ULVERSTON TOWN COUNCIL

Annual Report2015/2016

This report gives information about Ulverston Town Council, the money it spends and the activities it carries out. It includes a report from the Mayor of Ulverston, reports from chairs of the councils standing committees, grants awarded, together with reports from other associated groups.

Town ClerkApril 2016

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Welcome to Ulverston Town Council Annual Report 2015/2016

Contents::

Minutes of the town meeting 2014/2015 3

The Council 6

The Councillors 7

Record of attendance at full council 8

Summary of council activities 9

Town Mayor’s annual report: Cllr Dr Bharath Rajan 12

United Charities - Accounts 14

Grants given by Ulverston Town Council 2014/2015 15

Reports from UTC Standing Committees: 16Finance and Grants. Policy and General Purposes. Allotments.

External groups: 18Albert/Twinning Society. Ulverston in Bloom. Ulverston Community Partnership.Ulverston Community Enterprises.

UTC Financial report and accounts. 23

Minutes from 2015

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Ulverston Town Council MinutesAnnual Town Meeting - Monday 27 April 2015Present: Cllrs: H. Irving (Chair), J. Prosser, P. Cooper. P. Jones, N. Bishop Rowe, J. Jenkinson, C. Pickthall, M. Wilson, A. Rigg. Town Clerk, 58 members of the public and one member of the press.

1. Apologies. Cllr P. Smith

2. Minutes of the previous town meeting. Proposed Cllr J. Jenkinson, Seconded Cllr N. Bishop Rowe

3. Welcome: The Mayor welcomed everybody to the annual town meeting

4. Accounts and Annual Report.The town clerk presented the annual accounts, the annual report and the movements on the United Charities accounts which included payments to the Parish Church, UVHS and the Food Bank. She said that the trustees had authorised a payment of £1,000 to the mayor’s charities, and this, together with other funds raised by the Mayor would be distributed that evening.

5. Mayors report:Thank you very much for coming along this evening to our annual town meeting. The council have had a busy and trying year at times, having to make critical and controversial decisions. The main one being the vacating of the town hall by the council to secure the future of the coronation hall. On the plus side, we had the Ulverston BID accepted, thanks to the people concerned for all their hard work. We as a council are continuing the fight for a better Ulverston. This is being done through our various committees and the Council as a whole.I am now going to give you a short insight into how my year as Mayor of Ulverston has been. When I was elected as Mayor 12 months ago, I took it as a great honour, especially when I am a born and bred Ulverstonian. It was down to me to fly the flag for the town and people of Ulverston.During my term in office, I have carried out many civic duties within Ulverston and at other towns. The main highlights of my year started with my Civic Sunday, where I got to meet my mayoral counterparts from other towns. There civic services followed over the following weeks. We had the 100 year celebrations of the Coronation Hall (Let us hope it will be there for another 100).Another 100 years was remembered on the cross. This being the start of the first World War. We were joined for this by a delegation from our twin town of Albert. This was made special as the refurbished cenotaph was unveiled just in time. I must give thanks here to the people who worked hard to ensure this happened and to those who gave donations towards the cost in addition to the contractors who did such a fantastic job. The dedication of this was carried out during a very wet Remembrance Sunday and I was honoured to be part of it. The town had a royal visit and I got to meet the Duchess of Gloucester during her visit to the hospice and ford park. I also got to meet the Duchess of Northumberland at the opening of the Marl Hub.

I have carried out many smaller duties in town including the opening of events, new shops and small businesses. In the last few weeks, my husband and I were invited to the official opening of the new Tritech facilities at Next Ness, and excellent day. It gives me a buzz when you see companies like Tritech and other small firms

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expanding especially in this economic climate. I also attended many events held by smaller charitable organisations in Ulverston including the disabled club disco, age concern Christmas party the canal regeneration events. These are just a few, but thanks to all those I have not mentioned for their kind invitations I have enjoyed all of them.

Thanks to UVHS for their kind invitations to the many events they have held over the year. It is a pleasure to see the young talent in Ulverston. I attended many out of town fund raising events held by my fellow Mayor’s and other organisations.

I must not forget the main festival events that have been held in the town. The ever successful Dickensian Festival, at last I managed to get dressed up. The Taste of Cumbria food festival, the South Cumbria Musical Festival and the International Music Festival and many more. One of the main highlights was watching the carnival parade and judging from the Coronation Hall balcony and then finishing at Ford Park. A big thank you to all the people who worked relentlessly to make these events a success, but most of all make them happen.

