Crockham Hill September 2023 Newsletter - Flipbook - Page 19
and supports them as they grow from childhood into adulthood. This
amazing work was recognised by Sevenoaks District Council when we were
awarded Best Youth Group in the District. We run clubs in the four local
Primary Schools and have a strong presence in the local community. By
working in partnership with West Kent Youth Services and Bridges we can
pool our resources and provide more services for our young people.
In these times, we hear of the many problems with youth, especially
because of the Covid lockdowns. The importance of youth services like ours
is evident. Young people can meet, gain essential life skills and feel they
belong,
With local authority budgets being squeezed, provision of youth activities
is now down to organisations such as ours. We are funded by the churches,
charitable organisations, and local people. We are always in need of more
supporters to enable us to continue this work, and for volunteers in many
areas of our organisation. If you could help us in any way, please contact
Anthony on 07738 232 296. ECT has a great website with lots of
information about our activities. Please have a look at www.ectyouth.com.
The Crockham Hill Village Hall.
What does the future look like for village halls?
Alan Wesley, Chairman of Trustees.
Many village halls have struggled in the pandemic, barely making ends
meet with no income, and existing on local government grants and rate
rebates. Not so your village hall. COVID permissible gatherings have only
recently come back to life, but education has been our saving since June
2020. Although our hiring income in the year to 31st March 2021 was 60%
down, a grant, rates rebate, and expenditure savings enabled a small yearend surplus and avoided the need to dip into our reserves. The financial
year just ended has seen our income from hiring recover to an acceptable
£35,000.
Education in the form of the Crockham Hill Preschool took over from
Felicity’s and has proven a success. The Trustees agreed to continue
regarding the new entity, as far as hiring rates were concerned, as locals
for one year. This and the quick creation of a good reputation has seen.
their pupil numbers reach the maximum the hall can take. For some time,
they have been our only source of income. Young persons’ sport also
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