BELMONT RURAL: ASSETS
News about Belmont
Community Centre

Tel/fax: 01432-263415
email: belmontcommunitycentrehereford@yahoo.com

Office open:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 10 am - midday

BCC cheque for £1000 for Blackmarston school

Collections during last year’s Christmas festivities at Belmont Community Centre raised £1000 and a cheque for that amount was handed over to Blackmarston School, Redhill, on Wednesday, January 27. The money came without strings and ideas on how it should be spent will be invited from the children, said deputy headteacher, Clare Crump.

Children and staff at the school watched the presentation wearing a selection of odd hats and headscarves, part of a fund-raising effort on their part for the people of Haiti, and triggered when one of the children from Mars class saw the poignant TV coverage of a child rescued from the ruins in Port-au-Prince.

Present at the presentation were (from the left): Margaret Scull (BCC), John Newman (chairman of the South Wye Community Association), Dorothy Bourdon-Pierre (BCC), one of the Blackmarston pupils, and Clare Crump (deputy headteacher).

Belmont CC grotto still drawing crowds on second Saturday

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(Top) More queues on December 19. (Mid-left) Chairman John Newman at reception, supported by a CPO with members of Apostolic Church in kitchen ready to serve refreshments. (Mid-right) Rudolf and sleigh resting outside the grotto. (Bottom) At last Olivia and Ruby meet Santa and receive their presents

The two free grottos at the Centre, held on December 12 and 19, allowed 425 children from South Wye and beyond to meet Santa, receive a gift and submit their list of presents. The event was made possible by funding from the Kindle Centre, South Wye Drugs Forum and the Newton Farm Community Association and the hard work and dedication put in by volunteers - in particular Sandra, Moira, Keith, Joe and Santa.

This year public donations taken at the grottos and at Tesco will go to Blackmarston special needs school in keeping with the South Wye Community Association seasonal policy of supporting local charities and institutions. The amount has not been finalised but is on target to reach the anticipated £1000.

SWCA is pleased to report that part funding has already been guaranteed for Grotto 2010 when the event will be bigger and better. (Note: everyone shown in these pictures gave their permission for use on the website)

Long queues for Santa at Belmont Centre
Santa's visit to the Belmont Centre is now well established. Open for business at 10 am on Saturday, December 12 he was still dealing with lengthy queues three and a half hours later. He visits the centre the following week on December 19, again from 10 am to 2 pm. Adults were offered tea, coffee and other beverages as they waited outside the grotto and the children were given other small presents after they made their wishes known to the man in the red suit. When asked what he wanted three-year-old Zach Howe (above) said succinctly, "Everything".

Repairs, improvements and festive plans
FOOTPATHS AND TOILETS The pavement in front of the Centre, running from the car park to the pathway adjacent to the A465 roadside hedge, is to be replaced immediately with a tarmac surface. This very necessary maintenance work will reduce risk of accidents since some concrete slabs have become uneven. The management committee hopes there will be a minimum of disruption for visitors to the centre and the library.

Much money is also being spent on bringing the centre’s toilets up to a better standard. Two new urinals will be fitted to improve hygiene, privacy and to comply with current requirements and an infrared-activated flushing system will conserve water usage. Other, more minor, work is also planned. Total cost of over £2500 will be met from reserves.

SANTA'S GROTTO, COLLECTION Though funding is not yet established the SWCA, Newton Farm Information Centre volunteers and Apostolic Church members will run two Santa’s Grottos again this year at the centre on December 12 and 19 (both Saturdays) between 11 am and 2 pm. All children up to the age of 10s are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Tesco has given the SWCA permission to hold a collection on Sunday December 13. Proceeds from all events will go to Blackmarston School, thus maintaining a policy of supporting local good causes, particularly during the festive season. Help will be greatly appreciated and the target is to raise £1000.

Centre's spend exceeds income but will improve in second half
During the first half of 2009 the South Wye Community Association's gross expenditure (£20,669.79) exceeded gross income (£14,589.24). Reserves were reduced by £5,500 from £15,500 to £10,000.

SWCA’s contribution towards the Belmont Library refurbishment, CCTV installation, kitchen improvements and new light fittings in the upstairs meeting room, plus increased running costs, account for the difference. (The kitchen gained a four star rating from a Herefordshire Council inspector).

The financial situation is expected to improve in the second half of the year when several user groups relocate to the Belmont Community Centre from St Francis’s; these include Mums and Tots, Lunch Club, Youth Club and Ladies Club. A course of yoga classes is scheduled to begin on Saturday morning in September. Currently regular users include the Apostolic Church, Slimming World and Cambridge Diet; weekend family party bookings have increased and are available at £20 for 3 hours. A returnable deposit of £10 is requested to cover additional cleaning costs if required.

