It's been a busy start for Fivehead's new trustees. Since taking office on 7 October, the team has been meeting the people who look after the Village Hall and Park, understanding the immediate priorities and beginning to put plans in motion. We caught up with Stuart Wild, the new Chair of Trustees, to find out how things are going and what comes next.
Stuart, how has your first week been?
“It's certainly been busy! We've been getting to grips with how everything operates, meeting the people who keep things running and identifying where we can make improvements.
“I've met Vince, who carries out the regular work on our football pitches, our cleaner and people involved with the 100 Club. We've also held our first trustee meeting and begun working through the immediate priorities.
“We've made a good start on our online presence, with a new website, brand guidelines and the introduction of the Fivehead Park identity. It's important that more people can see what facilities we have and how they can get involved.
“We've also launched Fivehead Park: Play On, our campaign to reopen the play area first, then improve the rest of the Park, parking, and the Village Hall and buildings. As a team we've set an ambitious first target of £60,000.
“There's been a lot to take in, but we all want to see progress. We're here to get things done.”
How is the new trustee team coming together?
“One of the things I'm most delighted about is the strength of the team. There are five of us, all leading busy lives, but we each bring different skills, experience and perspectives. I think that's a real strength.
“We've been sharing responsibilities and ideas, and there's a genuine enthusiasm to make a difference. As our Treasurer put it recently, 'It's all coming together nicely.' I think that sums up the feeling.
“Hopefully, people can already see some positive changes. But just as importantly, we're working out how to build an organisation that remains strong and practical long after these first few weeks.”
You mentioned getting more villagers involved at the community meeting. How will that work?
“I was keen to make one thing clear at the village meeting: joining the board shouldn't be the only way to help.
“Our five trustees are all volunteers, and many of us balance this work with jobs, families and other commitments. We have to be realistic about what five people can achieve. We want to create more opportunities for people to contribute without asking everyone to become a trustee.
“That's why we're putting a clearer working-group structure in place. Each group will focus on an area such as the play area, fundraising, events, volunteering or facilities. A trustee will lead or oversee the group, take responsibility for reporting back to the board, and make sure decisions are made through the proper process. People from the village can then contribute to projects that interest them.
“Some of this voluntary activity and teamwork already exists, and we want to build on it rather than start from scratch. My ambition is to create a sustainable way of running the charity, with clear responsibilities and support, rather than relying on a handful of people to do everything.
“If you've got ideas, skills or simply a little time to spare, we'd love to hear from you.”
What makes the Village Hall and Park so special?
“We're incredibly fortunate to have the facilities we do. Not many villages have a MUGA, two football pitches, a children's play area and a Village Hall together in one place.
“Our football facilities are highly regarded, and North Curry teams use Fivehead as a base. That tells you something about the quality of what we already have.
“The Village Hall was built in 2005, and it has been a tremendous asset to the community. But buildings and outdoor facilities need maintenance and investment. We have to think not just about today but about the next generation and beyond.
“We want to make the most of what we have, protect it and improve it where we can.”
The children's play area has been a concern. What's happening there?
“It's one of my immediate priorities, and I've already been looking closely at the issues surrounding its closure.
“My own children have enjoyed the play area, so I know how important it is to local families. Safety must come first. The play area has deteriorated since the last independent reports, so we'll be carrying out new assessments to find out what can be saved and what needs replacing, and Fivehead Park: Play On will raise the money so the play area can reopen first, followed by the rest of the Park and its buildings.
“That means fundraising, grant applications and partnerships with local businesses, and I'm keen to start those conversations. We should be ambitious about what's possible.”
Parking has also been an issue. Is that something you are looking at?
“Yes. Parking is important if we're going to make better use of the Village Hall and Park for sport, classes, celebrations and community events.
“I know previous trustees have explored possibilities with neighbouring landowners, and I'd like to reopen those conversations with a fresh proposition. I'm interested in whether there may be opportunities to secure additional space for the longer term, perhaps through a suitable purchase or lease arrangement.
“We're also interested in improving facilities for visitors, including exploring electric vehicle charging. People often spend several hours here, so charging while attending an event or activity could be useful.
“There are planning, funding and practical questions to work through, and no arrangements have been agreed. But I think these are exactly the sorts of possibilities we should investigate.”
What are your other priorities over the coming months?
“I'm taking the lead on fundraising and grant applications, marketing, building maintenance and improvements, strategic planning and a review of our constitution. We're also working on bringing the charity arrangements together properly and strengthening relationships with other community organisations.
“There's also the legacy land swap arrangement. We can't move the Village Hall to a different spot, but I'd be pleased to speak with the landowners, put a fresh proposal to them and work closely with them to see how we can help meet their needs.
“There have been disagreements in the village over the last few years, and I know feelings have run high. Where relationships have become strained, I'd like to reach out directly and start afresh.
“I'd like us to develop new partnerships with local businesses, including conversations with the Crown, as well as groups and charities that share an interest in village life.
“The Village Hall was built in 2005, and one of our responsibilities is making sure the funding is there to maintain it and protect it for the future. Income from bookings, fundraising and good financial management all play their part.
“We won't be able to achieve everything at once. What matters is getting the right priorities in place and making steady, visible progress.”
Finally, what would you like to say to the village?
“First, I'd like to thank the outgoing trustees for their support during the handover. They've given a great deal of their time to the charity, and we appreciate their help as we take things forward.
“I also want to thank the volunteers, clubs, groups and people who already contribute so much. We have a great starting point and a strong new team of trustees. We all want to see progress.
“I'm equally determined to keep people informed. Over the coming months, we'll share regular updates about what we're working on, what we've achieved and what still needs attention. There are important decisions ahead, and people should be able to see how things are progressing.
“Hopefully, seeing a new website and identity come together so quickly gives the community confidence that we mean business. But it's not just about five trustees. It's about providing more ways for everyone to help.
“Ultimately, my ambition is to secure the future of the Village Hall and Park, make the most of these fantastic facilities and, above all, bring the community back together.
“We've made a good start, and there's plenty more to come.”