Chairman's Annual Report 2010/2011

2010/2011 saw the beginning of the fourth century of The Sambourne Trust. Although the objectives of the original founders of the Trust are perhaps not as valid in today’s world, the current trustees try to apply the charity’s business in the same spirit as those generous people.

The year has been a difficult one in many respects. Our secretary of several years retired a few months before the sudden death of our long term Chairman, Robin Quinney. Shortly after this the replacement secretary decided to leave the district for personal reasons. However, we now have a new secretary who we believe will serve us well for a number of years to come.

Another factor that has had an effect on the Trust is the current financial situation. This has reduced the Trust’s income at a time when the requests for assistance are on the increase. Consequently we have been forced to keep a tight control on resources.

The annual distribution of shopping tokens to residents over 70, and to others where circumstances warranted this support, went ahead as usual. This resulted in many letters of appreciation.

Due to the lack of facilities in the village, the Thursday shopping bus to Redditch has continued to be well supported. With public transport being curtailed we intend to continue with this service, which began in early 1988.

During the year a number of educational donations were made together with support for The Shakespeare Hospice, the Air Ambulance Service and also to the League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital in memory of Robin Quinney.

Looking ahead, there is a planned programme of maintenance and refurbishment of our properties. This has already begun with one property and extensive renovation of a second property is already under way. We are also in the process of setting up a new website which should be up and running within the next few weeks. Details will be made known in due course.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Anne Shaw for acting as liaison warden and also for the help and care she has shown to Mrs Eva Jones, our oldest resident.

Finally I would like to thank my fellow trustees for all their help and support during the past difficult months.

David Shaw
May 2011