A calendar will be available soon which will be copied to this website.

Later turns out to be less (or is that fewer?)
Note: Normally the website editor edits incoming material for all the usual reasons. In this instance Andy Myatt's robust style remains untouched.

SWCA’s recalled AGM went ahead on June 2. Attendees were less in number than at the meeting held on May 26. The message to the community, whoever they are, is “you never know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone” and not to rely forever on the goodwill and efforts of the small group of volunteers who presently keep the Belmont Centre open for business.

Financial statements for year ending December 31 2008 were approved and copies are to be sent to the Charity Commission and Belmont Rural Parish Council for their records. A profit of about £3000 was shown in the statements produced by Phillips & Co.

John Newman was re elected chairman, Annie Jones was elected vice-chair, Andy Myatt was re elected treasurer and Dorothy Bourdon-Pierre was re-elected secretary

The management committee is pushing ahead with further improvements to the centre’s kitchen. A stainless steel double sink has been fitted and additional storage cupboards. Old original cupboard doors have been replaced to match. The total cost in excess of £2500 is being met from funds. It is anticipated that the kitchen will be suitable for cookery lessons and demonstrations, etc, subject to it obtaining the necessary approvals.

No show, so new date
The necessary 20 members - required number for a quorum - did not attend the Centre's AGM. Consequently within the SWCA constitution the meeting was abandoned and another set for 7 pm Tuesday June 2.

Date for Centre's AGM 
The AGM of the South Wye Community Association will be held on Tuesday May 26 at the Belmont Community Centre, starting at 7.30 pm.

Two cheques for charities from Centre
Two cheques, both for £600, the result of fund-raising at the Centre during Christmas, were handed over to charities on Monday, February 9. SWCA chairman, John Newman, does a cross-hand boogie to (left) Chloe Manson, an Acorn Hospice supporter, and (right) Sharon Organ, community fund raiser for Breast Cancer Haven, 37 Owen Street.

Year-end financial situation plus a revelation about two-wheelers
In a preview of the SWCA's financial situation, year ending December 31, 2008, which will be submitted to the auditors, the association had an income of £26,610, spent £24,426, leaving a modest surplus of £2184. The deposit account held £15,652 and the current account £7230 at year end. This does not mean the association is awash with cash. There are substantial outstanding short term commitments together with the need to hold a reasonable reserve.

Following Christmas collections and donations £1200 will be divided equally between Acorns Hospice and Haven Breast Cancer Care. A payment of £2300 is due for the CCTV installation. Lesser amounts totalling £900 are also due and at least £3000 has been set aside for the impending library extension.

Since the walkway between the BCC and the Medical Centre was closed an anticipated increase in pedestrian traffic has occurred in front of the BCC. What was not foreseen was that various “breakneck “ pedal cyclists and a lunatic motorcyclist would use this route showing total disregard for the safety of others. Funds will be required to widen the path and install safety barriers and additional fencing to slow down this traffic.

Dorothy Bourdon-Pierre and Joan Joseph, who knew him well during his tenure, describe him as a lovely person and always a perfect gentleman.

Library improvements to go ahead
At the December 15 meeting of Belmont Rural Parish Council a grant of £3000 was approved to enable the Library improvements to go ahead in mid-January 2009. Total funding available: Hereford District Council (Library Service) £13,000, Special Metals (Wiggin) £950, Belmont Rural PC £3000, South Wye Community Association £2000.

The work will take two weeks and includes removal of two walls, installation of new high intensity/low energy lights and additional power points, redecoration, etc. The Library floor area will be increased by approximately 25% to accommodate a larger children's section, extra computers, new shelving, new furniture and a Herefordshire Council information desk.

Latest news from
Belmont's Lapland
(Above) Business was brisk at the Centre's Grotto on Saturday, December 13, ten minutes after opening. (Below left) Two of Santa's customers together with (below right) Tyler who, at three days old, attended last year's BCC Grotto. PS: Over £400 was collected to share between Acorn’s Children’s Hospice and Haven Breast Cancer Care.The Grotto donations will be added to this after next Saturday’s session.

The Grotto will be bigger than previous years when it only occupied the small meeting room. This year its entrance and exit will be extended to the foyer.

Donations from the Grotto will be added to a SWCA collection to be held outside Tesco (with support from members of the Newton Farm Community Association) on Sunday December 14 from 10 am onwards. The theme will be "People of the World".

