Following the Annual General Meeting in July, can I take this opportunity to thank the previous trustees for their service to the charity.
The newly appointed trustees of the NMPFA have been working diligently to assess and stabilise the charity’s operations.
We understand that it has taken some two months to provide an update on our progress, and we wish to explain the reasons behind this delay. Upon taking office, there was revealed an administrative situation far more complex than anticipated.
Over the preceding years the former trustees had been working to move the NMPFA into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
However, following a review by the Charity Commission earlier this year the process ran into legal difficulties and it became clear that the land originally gifted to the beneficiaries by Lady Harrison in 1965 could not be transferred to the new CIO.
Taking advice from various sources including the Charity Commission, solicitors and the charity’s accountants the new Management Committee, Trustees, at a meeting on 8th September, resolved to halt the process and continue operating as the NMPFA. This decision has not been easy but has been taken after significant research effort.
This, coupled, with work to transfer various other authorities to the new Trustees has taken quite some time and indeed some work is still in progress. Notwithstanding this we are able to advise the following progress:-
1. Legal and Financial Restructuring:
The new CIO (Nunthorpe & Marton Recreation Trust) will be mothballed, and we will continue to operate as the original NMPFA. We need to review our VAT and tax status, as well as updating our banking arrangements. We will also review the NMPFA bank accounts to ensure transparency and accountability.
We intend to review all existing policies and introduce new policies where appropriate based on Charity Commission templates.
Going forward we will revert to Annual General Meetings in April or May of each year and this will be the case for 2025 onwards.
2. Safety and Maintenance:
A comprehensive Fire Safety Compliance inspection has already been undertaken and we await the inspection report. Whilst we are currently operating within safety guidelines, we are prioritising a project plan for urgent maintenance and implementing an inspection regime to identify and prioritise need. We have already taken steps to carry out urgent remedial work to the garage near the tennis courts to make the building more secure.
3. Future Development:
Although our immediate focus is on stabilising the charity, we are excited about other potential new developments for the NMPFA. As matters are progressed further details will be shared in due course but rest assured that we are working hard to ensure the charity’s future is secure and prosperous. In particular we wish to see celebratory events in 2025 for the 60th anniversary of the charity.
Trustees and committee members are already at work to create this new look for the NMPFA website including, as development proceeds, a sporting and recreation events calendar, and direct links to an NMPFA Facebook page with a draft new brand and logo as illustrated here.
With overall membership growing, we recognise there is still much work to be done, but are confident that further positive changes are on the way. We are fortunate to have the support of a dedicated team of volunteer trustees and co-opted members, as well as the goodwill and backing of our residents, members and community representatives.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to providing further updates in the coming weeks.
Contact: chairman@nmpfa.org.uk
Chris Foggin – Chairman
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