Last Saturday saw another highlight of my year, and that was awarding the Freedom of the Town to the 2223 Ulverston Squadron Air raining Corp. I have saved the best to last, and that was the invitation my husband and I received to attend the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May. Overall, I have had an enjoyable term in office, and thanks to all the people who have supported me and made things happen, especially to my husband Thomas. I have said enough about my year, and we now get onto the main part of the evening and that is the distribution of the monies I have made to my chosen local charities. You will notice that one is not local, but I feel it serves a very important role in our community. This money has been raised by holding various events and kind donations:Various events during my charter week, the Halloween ball, carols at the Coro, a bingo evening, Voce at the Old Mill, the Hospice received the collection from the collection at my Civic Sunday. These events were all made possible by the people who bought tickets and supported me. Thank you. Also thanks to the local businesses and individuals who donated raffle prizes.Cllr. Helen Irving.

6. Questions from members of the electorate of Ulverston:David Wood asked why the town council was vacating the town hall and moving to offices in Brogden Street and not the coronation hall. He said it was denying the Coronation hall a revenue scheme and other benefits. He congratulated those councillors who had voted for the Coronation Hall move.Cllr Pat Jones said that a very good report had been presented by the relocation committee by the leader of the council. She said some councillors had reported that they felt intimidated by the vote.

Cllr Jenkinson said she was a member of the Ulverston Community Partnership and a Friend of the Coro and she voted for the toilet block. She reminded everybody present that UTC had unanimously decided to give up its user rights lease on the town hall to support the coronation hall. She said that staff would be more accessible in the Brogden st premises than in the second floor of the coronation hall.

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Bridget Brice said that she thought it was a dreadful decision, a waste of money and abrogated any responsibility to the town.

Cllr Bishop Rowe said that SLDC had said that would close the Coronation Hall and also that SLDC had spent £500,000 on a building in Kendal to be used as business premises.John Casey asked if additional toilets would be provided and was informed that this was unlikely. Mr Butcher said he was on the board of UCE and he recognised that the issue had divided opinion. But said that it was a democratic decision and it was important to move forward.

7. Presentation:The town meeting listened to a presentation on the work of the North West Air Ambulance.

8, Award of donations from the Mayor’s Charities:The Mayor then made presentations to the following organisations: Ulverston Amateur Operatic Society Ulverston Town Band Wednesday Club Age Concern Ulverston Pantomime Society North West Air Ambulance Ulverston Disabled Club St. John Ambulance Ulverston Scouts Abbeyfield Residents Mill Dam Sheltered Housing Ulverston Artists Society Ulverston Dickensian Committee Ulverston Gardeners Society Duddon & Furness Mountain Rescue Ulverston Inshore Rescue Xenolith Explorer Scouts Canal Regeneration Group South Cumbria Musical Festival Pennington Nursery

The meeting closed at 8.40pm

The Council:

Ulverston Town Council Offices5

Town Hall, Queen Street, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7AR

01229 585778townhall@ulverstoncouncil.org.uk

Twitter @UlverstonTCFollow us on Facebook

The offices are open from 9-5 Monday to Thursday and9 – 2 on Friday.

Ulverston Town Council has 18 volunteer councillors. 10 representing the Labour Party.

8 representing the Conservative Party. The Town Mayor is Cllr Dr. Bharath Rajan

The Deputy Mayor is Cllr Mark Wilson The Leader of the Council is Cllr Phil Lister.

The town council meets every month, except in August, on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7pm in the Supper Room in the Coronation Hall. Full council consider all planning applications as a statutory planning consultee. It passes decisions and recommendations on planning issues to South Lakeland District Council, which is the planning authority.

Members of the public are most welcome to attend town council meetings.The council employs a full time Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer Jayne Kendall, together with a part time Administrative/finance officer.

The council has four standing committee:Finance and Grants

Policy and General PurposesAllotments

Human Resources.

The committees report to full council.