Centre to be scrutinised at a cost of £3000
The SWCA has decided to install security cameras at the Belmont Community Centre with 24-hour recording, at an anticipated cost of £3000. Treasurer Andy Myatt says: "It is a large sum of money we would have preferred to spend on new furniture and toilet facilities.

"However recorded panoramic views of the BCC and its associated recurring vandals, drunken youths, unrestrained copulating couples, litter louts, alfresco toileteers and general pains in the neck will be available for police scrutiny, possibly leading to prosecutions and financial compensation."

New fence fails to discourage beer/vodka party
Communiqué from Andy Myatt, Belmont Centre treasurer: "At last the security fencing has been erected to block off the passageway between the Belmont and the medical centres. There has been no adverse comment, as every one appreciates it was needed to reduce vandalism and anti social behaviour there.

"Despite this on Friday night (October 10 2008) the fencing did not prevent a drinking party at the back of the building, during which over a dozen bottles of beer and a litre of vodka were consumed and a considerable mess made. Fortunately the 6mm thick toughened glass in one of the library windows was not broken when the empty vodka bottle was smashed against it, though it was badly scratched.

"The incident was reported to the police. We are pleased to note that the policewoman who recorded the incident has not lost her sense of humour. She suggested that in the absence of adequate patrols we might like to contact Herefordshire Council’s Environmental Department, who also have a similar remit to patrol the area.

"The proposed library extension is foundering. The Library Service has been exemplary and has made every effort to move this project forward. It has committed considerable funding towards the refurbishment and kept the centre well informed. The SWCA has agreed to pay cash from its reserves towards the necessary structural alterations. The work was to be put out to tender to at least three council approved contractors.

"The Property Services Department, over a seven month period and after several repeated requests, failed to do this and merely got a price of £7500 from Amey Services. This figure is three times the rough costing and is totally unaffordable and unacceptable."

NEW MEMBER Danea Biddlecombe, local organiser of Slimming World, which meets twice a week at the centre, has joined the management committee of SWCA

PS (alas) Andy again: "Further to my missive of yesterday, the vandals returned last night and broke a panel in the kitchen emegency door. Another £500 to pay out."

New windows, new sign, passageway to
be closed, library extension delayed
The Centre's new double glazed windows, previously flagged and partially funded by a BRPC grant, have now been installed, as has a prominent sign board facing the A465 announcing the Centre's existence to those who pass by on foot and in cars.

Security fencing is on order and the passageway to the Medical Centre will be closed by the end of this month. The aim is to reduce the level of vandalism, underage drinking and litter loutishness. There will be a price for this, since pedestrians will have to walk another 50 m in getting to and from the pedestrian crossing.

The proposed library extension is delayed. This should not be a surprise. When dealing with Hfds Council there has to be thorough consultation with all interested parties, endless in-depth discussions, competitive tenders and the fat comprehensively chewed before any work can be undertaken, always assuming sufficient funds are still available.

Costs rise, revenue drops,
treasurer suffers from anxiety!
Between January 1 and June 30 2008 the SWCA banked a gross income of £11,343 of which £10,046 consisted of room rentals. Gross expenditure was £9766.

Cash flow is being monitored by a newly formed finance committee comprising Andy Myatt (treasurer) and Richard Johnston and Tim Greenow (trustees).

Room rental income has dropped significantly in the last couple of months due to the disbandment of Baby Sensory , the loss of Pertemps bookings and the temporary (ie, due to the start of the holidays) suspension of Kidz Club.

Expenditure has increased. Although gas and electricity are supplied under contract with Eon, prices have risen on renewal by 12%. Other costs including water and insurance have also increased. As a result of vandalism SWCA now has to pay a £250 excess on every claim.

SWCA is committed to considerable capital expenditure in the next two or three months and expects to reduce its funds by at least £10,000. However it is hoped to hold another £10,000 in the official contingency reserve to ensure the Centre's financial viability into 2009.

The Centre’s future can only be assured by additional usage which is more easily said than achieved in South Wye, which is well served with under-utilised community halls all trying to get the same business at a time of impending recession. Who’d be a volunteer?

Youth club report "exaggerated"
Although the annual meeting of the South Wye Community Association (on May 27) attracted less than the required quorum of 25 a vote was taken to continue anyway. "Quite a lot" of Brooke Farm residents turned up to voice anxieties about the youth club suggestion proposed for the Centre.

