ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2016
REPORTS
2015 / 2016
REGISTERD CHARITY NUMBER : 520900
1
CONTENTS
P.2
Contents……..Aims & Objectives……..Trustees……....Internal Auditors
P.3.
Chairperson’s Report
P.4.
Treasurers Report, Publicity, Advertising & Sponsorship
P.5.
Entertainments & Fundraising Report
P.6.
Canteen Report
P.7.
Training Report, Lettings, Carnival
P.8.
Petit Report
P.9.
Senior Drama Group Report, Ladybirds Report
P.10.
Springwell Art Group Report, Mini Monkeys & Dynamite Club Report, Jolly
Crafters Group Report, GAP Group Report
Aims and Objectives
The association abides by the constitution and aims to: Promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Springwell Village and the neighbourhood without discrimination, to
provide a safe environment for the promotion of activities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and
leisure time aimed at improving the quality of life of members and surrounding neighbourhood.
We maintain and operate within charity law, covering a wide range of activities and are open to all age groups
and abilities.
In achieving it’s objects S.V.C.V. will not discriminate upon the basis of age, sex, race, religion, disability,
status of sexuality.
TRUSTEES
Tracey Cowper
Diane Ellwood
Susan Holt
INTERNAL AUDITOR
Tracy Masters
2
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
I was delighted to welcome to the Management Committee Aimie Coburn and Amy Hunt, two young ladies
with fresh ideas and oodles of enthusiasm. We've had a busy, exciting year, with a very successful 50th
Anniversary, combined with Carnival Week - a wonderful 50 days of celebrations, involving every group
involved with Springwell Village Community Venue, and bringing in many more new faces to celebrate a
tremendous milestone in our history. We heard many wonderful stories from people who remembered "the
good old days", and took great pride in sharing those memories. A truly special time for us all.
The Pantomime was very successful indeed, and enjoyed by large audiences each night, delighting in yet
another delightful production.
My thanks go to Carole, Vice Chairperson for supporting me and Suzanne in our roles, to Vicky for keeping the
books balanced, and to Suzanne for her unstinting hard work and support.
As always, I am delighted to give thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers, particular Gladys for running the
Tea Dance, Jackie for managing, with support from her team - the Cozy Cafe, and Jean for running the Gap
Group and supporting Suzanne. I must not forget the A-Team, Alan, Allen and Clem who work tirelessly in
their bid to maintain our Venue to such a high standard.
We continue to have support from Springwell Village Residents Association, The Washington Trust and
Oxclose & District Young People's Project in various ways and we are delighted to see the relationships grow
from strength to strength.
We never take our success for granted. It is and always will be due to the dedication of a strong management
committee, unstinting support from our team of volunteers (who are always looking to enlarge the team), and
from the residents of Springwell Village and surrounding areas enjoying the activities and productions of
Springwell Village Community Venue.
I look forward to another successful year with continued support from everyone.
Thank you very much.
Lynn Scott
3
TREASURER’S REPORT
We have had another successful year. But we must remember all the hard work that goes into it.
I would like to thank Suzanne because without her we would be at a loss as she works wonders.
Our Pantomime went well this year and was a success. Thank you all.
You may have noticed in the financial report that on the advice from our Accountant we have combined
Entertainments Committee and Carnival Committee together and also combined the Toddlers and Kids Club as
one which is under the heading of Children's Groups.
We must remember our Cozy Cafe which is a great success. Jacquelyn and all our volunteers are doing a
tremendous job which is keeping the venue going.
Thank you for all your support and please we always need more volunteers.
Here's wishing more for the forthcoming year.
We celebrated our 50th Anniversary this year and it was a huge success. Financially there was a lot of
expenditure incurred and . I’m sure there are many memories to be told. It has been a fantastic time this year
celebrating – I’m sure enjoyed by all - I wish everyone success for the next “50 years”.
Vicky Adgar
Treasurer
PUBLICITY, ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP
Publicity, advertising and sponsorship plays an important role in raising the profile of the Venue and informing
people of the wide variety of activities and events on offer. Activities and events are publicised and advertised
as much as possible and the Carnival programme was distributed widely, flyers are regularly given to both
Springwell Village Primary School and George Washington School and we are grateful for both their continued
support.
There has been a lot of interest generated from the website and we continue to keep it updated and welcome any
suggestions. Many thanks to Clem Armstrong who updates all the notice boards and posters as well as keeping
the website diary page up to date.