Councillors:Councillors for CENTRAL WARD : Philip Gregory COOPER

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The Old Coach House, Long Lane, Stainton, Barrow-in-Furness LA13 0NH (Tel.467831) (Elected 2012)Dr Bharath Sundara RAJAN. Deputy Mayor38 Woodland Road, Ulverston LA12 ODX (Tel. 583629) (Elected 2012)Paul SMITH9 Union Lane, Ulverston LA12 7BU (Tel. 07817680574) (Elected 2012)

Councillors for EAST WARD Phil LISTER 37 Lightburn Avenue, Ulverston LA12 0HA (Tel. 581024) (Elected 2000)Brenda Maureen MARR 6 Dale Street, Ulverston LA12 9BA (Tel. 584090) (Elected 2004)Mark WILSON7 Parkfield, Swarthmoor, Ulverston LA12 0HW (Tel. 586404) (Elected 2012)

Councillors for NORTH WARD Margaret HORNBY26 Meeting House Lane, Ulverston LA12 9ND (Tel. 585416) (Elected 2000)Helen IRVING. Town Mayor11 Garden Terrace, Ulverston LA12 7DA (Tel. 581454) (Elected 2008)Colin PICKTHALL25 Fountain Street, Ulverston LA12 7EQ (Tel. 480666) (Elected 2012)

Councillors for SOUTH WARD Norman BISHOP-ROWE 48 Sands Road, Ulverston LA12 9PR (Tel. 07763476357) (Elected 2000)Amanda RIGG Red House, North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston LA12 9DX (Tel. 480406) (Elected 2008)Brian TATE6. Craglands Park, Great Urswick, LA12 OTX (Tel.586422) (Elected 2012)

Councillors for TOWN WARD:John CLOUGH23 Soutergate, Ulverston LA12 7ES (Tel. 581970) (Elected 2012)Jane HARRIS29 Fountain Street, Ulverston LA12 7EQ (Tel.219360) (Elected 2012)Judith Ann PICKTHALL25 Fountain Street, Ulverston, LA12 7EQ (Tel. 480666) (Elected 2008)

Councillors for WEST WARDJanette Ethel JENKINSON Barne House, Broad Dale, Ulverston LA12 7SE (Tel. 585305) (Elected 2000)Pat JONES49 Birkett Drive, Ulverston LA12 9LN (Tel.583588) (Elected 2008)James Watterson PROSSER 57 Birkett Drive, Ulverston LA12 9LN (Tel. 586974) (Elected 1975)

South Lakeland District Councillors representing Ulverston:

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Town Ward - Mr J. V. CloughCentral Ward - Dr. B.S. RajanNorth Ward - Mrs H. IrvingSouth Ward - Mrs A. RiggEast Ward - Mr M. WilsonWest Ward - Mrs J. Jenkinson

Cumbria County Councillors Representing Ulverston:

Mr J. Airey, 5 Reeds Gardens, Little Urswick, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0US. Mr M. Wilson, 7. Parkfield, Swarthmoor, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 OHW

Record of attendance at Town Council meeting:

Record of councillor’s attendance at 11 Full Council meetings held in the year:

Cllr Bishop Rowe

CllrClough

Cllr Cooper

Cllr Harris

CllrHornby

9 9 10 3 9

CllrIrving

Cllr Jenkinson

Cllr Jones

Cllr Lister

CllrMarr

9 9 10 9 7

Cllr C Pickthall

Cllr J Pickthall

Cllr Prosser

Cllr Rajan

CllrRigg

11 10 11 9 5

CllrSmith

CllrTate

Cllr Wilson

5 5 11

Summary of Council Activities: The council own operate and manage assets on behalf of the community. It also works collaboratively with local businesses, Ulverston Business Improvement District, 8

Ulverston Community Enterprise, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, The Highways England and the Environment Agency, amongst other, to ensure that Ulverston’s voice is heard at every level.

At its meeting on the 21 March council formally agreed to relinquish its ‘user right’ at the town hall from South Lakeland District Council, the owner of the building. A user right is different to a standard lease and was a legal arrangement established in 1974 when local government was re-organised, Ulverston Urban District Council was abolished and SLDC and CCC took over the majority of the responsibilities. Ulverston Town Council was formed, and like other new town councils were given a ‘user right’ to remain in the building that they occupied before the reorganisation. This means that the town council could not simply be given notice to quit, but had to agree to do so. The town council now has its meetings in the supper room in the Coronation Hall. It is anticipated that later this year will see the administration office moved into converted and enlarged premises at Brogden Street.

Sir John Barrow Monument. There has been ongoing expenditure on the monument to ensure it is well maintained, following its restoration in 2009. Work has included including replacement floodlights and heaters and improvements to the interior of the ‘pepper pot’. New cameras have been installed by local company FETL, allowing viewers to see the surrounding views over the hill and the town from the top of the monument from their computer. The council would like to express its gratitude to the Senior Lighthouse Keeper Les Tallon and the group of volunteer lighthouse keepers who open the monument, and without whose efforts the monument would not be open to the community as often as it is. This year local LED company MARL demonstrated how the monument could be lit up with coloured lights used for special events and occasions. The council is working with the BID and MARL to see if this is achievable.

