Stevenage and District Charities Annual Sponsored Swim at the Odyssey Health Club in October 2012. Along with volunteers from 23 other local charities, a total amount of £3,134.72 was raised. Thank you to Laura and Christopher for their time and effort.

Celebrity LunchThe Trust welcomed snooker legend and BBC commentator, Willie Thorne to the Celebrity Lunch at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre. Known on the snooker circuit as ‘Mr Maximum’, Willie certainly lived up to this title when it came to the auction by enticing guests to increase their bids for each lot. The afternoon also included a three-course meal for guests to enjoy with live music and speeches from those who had received grants from the Trust. Thank you to our main sponsors, Ken Follett, Happy Mechanics, Ian Campbell, Wagstaffs Chartered Accountants and Foreman Law Solicitors whose support ensured the event was a fantastic success raising almost £8,000.

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Testimonials

To all concerned at the Stevenage Community Trust, thank you so very much for your help with heating costs and the carpets fitted in my home. I will be eternally grateful.

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GRANT RECIPIENT

It was a great “surprise to receive your letter this morning which included a cheque towards kit for our Under 17 girls. We are very grateful to Stevenage Community Trust for their generous support which will assist us in providing the best possible kit and facilities for our girls to play their football. Very many thanks for your support; this will make a great difference to the team.

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DEREK FIELDSEND, BEDWELL RANGERS FC

Thank you from the staff and children at Longmeadow Primary school to the team that came to work in our courtyard area. Despite very difficult conditions the team got stuck in and have made a fantastic job of clearing and sorting out the area for the children to play in – it is cleaner, tidier and safer for them all to go out in – the children can’t wait to get out there; I don’t suppose you can do anything about the weather for us! We have OFSTED due to visit very shortly and the amazing makeover you have given our courtyard will be looked upon extremely favourably. The whole team worked really hard and had to be forced into stopping and taking a break – a fantastic effort by one and all – thank you very much. SHEILA MCDERMOTT, DEPUTY HEAD, LONGMEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL.

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A client came in today to collect her £125 cheque from the Surviving Winter fund. She said she has been without heating since November and has now been able to buy two electric heaters. She was so relieved and said that when she felt the room warming up it made her cry. She showed me her hands which are cracked and sore as a result of the cold. She was very pleased and very grateful. CASE WORKER, CITIzENS ADVICE BUREAU.

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“Thank you The Stevenage School Games will hopefully “be our school based legacy to London 2012 for

our secondary schools and once again I would like to thank you for your support. JILL EATON, STEVENAGE SPORTING FUTURES

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We are very grateful for this funding and a big thank you to the Trust for enabling the Credit Union to make a film and open our new collection point. ANNE SLADE, STEVENAGE CREDIT UNION

“ “The volunteers “worked really hard on Friday especially in all that rain, we cannot thank them and you enough for making this happen. VALERIE CHALKLEY, PINEWOOD SHELTERED HOUSING.

“very much for your support, it is very much appreciated. BRENDA LINDSEY, 3 TOWNS 1 VISION

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Thank you so

“much for the grant. As a by-product of your funding, we have increased the team by 5 more novice drivers.COLIN FENWICK, BARCLAY KART CLUB

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Gifts in Kind

Le Mare ChocolatEric PeacockHarriet KelsallToppers Print and DesignStevenage Packaging LtdJeannette ThomasNorth Hertfordshire College Studio

Magnite PRManor of Groves Kenny Arnold HairdressingThe Wine SocietyKnebworth EstatesBBW SolicitorsParadise Wildlife ParkStevenage Leisure LtdCineworldHilliersHRW SolicitorsMarshalls TrophiesCountry PropertiesRobinson Low FrancisKen FollettRamada CromwellLeafbud LtdVisible SystemsThornton LogisticsOli Khan

In addition to the financial contributions we receive each year, we are also grateful to the following individuals and organisations for their donations in-kind:

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2013Financials

Unrestricted funds (£)

Restricted funds (£)

2013 Total funds (£)

2012 Total funds (£)

IncomIng ResouRcesIncoming resources from generated fundsVoluntary income 23,481 16,000 39,481 53,233Activities for generating funds 28,848 - 28,848 26,428Investment income 13,150 - 13,150 13,188Other incoming resources - - - 260Total incoming resources 65,479 16,000 81,479 93,109

ResouRces eXPenDeDcosts of generating fundsFundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other costs

11,384 - 11,384 8,929

charitable activitiesGrants and donations 67,222 19,942 87,164 88,438Management and administration 24,041 - 24,041 21,892Total resources expended 102,647 19,942 122,589 119,259

neT IncomIng/ouTgoIng ResouRces

(37,168) (3,942) (41,110) (26,150)

