Jonny Grew gave the Chairman’s report.  This is attached.  In particular, Jonny drew attention to the proposed new Vocational Centre project which would be the focus for the Charity’s future support.  There is a great deal of work required to shape this opportunity.  In reality any building work would be unlikely before September 2013.
The annual accounts were tabled and were subject to audit.  While expenditure exceeded income by £137,877 owing to the expenditure profile for the Arts Therapy Centre, the Charity’s position  remained positive with year end funds carried forward of £37,260.  This sum together with income committed as at 5th April 2010 and fundraising expected in 2010/11 is sufficient to meet the residual needs of the Arts Therapy Centre. The final total for the project is estimated at £560,000 which is under the £600,000 budgeted due to careful cost management of the build and fitting out. 
The cost of running the Charity remained low with no paid employees and very small administrative overheads.
Elizabeth Frearson gave the Fundraising report on behalf of Nemmy Elliot, which is attached.  The new strategy put into place last year has proved a great success and all targets were exceeded.
Ingrid Lancaster-Gaye gave her sincere thanks to the Trustees, Patrons and volunteers for their hard work and commitment to the Charity. Visitors to fundraising events often seem totally unaware that absolutely everyone who is contributing to the success of the Charity is doing it on an entirely voluntary basis.  The school and all those that benefit from the projects funded by the Charity are extremely grateful.
The Chairman brought the meeting to a close.

The Rowdeford Charity Trust AGM takes place at 6pm on 12th January 2011 in the Arts Centre at Rowdeford School.  This is an open meeting with an opportunity to socialise over drinks and nibbles.  Anyone with an interest in the Charity is most welcome to come along.  Please let the secretary Elizabeth Frearson know on e-mail elizabethfrearson@hotmail.co.uk so that we can provide sufficient catering.

The Trustees of the Rowdeford Charity Trust hosted a drinks party in the new Arts Centre to thank the many volunteers and helpers who had made the project possible.  This provided an opportunity for the many donors and contributors to have the satisfaction of enjoying the wonderful Arts Centre for themselves.

The Governors and Headteacher of Rowdeford School kindly hosted an event to mark the official opening of the Arts Therapy Centre on Thursday 28 January 2010.  Guests of Honour were Mike Bowden, President, Rowdeford Charity Trust and Mark Wilkinson, Project Patron.

The Chairman introduced the meeting by saying how fantastic it was to be holding it in the newly completed Arts Centre.  He thanked Mike Bowden especially for all his hard work in bringing the project to fruition, confirmed his appointment as President in recognition of his contribution and, as well a round of applause and a big thank-you, presented him with a token of gratitude from the other Trustees.

Ingrid Lancaster-Gaye gave her thanks to the Trustees for all their hard work in raising the funds to build the Arts Centre at Rowdeford School.  The vision is to utilise the Arts Centre to be congruent with the school’s specialist status, its position as a centre of excellence and to share that expertise. The Centre is ideally placed geographically at the centre of Wiltshire.

Local entrepreneur and unmistakably renowned businessman, Mark Wilkinson, has agreed to be the Project Patron for the creation of an Arts Therapy Centre in Rowde.  Mark agreed to take on this role because “This project is going to make a real difference to children with special needs right across Wiltshire”. 

Mike Bowden, Chairman of Rowdeford Charity Trust says, “Mark Wilkinson’s association with the project is a fantastic boost and we welcome his guidance, support and renowned entrepreneurship.  We feel that with Mark working with us we really can look forward to curtain up on the Arts Therapy Centre for 2010”.

Rowdeford Charity Trust has appointed Mike Bowden as Honorary President in recognition of his indefatigable work for the charity.  At the 2008 AGM he was honoured with a County Sheriff’s Achievement Award.  At this year’s AGM, at 6pm on Tuesday 24th November 2009, the Charity wishes to recognise Mike’s unfaltering commitment and hard work with his formal inauguration as President.

With Mike’s elevation to President, an executive structure has been formed to take the Charity forward and to continue to implement the objects of the charity.  Jonny Grew, a long serving Trustee of the Charity, becomes Chairman.  Lambert Courth brings his expertise gained as CEO of an international pharmaceutical company to the role of Vice-Chairman.  John Gaca, a qualified accountant and businessman becomes Treasurer ably assisted by Maggie Moore.  Neil Patterson injects legal experience; Elizabeth Frearson fulfills the Charity Correspondent and secretarial role and Nemmy Elliott leads Fundraising.

Registered charity number: 1088605