Sir John Barrow Cottage. This has been empty for some time but the council is now in discussions with a number of local people and organisations who wish to re-open it as a museum and space for the community.

Ulverston’s War Memorial 2014 commemorated the centenary of the commencement of the First World War. The council managed the restoration of the war memorial using council funds, generous donations from the community and a grant from the war memorials trust.

Allotments: The council owns 7 allotments sites at Dragley Beck, Sandside, Tank Field, Poplar Grove, Mill Dam, Hill Fall and the Ellers. There are almost 300 allotment sites and these are available to any resident living within the LA12 post code. Each allotment has a volunteer allotment representative who provides advice to new allotment holders and advises the town council of any issues which require resolving. This year the council has repaired the stone wall at Hill Fall.

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Public toilets: Public toilets at the Gill and on Brogden St next to the Coronation Hall. The council makes a small charge of 20p to use these facilities, to help with the running costs. This year a new cleaning company has been appointed and we anticipate that the cleanliness of the toilets will be much improved. It is anticipated that Brogden Street toilets will close later in the year and will be converted into a new administration office for the town council together with a small meeting room.

Christmas Lights. The annual Christmas lights display is managed by the town council. There is an annual budget of £11,000 which covers the costs of maintenance, erection and dismantling and power costs. The current lights have now reached the end of their working life and it is proposed to work with the Business Improvement District to look at a new display in the town.

Green Spaces. Gill Banks and Little Hoad are in the stewardship of the town council which has recently renewed its lease with the Town Lands Trust. Work has been undertaken recently on the Gill to remove two trees which were in a dangerous condition, and plant others. Bird boxes have been placed on trees throughout the wood. The council would welcome any help with an ecological survey of the wood. Works will be undertaken on the upper level path at the Gill to improve the railings and footpath in 2016 after the Environment Agency has completed work on the Town Beck.

Street Furniture. The council owns and manages 5 bus shelters at Victoria Road, Stanley St, Bigland Drive and Cherry Tree Avenue, and ‘squirrel’ seats within Ulverston. It also owns and looks after the Laurel and Hardy Statue outside the Coronation hall. Two new bus shelters have been purchased and sited on Central Drive and Rowan Avenue and have display notices installed. Pat Appleton kindly updates all of the posters. It is hoped that it may be possible to retro fit all of the other shelters with notice boards. The council is also responsible for cleaning all of the shelters which is does once a month.

Grants, The council awards grant to local voluntary and charitable groups and any local group can apply. This year for the first time it was agreed to give Ulverston Community Enterprises a grant of £10,000 towards the ongoing work of transferring the Coronation hall and the Market and Market Hall to UCE which is a company and a charity. Other grants were awarded to a variety of organisations and the list is detailed in this report.

Planning. The town council is a statutory consultee in all planning matters relating to Ulverston. It debates all plans at each full council meeting and its comments and concerns are sent to South Lakeland District Council, which is the planning authority. It also meets with developers to discuss proposals in detail. This year will see the start of receipts being received as part of the

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Community Infrastructure Levy fund (CIL). This is a levy on developers and can be spent predominantly on capital projects in the town.

Communication. The council fully subscribes to social media and together with its updated website also uses Twitter and has a Facebook page.

Twinning. Council works closely with the Albert Twinning Association on civic visits from our twin town of Albert. The association and the Mayor entertained friends from Albert at the Dickensian festival together with a delegation from the tourism association of Albert promoting the town for the centenary of the Battle of the Somme Commemorations in 2016. This historic and important twinning relationship will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016 and the council looks forward to welcoming friends old and new from Albert on behalf of the town.

Work has been undertaken to forge an informal friendship town arrangement between Ulverston and Harlem in Georgia, the birthplace of Oliver Hardy, at a major Laurel and Hardy convention in the town in July.

Projects. The council is developing the following projects in partnership:The council is working with Network Rail and the Ulverston Canal Regeneration Group to re-open the footpath between the Canal and Next Ness. This has been a very long process but it is hoped that we will see results this year. The council is also supporting Ulverston Canal Regeneration Group in its work to improve the canal and deliver new signage and artwork to the canal. Council approved a proposal to bring a 20mph speed limited to Ulverston and work on this is ongoing with Cumbria County Council. Work is underway to form an emergency resilience group for the town.