The SVCV Facebook page is going well, the amount of members have increased over the last three years and
we encourage people to join our page and spread the word.
Sponsorship has also continued with particular thanks to Village Photography. All of our other sponsors are
also sincerely appreciated and help greatly towards the costs incurred during Carnival and Pantomime Week.
Many donations have been received for a variety of events e.g. raffle prizes for the monthly dance, items for
Carnival stalls and Spring and Xmas Fairs etc. These are sincerely appreciated as every little helps, many
thanks to all.
Lynn Scott
4
ENTERTAINMENTS & FUNDRAISING
The Entertainments Committee have planned a variety of entertainment and fundraising activities to include the
the 50th anniversary celebrations that started in August 2015. We have continued with the weekly Tea Dance,
weekly 50/50 Dance, weekly Jazz night, Acoustic Nights, Family events, Spring and Xmas Fair, Tynemouth
Fair, N.Y.E. Dance.
Sequence dance:
A huge thanks to Gladys Chicken who continues to run the weekly Tea Dance on behalf of the venue, the dance
would not run without the commitment of Gladys and the Management Committee sincerely appreciate all her
hard work and dedication. The music is provided by a weekly dance teacher - Jean Hodgkinson who we thank
for her commitment to the weekly Monday and Thursday dances.
50th Anniversary:
In 2015 we celebrated our 50th Anniversary with a 50 days of events, parties, entertainment and celebrations.
This was a huge celebration and was such a success and full credit to everyone involved for making so many
memorable moments for young and old and past and present members. Fifty years is such a huge achievement
for any organisation but we feel that is especially so for a small village community centre like ours... and it is
only a success because of the local community and people who support it. We value every single volunteer no
matter how much time they give, each one is a valuable asset to the centre.
Fundraising & Grants Received
2015/2016 GRANTS
Community Foundation
Community Chest
Washington Community Development Trust
3,500
437
500
TOTAL:
3,911
FUNDRAISING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Entertainments Committee :
Acoustic Night, Craft Fairs, Tea Dance, NYE
Pantomime
Tynemouth Fairs
4,868
2,969
250
TOTAL RAISED
£10,446
5
Canteen Report
Another successful year for the ‘Canteen’, although maybe a modern name is needed now we are over 50 years
old.
Cozy Café
The café continues to be open 4 days per week, we have a regular team of volunteers who man the café. Thank
you to Emma, Annie, Jean, Carole, Diane, Liam, Vicky, Kathy, Sheila, Judith, Mathew, Charlotte, Dorothy,
Karen, Marion, Suzanne, Lewis, Vicky, Joanne, Pauline and Mary. Everyone working in the café does so as a
volunteer and this should be acknowledged.
Thank you also to the team working behind the scenes, Alan C, Alan H, Clem and Neil, who have put up
shelving/hooks/holders, moved fridges ,moved fridges again and sometimes had to move them a third time, (I
think we've got them right now), repaired equipment and continue to do all the ‘odd jobs’ that keep us up and
running.
If anyone is interested in joining the ‘Cozy Crew’ please let either Suzanne or me know, even an hour
would be brilliant, we need more crew members to help!!!!!!!
Everyone has worked so hard to ensure the café is a success, each year it continues to grow and brings a new
dimension and new faces into the venue. THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!
Mini Monkeys/Dynamite Club
The children’s clubs are well established and continue to be busy, with Dawn and staff operating the tuck shop
for/with the children and young people, thank you to those who are involved.
Coffee Mornings
A massive thank you to Stella, Betty and the ladies who have continued to manage the coffee mornings, and
thank you to all the ladies who continue to support and attend the coffee mornings. This is a long established
group and it is lovely to see the continued support.
Sections/Bookings
The pantomime, drama show, petit and mini divas have all presented shows which have used the canteen
facilities including tuck shop and snacks, thank you to all those who gave up their time to help weekly and
during the show, it is really appreciated The pantomime especially requires a huge team of volunteers, thank
you to Stella and Betty who do most nights, and a thank you to all the other volunteers, I don’t want to list them
as I would hate to leave anyone out, everyone is brilliant, Thank you all!
Entertainments
The cafe has continued to be open for the carnival, open days, training events and craft fairs, making drinks
and snacks. Thank you to those who have shopped, cooked, cleaned and washed–up, Mary, Dorothy, Carol,
Ann, Marion, Annie, Suzanne, Diane, being the regulars in the kitchen. Thank you also to the outside cookers!