Other recognised gains/lossesGains/losses on investment assets

46,371 - 46,371 (5,614)

net movement in funds 9,203 (3,942) 5,261 (31,764)

ReconcILIATIon oF FunDsTotal funds brought forward 469,092 7,417 476,509 508,273

ToTAL FunDs cARRIeD FoRWARD

478,295 3,475 481,770 476,509

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Acknowledgements

HilliersHRW Solicitors Home Group Hertford Road Community Association Hilda LawrenceHoliday Inn Stevenage HSBC Bank I M Lines and A J Lines Jeannette Thomas Ken Brown Motors Lytton Enterprises MBDA (UK) LtdMH Goldsmith and Sons MKG Motor Group North Hertfordshire CollegeNovotel Hotel RHG Robinson Low Francis Shephall Community AssociationSt Andrew & St George ChurchSt Nicholas Community Association

MembersAlex LangAnglia Battery Services Anita Parsley Aston CaterersAstrium LtdAustin’s Funeral DirectorsBaker WatkinBetfairBhavna JoshiBrignalls, Balderston & WarrenBrown and LeeCampbell CollinsCineworld UKConamar Building ServicesCrossroads in HertfordshireEat LunchGraham ClarkHertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

The Trustees would like to thank all donors and supporters who contributed to Stevenage Community Trust during 2012-13. Special thanks to our members for their continued support…

PATRON MEMBERS

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Stevenage Caribbean and African Association Stevenage CVSStevenage Glass Company Stevenage Leisure LtdStevenage Packaging LtdStevenage Rotary Club Stevenage Town Centre Management Toppers Print and DesignThe Comet NewspaperThe Management PracticeThe Wine Society Veale AssociatesWeldability SIF Westgate Shopping Centre

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Ken Follett Chair

Robert Stewart Vice Chair

Martin Addrison Secretary

Paul BeasleyIan Campbell (resigned 2012)

Rob CaseGraham ClarkJanis DanielFintan Donohue (resigned 2012)

Alan Fuller (resigned 2012)

Darren IstedBhavna JoshiAlan Juggins (resigned 2012)

Alex LangIan Morton Mike PhoenixSigne SutherlandJeannette ThomasSherma Batson Stevenage Borough Council representative

Richard Henry Stevenage Borough Council representative

Trustees

Barry Norman CBE President

Lord Cobbold Patron

Tom Johnson MBE Honorary Vice President

Hilda Lawrence Honorary Member

June Oldroyd Manager – (Apr - Dec 2012)

Caroline Haskins Manager (Jan 2013 – to date)

Wagstaffs Chartered Accountants, Walkern Road, Stevenage, SG1 3QP Registered Auditors

Rathbone Investment Management Ltd, 159 Bond Street, London, W1Y 9PA Investment Managers

HSBC, Danestrete, Stevenage SG1 1BY Bankers

Finance and Management CommitteeKen Follett Chair

Martin AddrisonPaul BeasleyRob CaseAlan Fuller (resigned 2012)

Ian Morton Robert StewartJeannette Thomas

Grants CommitteeJeannette Thomas Chair

Alan Fuller Chair (resigned 2012)

Martin AddrisonGraham ClarkMarian HurleDarren IstedAnn JanszBhavna JoshiAlex LangFavourite Ndlovu John PyeChris Tye

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The work of the Trust is only possible thanks to the generosity and support of local people and organisations. If you would like to contribute, here are some of the ways you can help;

Membership - join us today and with your help we can make a difference in our local community. Become a business member from as little as £100 per annum or an individual member for £5 per month.

Donate by text message. To donate £5 simply text STEV25 £5 and send to 70070. Donations will be deducted from your phone credit or monthly bill with no additional charges for the message. The Trust receives 100% of your donation.

Ways you can help

Volunteer to help at one of our events or assist with other activities throughout the year.

Fundraising - whether it’s skydiving from 13,000ft, running a marathon or simply holding a cake sale in the office, we can support all your fundraising activities.

Make a regular contribution through Payroll Giving - a flexible scheme which allows anyone who pays UK income tax to give regularly and on a tax free basis to the charities and good causes of their choice. Payroll Giving donations are deducted before tax so each £1.00 you give will only cost you 80p, and if you’re a higher rate tax payer it will only cost you 60p.

Come along to one of our events and show your support.

Consider leaving a gift to Stevenage Community Trust in your Will. For larger sums, a named fund can be set up to ensure grants are only given in accordance with your wishes.

For further information, please call us on 01438 525390 or email enquiries@stevenagecommunitytrust.org

Registered Office: Unit B Mindenhall Court, High Street, Stevenage, Herts SG1 3UNTel: 01438 525390Email: enquiries@stevenagecommunitytrust.orgWebsite: www.stevenagecommunitytrust.orgCharity No. 1000762Designed by The North Hertfordshire College Studio