SRPFA Chairmans Report 2015.

September 2016
Years Review
The following events were organised by SRPFA either for fundraising or to encourage use of the Play
area.

March Quiz.
SRPFA Ran their usual quiz night at the Black Horse pub. As usual the event was a great success, and
a good night was had by all. As reported in the Treasurers report a sum of 420 was raised. This
event is successful to us, and should be continued. Following the closure of the Black Horse an
alternative venue will be required.

Easter Egg Hunt.

Rob Brook organised the annual Easter Egg hunt, Plenty of children attended and ate too much
Chocolate! Circa 100 was raised: Thanks to Rob. Again this event is a good chance to introduce
people to the playing fields and to socialise, so should be run again.

Gala Day
In 2015 the Gala day was run again, with picnics, races and games had on the playing fields itself. It
was reasonable well attended, and whilst does not raise any money it raises awareness of the
facilities we offer so would be beneficial to do this again.

Comedy Night
This year we made a decision to swap the Casino event over to a Comedy night to see if different
people would attend. We had a great night, and very much enjoyed the comedian. The costs of the
comedian are higher than the casino, and there was less opportunity for raising money from other
activities, although the end of night auction did well. About 175 was raised at the event.

Fireworks
This has always been the main fundraiser for the Playing fields with this covering most of our
operating costs throughout the year. Competition was much tougher than usual due to more local
events being arranged so a decision was taken to move it to the Sunday, and not to put on the disco
etc at the Pub. The weather was poorer than normal this year and as such attendance was slightly
down. Insurance this year was formally arranged by the Playing fields and the cost partially covered
by the Parish Council. This year 480 was raised at this event. I would like to thank all the people
who help with this event: It would be impossible to have this event without their support.
This event is a huge effort to run, but raises a good amount of money. Consideration should be
given as to the effort and reward balance, and would another event be more beneficial.

Grants
At the beginning of 2015 the installation of the equipment funded by the grant from Kavli Group was
completed, and has been used extensively by people in the village during 2015, and I am sure will be
going forwards.
Only part of the equipment was replaced, the remainder of the equipment needs to be in the
forward plan for replacement, and costs need to be understood for this work to assist future
planning.

Seaton Ross Fest.

2015 was a fallow year for the Seaton Ross fest, but plans are to run this bi-annually, so we look
forward to it in 2016. The playing fields are pleased to be able to support this event.

Field Maintenance
This year the playing fields placed a contract to cut the large field area, this enabled more people to
make use of the playing fields area and made the space look more inviting for people to use.
A new mower for cutting the grass around the equipment has been purchased. Due to the heavy
use the mower gets we should budget for it being replaced every 2-3 years. And as its replacement
is so frequent that serving the mower may not be worth while.

Goal Posts
At the end of 2015 were ordered, and installed in to the playing field area. These have been already
been made use of as the grass has been worn by the goals!
Ball Games Equipment
During the summer months of 2015 the rounders and cricket equipment was put out every Friday to
be used, there was a little take up of this but soon dissipated. Its probably not worth continuing this
in 2016.

2016
In 2016 much of our activities will be the same. Some changes will be required and are for the
committee to discuss going forward.

Field Maintenance
The steps taken in 2015 have significantly improved the large grass area, and has been beneficial.
We need to monitor our income vs expenditure as this additional work has led to us dipping in to our
reserves to fund this.

Mower
The replacement mower seems to be standing up to the work well.

Paper Work (Deeds for the Land)

Discussions have begun with Martin Wood (Wood Sherwood, Pocklington) on the status of the paper
work. It has been established that Martin is in possession of all the paper work and understands
what is needed. The land at the front of the playing fields are owned in trust by the former New
Village Hall as the intention was for this land to be used for a new Village Hall. The land was gifted
for this purpose so care needs to be taken when we register it under our name. We cannot register
the land at the rear as there is no access to it because we are not the title holders of the front land.
We may be able to register title of the front land based on our possession of the land over the last
30 years.
Once the land at the front is registered to us then the land at the rear.
Richard will ensure that Martin Wood remembers that the work is required. Mr M Wood will
complete the work require pro-bono.

Constitution
The playing fields have a constitution, but it dates to 1982, and whilst it has been accepted by grant
giving associations as valid and current, its not really relevant anymore to the Playing fields and
other village associations as the exist and operate today. It should be an aim of the PFA to revise
this to make it fit for purpose, especially with todays focus on Diversity, Inclusion and Child
protection.

2016 Events
A good mix of events have been run over the last few years, and any or all of the events have been
successful. However consideration should be given as to the effort, risk and benefit of the events
before they are planned again.

Summary
At the end of 2015 we again find ourselves in a good position. The immediate future of the Playing
fields remains secure the majority of the equipment in the play area is relatively new so major
investment is not required in the short or medium term, the cash in hand in our savings covers a
large number of years operating costs, or covering the replacement of the remaining balance
equipment.
The continued support of the committee, friends and wider community is appreciated, and needed
into the future. The operating costs of the playing fields is approximately 1600-1700 (Insurance,
Grounds Maintenance, Inspections etc) per year so our 2015 fundraising did not cover our operating
costs. These costs may increase over time especially if we are to maintain the large field to enable
its use for football, cricket etc An effort should be made to try to reduce costs, and increase
revenue so that we do not need to dip in to our reserves to cover operating costs.
Lastly as I have recently taken on the role of Cub Scout Leader at 1St Melbourne Cubs, its with regret
that I have to stand down from the Committee of the Playing fields as I do not have the time to
usefully serve both groups. I wish the Playing Fields the best of luck in the future, and I will of
course be on hand to assist and offer my thoughts on ideas and plans you have if you wish.
Thankyou