The Brandon Heritage Centre A.G.M. took place last at the Brandon British Legion.

The meeting started with the resignation of two Trustees, leaving one Trustee remaining who was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting.  The Brandon Heritage Centre appreciates the investment of time and money by all volunteers and Trustees over the years.  The centre acknowledges the difficult decision made by the two Trustees in light of their service to the centre over the years.  We sincerely wish both only the best of luck for their future endeavors.

The next action was to vote in a new Chairman and Trustees.  Tim Kent was voted in as Chairman, also voted in were seven new Trustees, which makes nine Trustees in total, including one remaining from the previous term.  The Trustees immediate aim is to return the centre to a stable financial position, whilst also supporting the Management Committee in the day to day running of the centre.  Darren Norton was voted in as Centre Manager and will lead the Management Committee.  A few of the Committee positions were announced – Press Officer, Main keyholder, Artifacts Officer, Treasurer, but more volunteers to the Committee are welcomed.

A quick overview of activity over the past seven weeks (when the new team had access to the centre) referred to the new website, Facebook, Twitter, Open Day, regular features in local magazines, a new photo display board and the new ‘Pop-Up’ display room – all part of engaging the community.  The centre’s main aim this season is to consolidate the ‘behind the scenes’ of cataloguing objects, getting working parties together and hopefully opening regularly over the coming weeks.  A return to normal open hours next season is anticipated along with monthly themed displays to create a full season of activity.

The centre has suffered from dwindling to near non-existent visitors and volunteers, which has hit finances and led to the threat of closure.  People came away from the meeting feeling excited at the prospects of the centre and this optimism will now help us to turn the fortunes of the centre.  We look forward to working with everyone to make the centre successful, while being an enjoyable experience for volunteers and visitors alike.  Thank you for your support.