Kibworth Community Hub
This will be my last update from KCH, as from 31 March the charity will be dissolved and the lease and running of Kibworth Community Hub will be taken over by Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council. I have been chair on three separate occasions now and, although there have been trials and tribulation on the way, it has never been less than a privilege to serve the village.
Although every trustee has brought their own unique talents and hard work to the charity, I would like to pay tribute to two previous chairs, firstly, Jonathon Surridge who took over when the first set of trustees stood down. Jonathan steadied the ship and helmed a very effective committee. Secondly, Joan Fillingham who saw us through the COVID crisis and ensured that we came out safely the other side. During her tenure, she also doubled up as treasurer and deserves great credit for all her hard work.
I would also like to credit the current trustees: Caroline Abbot; Andrew Dawes, who has saved us hundreds of pounds in doing various maintenance jobs that we would otherwise have had to pay for; Mandi Bland who has acted as our treasurer; and finally Lynn Williams, who after a long career in HR came to us wanting to do something different but has actually ended up doing lots of HR work for us!
I must also say something about the paid staff who have given us so much over the years, often working above and beyond the call of duty. Sadly, Bill Turner and Wayne Coleman are no longer with us, but they set the pattern for hard working and dedicated staff that has been continued by our current employees, Ryan Greer, Alison Gibbins and Kelly Knibbs.
I am aware that the announcement that The Hub will be run by the Parish Council has not been welcomed everywhere; someone called “anonymous” has had a bit to say on the Kibworth and Smeeton Facebook page. However, I am sure that if The Hub no longer existed, “anonymous” would be putting their indignant fingers to their keyboard complaining about the lack of facilities in the village. Without us there would be nowhere to perform shows and concerts, nowhere to vote at election time, nowhere for the W.I to meet in such numbers, the opportunities for groups such as pilates and yoga etc would be limited and people would have to go out of the village for their children’s parties and where would the library be?
Yes, I know that there are other facilities in the village, but none can rival those of the Community Hub.
I am sad to be stepping down, but I feel that this is the best course of action for the future success of The Hub and I wish KBPC every success for the future.
Martyn Wyburn
Chair Kibworth Community Hub.
King’s Head Art Exhibition
