On the 20th April, the Bircham Centre held its Annual General Meeting, Sue Ivins, Trustee for 6 years and Chair for 3, stood down and a new Chair was elected, in accordance with the Charity Constitution.
A presentation was made to Sue and she was thanked for her huge contribution to the Bircham Centre; for her devotion, hard work and support.
It was reported at the AGM Sue has been instrumental in moving the Bircham Centre forward, the Centre is now in a very strong position; during Sue’s period as a Trustee, the accounts have never looked better.
Sue explained “When I started here in 2009, the Centre was in grave danger of closing. I was passionate about the building, so set about, together with the other Trustees, looking at ways to guarantee its future. We are a Team here, a great team with a lot of talent. We have fantastic support from our community, wonderful donations for our charity shop and amazing volunteers.”
“I will miss the Bircham Centre terribly, but its time now for some fresh blood on the committee and other people’s ideas. I wish them every success for the future and will still be a regular visitor.”
Ian Boldero, a Chartered Accountant by profession, was elected the new Chair. Ian has lived in Reepham for 18 years and is well known locally for his support to the Reepham Society and Bircham Centre. As Ian has already served as a Trustee for five years, under the constitution he may only serve as Trustee and Chair for one more year.
“Sue has done a fantastic job as Trustee and Chair and I would like to thank her for all her hard work and support. Over the next year my objective will be to review the Bircham Centre Business Plan commissioned in 2010 and look at ways we can utilise the building to its maximum for the benefit of the community. It is a very old building which needs constant maintenance; a Building Maintenance Programme is being developed to help us plan this maintenance cost effectively with the funds we have.”
“I would also like to thank my fellow Trustees and the community for their support; I look forward to working with them over the next year and as Chair for the Bircham Centre.”
A new Trustee was elected by the public to replace Sue’s position, Liz Kidd of Kerdiston. Although relatively new to Reepham Liz is keen to get involved in the community and is already volunteering with the Reepham Archive Room.