Cutthorpe Village Charity
In 2018 Cutthorpe embarked on the process of setting up a Charity (Cutthorpe Village Charity) for the benefit of the village, now registered with the Charity Commission. We are pleased to have also been able to recruit some village residents who have come forward to make up the group of trustees.
The main purpose is to promote social and recreational activities for all the people in the village and nearby, especially those who are isolated and vulnerable. Lots of work by the dedicated group of trustees is taking place to create a thriving organisation and community.
We already support a range of projects in the village, including a variety of activities in the village, including Tea and Toast, Cutthorpe Kids, Creatives Craft group, funds for the Environment, production of the Cutthorpe Calendar and Cutthorpe Newsletter, as well as contributing to the Playground fund.
We always welcome new ideas for projects to help the community, so do get in touch if you have any thoughts for future plans. Please contact Arlene Honeyman at arleneandpeter@aol.com for more information.
Registered Charity no. 1183341
Become a Member
We are keen for residents to become members, which entitles them to vote at the AGM and have a say in the activities and direction of the Charity. Membership is free and requires no commitment, anyone living in the village over 18 can become a member. If you live outside the village you can be an associate member, but can’t vote at the AGM.
Not only will this enable you to become involved, should you want to, but additional member also give us more weight when applying for grants, etc. So, if you are interested in becoming a member you can download the membership form here, fill it in and pass it on either to another Trustee or John Thurstan, the Membership Secretary, via 19 The Square, Main Road, email j_w_thurstan@hotmail.com or phone him on 01246 231336 / 07821 725200.
Cutthorpe Charity Q&A
Q. Why do we need a Cutthorpe charity?
A. The purpose of the charity is to provide activities and services that promote the well being and welfare of the residents of Cutthorpe, bringing together the numerous things that already happen on a regular basis (e.g. Cutthorpe Singers, Annual Festival, Creative Crafts) and developing new initiatives. Membership of the charity is open to all who live in the village as defined by North East Derbyshire District Council.
Q. Are we not doing that already? There are lots of things are going on in Cutthorpe
A. Some of the activities we are already doing are quite complex, managed on an informal basis, and have budgets running to hundreds or thousands of pounds. Some of the individuals responsible for these have requested a governance oversight including banking and treasurer skills to deal with and account for money collected and spent, plus compliance with appropriate laws and guidance. This is what the charity can provide and be accountable for, as well as being able to apply for grants. Official bodies are much more likely to give funds to a registered charity rather than individuals. The charity can also take advantage of the gift aid scheme, if appropriate, for any money given from tax payers.
Q. If my group joins the charity, what will happen to the money we use to pay our bills and how will I get it?
A. Apart from daily running costs which the group leader may wish to hold, the charity treasurer can bank the money which will be in the name of your group but as part of an overall general account. Any funds raised by your group or allocated to you by the Trustees from other sources can be drawn down by arrangement with the treasurer of the charity.
Q. How will the charity be administered?
A. By the charity trustees, who will be chosen by the members of the charity for their skills and involvement in the village activities. This group will be fluid and made up of individuals from within the village who will serve for fixed terms.
Q. Do we not have a charity already?
A. A registered charity currently manages the Village Hall on behalf of the Parish Council, although its purpose is restricted to matters related to the Institute and is part of an arrangement with the Parish Council. As it is restricted, it would not be able to provide wider services to the village.