Issue details

This report presents an application for funding under the Council’s Community Fund Programme.

An application for community funding has been received from St Mary’s Church, Hook-with-Warsash, for the sum of £3,400 to replace the boiler at the Church Hall.

The Hall is a popular facility, well-used by the community for various activities, including Guides, an art group, a dance and theatre group, a bridge club and parties.  It is managed by a subsidiary committee of the Church, and all profits from its hire, averaging £3,600 per year, are absorbed by the Church at the end of the financial year.

The current boiler is ageing and is no longer fit for purpose.

The Church’s accounts for the year ending December 2017 listed £23,217 available in unrestricted funds.  However, the Church has a priority repair project for the church building itself, which is anticipated to cost in excess of £50,000 in the coming years. In addition, the Hall’s guttering, fascia and soffits are in need of repair which has been anticipated to cost the Church a further £3,800.

Ward Councillor, Councillor Cartwright, is fully supportive of the application.  His fellow Ward Councillor, Councillor Ford, has declared his interest with the application as he is a member of the St Mary’s Church Hall Management committee.