I am pleased to report that the Trust continues to grow and develop with a number of successful completed schemes to its credit, and others, some very substantial and ambitious, well on track. I hope you will examine the details of these projects, which appear later on in this document, and agree with me that we are a force for good in Alnwick and an established agent of change.
That is what the Trust is about. We exist to see through to completion well researched improvements for Alnwick in partnership with other agencies and funders. We are fortunate in having a strong team in place to secure this. Valerie Apted, the MTI Officer, has done a superb job in keeping projects on track in the absence of a Trust Manager, and I am also grateful to Lorna Gilroy, the Trust Secretary, for keeping the finances and administration in order until we filled the management post in May.
However, I am delighted now to formally welcome Geoff Watson on board as the new Trust Property and Project Manager, who is already proving his worth, having successfully overseen within days of his arrival the move of the Trust office to the Fenkle Street Centre. The MTI Officer and Trust Manager are now comfortably installed in a purpose built office with terrific views over the rooftops of Alnwick.
Nothing is ever plain sailing of course, and we await with close interest the outcome of deliberations about the future of the Northumberland Strategic Partnership, whose role is closely connected to our Trust and MTI projects. Along with other local Development Trusts, we have expressed concern at the tendency of such organisations to adopt too much of a top down approach to the operation of Trusts like ours, which were intended to develop projects from a local perspective. Nevertheless, I am optimistic that we are sufficiently advanced and have performed well enough to secure continued confidence in our major role in Alnwick.
The Trust Executive Committee meets monthly to scrutinise progress and make key decisions and I am grateful for the energy and commitment they have shown. Likewise our trustees, whom I thank for having been supportive and enthusiastic at all times.
Major issues facing us include the future of MTI funding and, indeed, the funding of the Trust Management post in two years. The only disappointment is the slow progress of the Alnwick Portal, which has suffered several bureaucratic delays, but we are very much on the case. However, in summary, I am able to report solid progress in most areas and some very creditable achievements from a first class team. Alnwick is already seeing tangible benefits and there is much more to come.
Gordon Castle
Chairman
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