September ’19 update . . .

We have, in the last month, received feedback on our charity application.  The case officer asked for some clarifications and additional information, which we quickly provided.  He then responded very positively, indicating that they were ‘satisfied that the organisation is capable of registering as a charity’ but asked for a few modifications to be made to our constitution and to take due regard for some example charity cases – which we are now in the process of doing. So, hopefully by this time next month we may well be an official charity.

One of the key points to gain charity approval was to show that we had ‘security of tenure’ of the Three Fields Site.  Whilst the land belongs to Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), Paul Matthews, the CEO, has recently provided a letter to the group showing the intention to lease the site to MUCH and eventually make an asset transfer.  This document will also be important when we make grant bids to the Big Lottery and others.

Speaking of grants, we have recently submitted a bid application to Great Western Railway (GWR) for a grant from their ‘community fund’. We have asked for a sum of money to build a jogging/running/walking path around the site, so that people have a safer area to exercise.  The paths would also provide access to the proposed railway station which hopefully might resonate when they assess the bids.

Other bits of news –

  • we are making good progress with the business plan – which is also critical for any successful lottery bid

  • the ‘Community Hub sign’, to be displayed at the entrance to the site, has now received planning approval so will be displayed soon

  • MCC are progressing the improved lighting for the car park and footpaths on the Three Field Site

  • The Villager should be out soon – don’t forget to complete the survey (as mentioned last month)

Paul