TCA History
Why was the steering group formed?
After the building burned down in May 1999 the original association did not continue and after not functioning for two years, was removed from the Charity Register.
A survey was carried out later in 1999 to determine further activities once the new building was completed.
After a display detailing plans and materials was set up in Hampden Park Sports Park, local residents and potential users were invited to discuss what facilities were to be included.Because of the enthusiasm from its members, regular steering group meetings were held as progress continued which culminated in an open day at the half completed new building in 2001.
Once the building was completed in March 2002, the steering group continued to meet working towards taking over the lease of the building frpm EBC
In November 2002 Rita Bennett, Michael Michelson, Alan Thomas and Cllr. Barbara Goodall formed a working party and produced a constitution circulated to all steering group members.The proposal was to call the new group The Trees Community Association and the building would be known as The Trees Community Centre.Bill Elms, Fr. Martin Onions, Brian Higgins and Cllr. Tunwell were approached to be holding trustees.
The steering group continued to meet to keep up to date with and influence the progress of the new centre which would be available for community use.
Why did we apply for charity status?
A public meeting was held on January 14th 2003 to set up The Trees Community Association and officially adopt their constitution.The direct result of this was to apply for charity status which would allow them to apply for funding to benefit the community as their expected income would be over £1000 a year.
The Trees Community Association was registered as a charity in March 2003 with two main objectives.The
first is to act as a community association, to help the populace in the area of benefit through community action and support in any way deemed appropriate. The second object is to run and manage a community centre.
Who do we help and why?
The area of benefit was adopted from the past Association which was set up around the electoral registration of homes falling within the Willingdon Trees Area and geographically simplified. Also, the Charity Commission will not allow two charities with the same interest to exist within the area. This is the reason why we only reach half way down Broderick Road.
What do we hope to do?
The association was formed to be a benefit to the local populace. We, as a group see three ways we can help achieve our goals. Firstly we plan to have sections working under our banner to form groups such as bingo and short mat bowls, secondly to be an enabling organisation partly by accessing the Community Newsletter and lastly by
managing the community centre for local groups to use.
In addition, we hope to be able to return a good profit at the community centre which we will be able to plough back into the local community once we have established reserves for bad debt and maintenance within both the charity and the community centre management organisation.
What have we done so far then?
·Brought the Steering group to a registered Charity.
·Taken over management of weekend and evening bookings.
·Took over design and production of the Community Newsletter.
·Computerised the booking system.
·Introduced a membership system.
·Created pro formers for day to day business.
·Attended Community Matters AGM.
·Increased committee member support.
·Key Officers in position.
·Hosted and attended Community Matters training sessions.
·Gained funding for editions of the Community Newsletter.
·CRB checked all Officers and key holders.
·Actioned Child Protection training for the Committee.
·Held Summer, Easter and Christmas activities.
·Advertised the Centre on the internet and phone book.
·Supported EBC and Police in tackling anti social behaviour.
·Taken an active role on the Local Action Team (now Neighbourhood Panel).
After the building burned down in May 1999 the original association did not continue and after not functioning for two years, was removed from the Charity Register.
A survey was carried out later in 1999 to determine further activities once the new building was completed.
After a display detailing plans and materials was set up in Hampden Park Sports Park, local residents and potential users were invited to discuss what facilities were to be included.Because of the enthusiasm from its members, regular steering group meetings were held as progress continued which culminated in an open day at the half completed new building in 2001.
Once the building was completed in March 2002, the steering group continued to meet working towards taking over the lease of the building frpm EBC
In November 2002 Rita Bennett, Michael Michelson, Alan Thomas and Cllr. Barbara Goodall formed a working party and produced a constitution circulated to all steering group members.The proposal was to call the new group The Trees Community Association and the building would be known as The Trees Community Centre.Bill Elms, Fr. Martin Onions, Brian Higgins and Cllr. Tunwell were approached to be holding trustees.
The steering group continued to meet to keep up to date with and influence the progress of the new centre which would be available for community use.
Why did we apply for charity status?
A public meeting was held on January 14th 2003 to set up The Trees Community Association and officially adopt their constitution.The direct result of this was to apply for charity status which would allow them to apply for funding to benefit the community as their expected income would be over £1000 a year.
The Trees Community Association was registered as a charity in March 2003 with two main objectives.The
first is to act as a community association, to help the populace in the area of benefit through community action and support in any way deemed appropriate. The second object is to run and manage a community centre.
Who do we help and why?
The area of benefit was adopted from the past Association which was set up around the electoral registration of homes falling within the Willingdon Trees Area and geographically simplified. Also, the Charity Commission will not allow two charities with the same interest to exist within the area. This is the reason why we only reach half way down Broderick Road.
What do we hope to do?
The association was formed to be a benefit to the local populace. We, as a group see three ways we can help achieve our goals. Firstly we plan to have sections working under our banner to form groups such as bingo and short mat bowls, secondly to be an enabling organisation partly by accessing the Community Newsletter and lastly by
managing the community centre for local groups to use.
In addition, we hope to be able to return a good profit at the community centre which we will be able to plough back into the local community once we have established reserves for bad debt and maintenance within both the charity and the community centre management organisation.
What have we done so far then?
·Brought the Steering group to a registered Charity.
·Taken over management of weekend and evening bookings.
·Took over design and production of the Community Newsletter.
·Computerised the booking system.
·Introduced a membership system.
·Created pro formers for day to day business.
·Attended Community Matters AGM.
·Increased committee member support.
·Key Officers in position.
·Hosted and attended Community Matters training sessions.
·Gained funding for editions of the Community Newsletter.
·CRB checked all Officers and key holders.
·Actioned Child Protection training for the Committee.
·Held Summer, Easter and Christmas activities.
·Advertised the Centre on the internet and phone book.
·Supported EBC and Police in tackling anti social behaviour.
·Taken an active role on the Local Action Team (now Neighbourhood Panel).