Charitable Trust
Chairman's Report, September 2024
Meeting 7 June 2024
Donations Awarded.
LionMouth Project (£3000)
The ‘Trust’ provided funding for a prefabricated unit (shed) and fittings for the dispensation of coffee, tea and snacks within the grounds, as a facility for visitors.
Coxhoe Community Centre (£2000)
An award was made to improve wheelchair access to the community centre, by replacing the mechanism to the automatic doors.
SWaN Safe Hub (£1000)
A funding request was granted to support an initiative, initially set up for the safety of women at night (SWaN), but has changed to be available for any vulnerable person within the city centre.
Amber Bee Mindfulness Project. (£1000)
An award was made to the project and activities are designed to help children in Durham with the mindfulness prior to transition into senior school and create a lifelong habit to help support mental health wellbeing.
Appointment of Trustees.
It was minuted, that the Chairman of the Wardens had been invited to become a Trustee and Chairman of the Trustees, but he had declined the invitation.
AGM
Charitable Trust, Tuesday 10 September.
New trustee.
Canon Michael Everitt was confirmed and welcomed as a member of the Charitable Trust. Michael will bring a further dimension to the work of the ‘Trust’ and hopefully widen its reach into the community of Durham.
Election of Officers.
The following officers where are elected;
Chairman, Eric Bulmer.
Secretary, John Booth
Treasurer, Theresa Ford.
Donations Awarded.
Durham Quilters (£500 A community group established for almost 30 years, has been awarded funding to provide a Textile Training Workshop led by a textile artist. The group is also engaged in outreach work with the Durham Young Quilters, to ensure traditional Durham Quilting continues to thrive for future generations.
The ‘Trust’ is considering providing additional support for equipment, subject to confirmation of security arrangements at the centre where their courses are held.
Brandon Boxing Club (£1000)
A grant has been provided to support their current project of fitting out an extension to their premises, with fitness and weights equipment. This will enable the club to provide more sessions for the community.
The 12 volunteer coaches provide classes for everyone, with ages ranging from 5 years-70 years, the users also include those with disabilities and they also have sessions for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Durham County Stroke Club (£500)
The Club was established in 2011 and provides support for stroke survivors, by facilitating their participation in community events, recreational activities and social gatherings. The funding will provide expenses for volunteer drivers, to enable stroke survivors to attend the above events.
Festival of Remembrance (£1000)
The festival that is held in the Cathedral on the eve of the Remembrance Parade, features prominently in the calendar of the Durham community. The event provides a fitting tribute to those who fell in defence and their country and provides support for the Army Benevolent Fund, who in conjunction with the Cathedral, organise the event.
Waddington Street Centre (£2000)
Waddington Street Centre is a ‘place based’ mental health resource centre, based in Durham City and have 43 years’ experience of providing a range of support services. They are ‘person-centred and recovery focused’ with 200 people referred to the centre. The donation will help fund a support worker to meet the increase in demand on the service.
David Russell Trust (£1000
The Foodbank that is part of the above charity, is based in Framwellgate Moor and the donation will provide support to those in the community struggling in this challenging financial climate.
Apprentice Award Event (£200)
The event which is funded from the Apprentice/ Training (restricted) element of the Charitable Trust’s budget, once again had a very successful evening in the Town Hall, with nine apprentices gaining awards, which were presented by Durham’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Michael Poole.
A full report of the event is featured on the Freemen’s website.
Remembrance Parade
Confirmation that a donation of £1000 that is embedded in the Charitable Trust budget, has been awarded to support the Remembrance Parade of 2024. This annual event provides a focus for the people of Durham, to pay their respects to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and to those who continue to provide for our nation’s defence and security.
Mayors Charity (£1000)
Another embedded donation that will be presented to Liz Brown the Mayor of the City of Durham, to her nominated charities at an appropriate event in her calendar.
Charitable Trust Website
Comprehensive details of all donations will be posted on the website in due course.
In the mean-time Wardens and Trustees are encouraged to check-out on the website, the objectives for awarding donations and to pass on details to charities and worthy causes, that they feel will benefit from the support the Charitable Trust.
Eric Bulmer,
Chairman - Charitable Trust. 14 September 2024