First M(E)CC Public Meeting

We were delighted to update over 120 members of the public on the progress that has been made and show them our vision for the future of Meads community centre. We were also very grateful to receive generous donations to fund ongoing progress, and pledges in the hope of major works this year.

The hard work and extensive investigations carried out by the Meads Community Association (MCA) and volunteers was roundly applauded after an address from MCA chairman, Dennis Scard.

Chairman of M(E)CC, Robert Smart told the story of why and how the charity was formed, its registration with the Charity Commission, application to the Community Ownership Fund, and the current status on negotiations with the PCC.

The challenges of the Hall design and the true extent of dilapidation was laid out, together with proposed repair and renovation work and possibilities for future potential, by Mitch Peacock.

In questions from the floor, the operational feasibility and that of funding future maintenance were dealt with, and a brief exchange on who should be involved in funding the remedial work took place, with overwhelming support for the questioner. A welcome offer of help to expedite Gift Aid registration was made by Caroline Ansell MP, when it was explained that the application had been with HMRC for over three weeks.

In post meeting conversations, there was much praise for all the work being done, and offers of help and support. Meads county councilor, Brett Wright was most encouraging about the possibility of disabled parking, and offered his help.

We trustees, Robert, Mitch, Annalisa and Helen, were very pleased with the event, and look forward to more in the future.