Neil and Chris, BBQ ing in the car park.
This year continued making our own meals for the summer carnival review, and we have catered for a couple of
events including bookings and afternoon teas, a massive thank you to all who help, its all hands to the deck at
these times and we have a great amount of volunteers who are willing to give up their time to prepare food,
serve and clear up afterwards.
If anyone would be able to support the canteen during any event, please contact me or Suzanne to offer your
services, all help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you to everyone.
6
Jacquelyn Foggin.
TRAINING
This year Sunderland College have delivered a variety of free community courses including I.T. cupcake and
art and crafts and each course has been well attended.
We continue to have full support from Sunderland Council ‘Digital Challenge’ team who update the PC’s and
help with and queries or concerns, without their support we would not have an electronic village hall and could
not offer training.
Monumental Training offered our cafe volunteers free training in Level 2 certificate in Food Safety in Catering
(QCF). All of the volunteers passed successfully and we are extremely grateful for the support from
Monumental Training.
LETTINGS
The venue maintains a host of weekly lettings that enables us to have a consistent income whilst providing a
varied weekly timetable for all. These lettings consist of : Romero School of Dance, Mini Divas, Sandra Taylor
Art Class, Jittabugs and Clubbercise. The Mini Divas continue to hold their annual show at the venue and as
always it was another huge success.
Throughout the year we have had regular bookings from Gentoo, Bensham Hospital, Foster Care Solutions,
National Childbirth Trust and a variety of other organisations.
Once again we have seen a busy year with private hirers i.e. Children’s parties, 21st Birthdays, Anniversaries.
These provide additional income and we continue to promote and advertise the hire of the venue for such
events.
CARNIVAL
2015 saw Carnival Week themed around our 50th Anniversary and it was a successful week with events for all
enjoyed by over 500 people across the week. We also received sponsors and funding support for some of the
events and many thanks to them for their support..............Village Photography, Gentoo, Library Services.
Carnival Day was officially opened by Miss Teen Newcastle.
This year we crowned both a Princess and Prince as this was a special year.
Ayse Hepozel
2015
The Carnival Committee organizes the week long events and consists of just a few volunteers, meeting a
handful of times prior to Carnival Week and the committee are always keen to listen to any suggestions and
new ideas. New members to the Committee would of course be welcomed with open arms!!
Finally a huge thank you to everyone involved during Carnival Week, your time and help is always appreciated.
The Carnival Committee.
7
PETIT
Myself and co-helpers, Chelsie and Kate had a successful year running petit performing Arts. We had 15
children attending Petit each week. We played games, learned new dance routines and songs. At the start of
May Suzanne asked if the class would like to take part in the 50 years celebrations. We learned two new dance
routines to perform at two events happening over the celebrations. The children really enjoyed performing on
the exhibition day and carnival day. It then gave us the idea to put on a show in December. We started
rehearsing for the show; Sing along with Petit at the start of September. The children really enjoyed learning
the new songs and dances. They were very excited to showcase all of their hard work. We had a very good
turnout for the show and lots of good comments made by the audience.
We then took a break over Christmas and started back for a new term in January 2016. Sadly we lost some
members of petit and ran a class of 12 children each week. The children enjoyed learning new warm up routines
and games throughout of January. In February I had to give the children some very disappointing news stating
that petit would be no longer running due to a very busy work schedule.
The letter read
Dear parents /Guardians,
It’s with great sadness that I am writing to inform you that petit will no longer be running. After a lot of thought
this decision has been made by myself, Chelsie and the management committee. Petit was started back in 2011
and as well as all the wonderful memories made, classes and shows have been a big contribution to the venues
funding over the years.
I would like to thank your children for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to petit throughout the
years and to all who have helped and supported us no matter how big or small, it is greatly appreciated.
Petit will be hosting a party 4:30pm-5:45pm to say thank you and goodbye to a wonderful class. We would love
for you all to join us and your children in our celebrations.
I would like to wish all of the children good luck for the future and I hope they keep dancing and singing.
They’re all little stars and I will miss them dearly!
Many thanks
Cally Bannister.
On the 2nd of February Petit had their farewell party. There was fun, Games and Party food for the children and
supporters of petit. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and it was nice to see everyone there to support a
wonderful class.
Running Petit has been a big part of my life and I have had a great time running the classes. I hope all of the
hard work and contributions made by petit has helped the venues funding over the years. It will be a big miss.
