On the financial side, the Trust is now in a much more healthy position following the receipt of several grants, the extremely generous legacy reported last time, and of course the first stage of the M4 crossing.  

 

Membership income is steady and around the point at which we can be self-sufficient, though increasing membership remains a goal.  Recent changes in senior personnel & IT systems still have to work their way through but we're nearly there - the last remaining issue to be sorted is the receipt of Gift Aid.  

 

Health & Safety - ever-changing Covid guidelines mean the subject is discussed at every meeting - Work Party Organisers are kept informed of all changes as they happen.  

 

All Branches submit a report & the attending Chairs answer any questions raised and often seek guidance on questions they themselves raise.  Branch details are now regularly updated on the website.

As well as Branch Chairs & Trust Officers, the Exec has a number of advisors who attend when relevant.  One regular attender is Ken Oliver, who represents the Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxford Partnership and as such is our channel of communication with our Local Authorities.  He, with Rod Hacker, deals with numerous planning issues along the line; currently Swindon's New Eastern Villages development is taking up a lot of time - as ever, any support is most welcome; there is already a team of 3-4 people, but more are needed in this very busy area!

 

Other areas under constant change are IT (website), Maintenance & Sustainability (Work Parties), fundraising & membership, general admin water resources - and of course restoration, our raison d'etre!  We hope this gives you a flavour of the considerable amount that goes on behind the scenes - please let us know if you feel there's too much or too little information here.

 

Chris Barry