Chairman John Newman said the report about the club in the Hereford Journal was much exaggerated
and explained that nothing would be done without the approval of the Centre's neighbours. Also it would be a long, long time before anything came to fruition.

Main points from the treasurer's report: total incoming resources 2007 £26,333, resources expended £20,545, net incoming resources £5788. Contingency fund now exceeds £15,000. The statement was prepared by Phillips & Co and the association voted to use them again, even though the Charities Act 2006 does not require this.

Copies of the financial statements were given to Cllr Phil Edwards, chairman of the Parish Council, Mrs F White, chair of the Northolme Community Centre Association and to the Charity Commission.

Chairman John Newman, vice-chairman Tim Greenow, treasurer Andy Myatt and secretary Dorothy Bourdon-Pierre) were all re-elected.

Mrs Danea Biddlecombe, local organiser of Slimming World, which meets twice a week at the centre, has joined the management committee of SWCA.

PC grant will make Centre more eco-friendly
A recent grant of £4000 from Belmont Rural Parish Council will help with work needed at the Centre. Replacement double glazed windows, made of high-spec toughened glass, will be fitted throughout reducing the building's carbon footprint, lessening maintenance and improving security. The project will cost £6500 and the balance will be found out of SWCA funds. The work should be completed in 8-10 weeks.

Library to be expanded and to get a make-over
To improve facilities for the library at Belmont CC two separating walls will be modified to incorporate an adjacent storage area, the reception desk will be relocated and higher capacity shelving fitted. Low energy/high intensity lighting will be installed and the library will be redecorated and fitted out. The cost of the new lighting and additional power points will be met by a grant of nearly £1000 from the Special Metals Wiggin Community Fund. This is much appreciated.

The total cost of the project, to be managed by Herefordshire Council Property Services Department, is approximately £20,000 and South Wye Community Association will contribute £3000 out of its reserve / building fund.

The library will also have an INFO in Herefordshire facility actively promoting and supporting the use of Herefordshire Council services.

The work should be completed by August.

The library rooms are leased to Herefordshire Library Service by SWCA and the term of the agreement will be extended from three to five years on January 1 2009 when the current lease expires. This will provide extra financial security to SWCA and help it support the Belmont Centre well into the next decade.

A youth club would not only benefit the young
The South Wye Community Association management committee is currently polling local opinion about starting a youth club (ages 11 - 15) at the Belmont Community Centre. Anyone interested in joining, helping to run, or wishing to sponsor this project should contact the Centre in person, by phone (263415), or by email: belmontcommunitycentrehereford@yahoo.com.
Note: There are mutual benefits to this scheme, especially for those who feel helpless in the face of the area's mindless vandalism (see below). Young people actively engaged within the centre would be less likely to damage the source of their entertainment and probably more likely to disapprove of those who do. - Website editor

Accounts issued; anti-vandal steps proposed
The SWCA accounts for the year ending December 2007 31 have been issued by the auditor, Phillips & Co, and will be presented at the AGM on May 27 2008, 7 pm, at the Centre.

The BCC, the pharmacy and the Medical Centre have been vandalised recently and windows broken. John Newman, SWCA chairman, has liaised with the victims and it is hoped to set up an action committee to improve security. The passageway alongside the BCC will be closed to discourage nighttime drinkers and nuisance makers. The police, the site managers and Polly Andrews have all approved this step.

Vandalism has cost SWCA about £3000 during the last three years. Insurance covered most of this but each claim carried a £100 excess, found from SWCA funds, and premiums have now risen. SWCA begrudges such expenditure which could otherwise be spent on Centre improvements.

Anyone interested in joining the proposed action committee should contact SWCA at the Centre.

Ron Davies, Herefordshire Macmillan fund-raising manager, receives a £1250 cheque from Kong (ably manipulated by Belmont Community Centre chairman, John Newman), the result of various charity events held by by BCC at Christmas (see below). The cash will go towards the Macmillan Renton Appeal for a new cancer unit at Hereford County Hospital. From left to right: Nigel Bembridge (Big Strong Men), Sandra Starbuck (just...), Margaret Scull and Dorothy Bourdon-Pierre (all BCC staff), John Newman, John Taylor (Big Strong Men) and Ron Davies. The presentation was on February 6, 2008

Giant step for mankind (well,
for Belmont anyway)
The centre is now emailable and the address
is almost unforgettable (see above)

(Above) District councillor Heather Davies sportingly agreed to wear the bear outfit. (Right) The big slide

(Above) Belmont Rural Parish Council stall. (Right) PC Paul Greenwood allowed kids to sound the police car siren - in brief bursts!