8
SENIOR DRAMA GROUP
Senior drama group continues to flourish thanks to all involved.
We made the decision to perform "Cinderella" again for our pantomime in February 2016 as last year saw the
venue celebrate 50 years and this pantomime was the first on record staged in the venue. The production was a
huge success and ticket sales were brilliant.
A special thanks to Phil Younger and Joe Duprey for their endless work in the production and to those people
who assisted them. Once again our team of DRESSMAKERS/SEAMSTRESSES/ALTERATION
HANDS/MENDERS/MAKERS were relied upon heavily - thanks for your tireless efforts - no mean feat!! I
also want to mention my gratitude for the support I receive from Diane Ellwood and Helen Johnson as my
production assistants. Much needed I assure you.
Thanks to EVERYONE who contributed to ensuring that this production ran as smoothly as previous years.
None of it would be possible without the volunteers we have in all departments. You all know who you are and
I thank each and every one of you and look forward to repeating it all again with the forthcoming pantomime
production "Dick Turpin".
Special thanks also to those members of the Senior Drama group who have produced Christmas and Summer
Shows to keep the momentum going - Simon Taylor, Helen Johnson, Charlotte Younger, Marion Parkin and all
those who helped and took part in the productions. Highly enjoyed by the audiences who attended.
We hope to welcome back some past members to the group for the coming year and hope to have some new
members too. Anyone who would like to join our group is very welcome - we need all the adult chorus we can
get! May we continue to go onwards and upwards.
Pauline Clark
Producer
LADYBIRDS
We had a good year with various speakers, a New Years supper, parties, our 50th Birthday, trips, suppers, bingo
and many interesting films. The Ladybirds group is open to all ladies and we meet fortnightly and we always
welcome new members. We have had some lovely nights and everyone always enjoys the sessions. We have
had some new members but sadly we lost some due to ill health. We are looking forward to another good year
with trips, parties, films, Carnival week and our trip is 23rd July with our next party being Easter with a free
supper and bingo.
Thank you Suzanne for all your help.
Audrey Miller - Secretary
9
Springwell Art Group
Unfortunately there is little good news to report from the Art Group. Very sadly Bill Patterson, one of our older
members, passed away earlier in the year and the group was well represented at his funeral. Two other
bereavements have also had a less direct impact on the group.
The group does try to get out and about to view exhibitions etc. but my own health has prevented me from
making arrangements which I might not have been able to honour. Nevertheless the group meets every Monday
except for bank holidays and there is always a good range of work in production.
New members are always welcome and should either just turn up on a Monday from 1.00 p.m. to 3 .15 p.m. or
ring Keith on 0191 3403242 for further details.
Keith Riley-Gledhill (Group Leader)
MNI MONKEYS
The Mini Monkeys club has been enjoyed by children in year 1–3 and it has two
qualified staff and a young volunteer who oversee the running of the club. The
session fee includes a snack for each child and we promote a healthy eating. The
Library Services have continued to support the club through attending sessions and
offering a variety of crafts to the children. The bouncy castle has also been used
during some sessions for parties which is always enjoyed by all. This year we had a
50th anniversary party and this went really well.
DYNAMITE CLUBS
The Dynamite Club is a youth club for children aged 8 -11. We continue to offer sports every week i.e.
football, dodge ball, basketball, hockey as well as a creative activity.
We work in partnership with ODYPP (Oxclose & District Young Peoples Project) and work closely to deliver
effective youth work through planned activities, sports, art & crafts, projects etc.
Dawn McGuire – Youth Worker
JOLLY CRAFTERS
Our small group continue to meet each Tuesday morning. We enjoy doing our own thing, crochet, knitting,
card and other crafts. Thanks to friends who have made donations of crafting materials which have been put to
good use. New members who wish to have a laugh and a good chat as well as crafting are most welcome.
Ann Clements
GAP GROUP
The group is for the over 50's and was set up in January 2014
stands for 'Golden Age People'
The group took part in numerous activities over the year learning new skills and enjoying creating various
crafts and they had a visit to Penshaw Tea Rooms and ended the year with a Christmas party with fish & chip
lunch.
This project has been brilliant and would not have been possible without the funding and support from S.I.B.
and we sincerely thank the committee for awarding the grant.
The GAP group has continued to run each week with the help and support of volunteers also the support of
Sunderland College who have provided sessions for the group .
10
Jean Dickinson - Volunteer
11