Director's Annual Report 2026

It’s been another eventful year for us, with some great things to celebrate and some ongoing frustrations!

At last year’s AGM, we elected one new board member: Mary Dulson. During the year Tom Hill and Finlay King were co-opted onto the board and therefore both need to be formally re-elected this time round. Sadly, Dot Foster must step down from the board, having served 3 × 3 year consecutive stints – Dot’s been a valuable member and we’re very sad to see her go.

The current constitution allows for 10 voting members, the members currently in place are:

• Cas Sewell-Storey (1st term ends 2028)
• Clare Nestor (3rd term ends 2027)
• Dot Foster (3rd term ends 2026)
• Malcolm Gardner (term ends 2028)
• Mary Dulson (1st term ends 2028)
• Phil Hawdon (first term ends 2027)
• Tom Hill (stepping down)
• Finlay King (co-optee – requiring election as a full member this year)
• Steven Langton (1st term ends 2027)
• Viv Jorissen (first term ends 2027)

Of the above, Finlay King is seeking re-election for the next 3-year term but Dot’s retirement leaves a gap of 2 in our numbers.

This means that at the AGM, provided there are sufficient candidates, we will seek to appoint/re-appoint a total of 3 board members. Should more candidates be put forward, the unsuccessful ones will be invited to become co-optees for a period of one year.

Whilst the role of board members is to be responsible for our planning and management, because we do not yet have any paid staff, we also have responsibilities to organise and carry out a lot of functions. Currently we have the following sub-groups, each led by a board member:

1. Building: Deciding where to progress building work and what funds are required. Programming building works, running volunteer DIY sessions and preparing space for events and uses of space.
2. Events: Activating and facilitating events and community activities and overseeing letting of space.
3. Media: Responsible for updating Facebook and other social media and public interfaces thought appropriate for information and advertising, programming
4. Funding: Other committees will apply to this committee for funding. They will decide the best way forward for each activity and try to find particular funding for those activities as well as general funding.
5. Structure: Responsible for CBS and Business Plan updating, requirement surveys. Will be also responsible for necessary permissions, licencing, dealing with Companies House and e-mailing.
6. Treasurer and Finance: Responsible for everyday banking, VAT and insurances.

Board members are expected to have a hands-on approach to these functional areas and therefore individual skills and interests are paramount.

The 2026 AGM will have a 6:30pm start for the business meeting in the Fire Station, followed by an open evening throughout the buildings. This, we hope, will bring the project to life.

The Board has been meeting monthly throughout the year and normally has additional meetings and workshops as necessary. All Directors have inputs into all of our dealings and are asked to ratify as appropriate the findings or recommendations from our sub-groups or task leaders.

Our Articles do not require us to hold an Annual General Meeting but they do require us to provide an Annual Report to members and they also require us to appoint directors on an annual rotation basis.

Fire & Water is all about community, sharing, caring, providing spaces, providing for individuals, groups and how we can strive together to achieve this. We have continued with voluntary work in the buildings, organised activities and running a variety of building projects.

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