Work with Agencies. Councillors and staff work closely with all other agencies and local authorities on developments and work in the town centre. More recently the town council has been closely involved with the Environment Agency concerning the repairs to Town Beck.

Town Mayor’s Annual Report:Cllr Dr Bharath Rajan11

The inauguration for Mayor of Ulverston was held on Civic Sunday – 14th June 2015 at the Parish Rooms. For the first time it was a Humanist Ceremony presided by a celebrant – Ms. Debra Jesset, who organised the various aspects of the ceremony to include all parts of Ulverston’s diverse society and reflect the town in all its aspects today.

One of the first civic duties that I had to officiate at was to start off a cycle ride from Ford Park to Grange-over-Sands to mark the intention to have a dedicated cycle way right around Morecambe Bay. The route has now been clearly delineated and avoids busy motor routes, such as the A590, but will be completed in stages over the coming years and will provide a beacon for improving fitness amongst our population.

Mr. Redshaw of FETL Ltd., kindly donated much time, effort and equipment to the upgrade of the CCTV monitoring system which overlooks the views from the Sir John Barrow monument on Hoad Hill. The vista is now a truly panoramic one and covers the entire 360 degrees. The views are accessible through a link from the Ulverston Town Council website.

Due to various government cuts in finances South Lakeland District Council felt it had no choice but to ask the Town Council to vacate the Town Hall so that the Coronation Hall could be supported fully and they could not support both buildings. After much soul searching, the Town Council decided to acquiesce and from now on all Town Council meetings will be held at the Coronation Hall and I will be the last Town Mayor to preside over meetings in the dedicated Town Chambers. The Town Council employees (full time town clerk and part time administrator) will move to a dedicated office building that will be constructed on the site now occupied by the toilets on Brogden Street.

A source of concern for sometime has been the state of the Town Beck as it runs through culverts under the streets, buildings and car parks in the town. The Environment Agency surveyed the condition of the water course and embarked on an ambitious upgrade programme commencing at the Gill. The programme had to be suspended from September as the danger of ‘flash’ flooding dramatically increased the risk to the operatives. The latest surveys show a further deterioration of the condition due to the rains in 2015 and the finances required are not forthcoming for a full upgrade taking into account the latest information. Work is proceeding but the riparian owners may be required to contribute additionally to the works.

The Ulverston Dickensian Festival was a great success in spite of the very inclement weather. A large number of Councillors from Albert, our twin town in France, were present and were very impressed. A trade delegation from Albert also had a stall publicising the Battle of the Somme, whose 100th anniversary will fall this year. I opened the festival in wet and windy weather but this did not deter the festival goers who attended with enthusiasm. The location of the food outlets to one area, the Theatre Street car park, proved favourable and contributed to the general flow of

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visitors. I judged the shop fronts, costumes etc., and prizes were awarded in each category. The demand for stalls greatly exceeded the number of places available promising a bright future for this event. The new wing of the Ulverston Victoria High School was opened by Cllr. Melvyn Worth (Chairman of the Cumbria County Council) at a ceremony presided over by Mr. D. Fay, the Headmaster. I attended this ceremony, which marked the culmination of 8 years of work during which the academic programme was run without disruption. The original Edwardian buildings were not up to current standards and this upgrade was vitally needed to enhance the teaching facilities in this heavily oversubscribed school.

During November and December, Cumbria was subjected to unprecedented amounts of rain. Much of the county was flooded causing severe disruption. Fortunately, the Furness Peninsula was not greatly affected even though we were cut off from the rest of the country for a few days. The income from the Mayor’s Charity Appeal was split equally between help for the charities and the County Flood Appeal in order to help our neighbours to the best of our ability.Planning permission has now been granted for the upgrade of the canal side under the aegis of the Ulverston Canal Regeneration Group led by Mr. Colin Smith. The path alongside the canal will be enhanced by sculptures showing the development of the canal and its history. When completed, this will be a glorious addition to the walks that can be undertaken, commencing on the edge of the A590 and finishing on the edge of Morecambe Bay where the sunrise and sunset vistas are spectacular. GSK have completed a phase of their proposed development and the new roundabout and car park with the associated gatehouse building are now fully operational. GSK had contemplated a formal opening of these facilities but due to the bad weather had to cancel the ceremony. Work has commenced on the site of the former car park where the new Biopharm building will be situated. Ulverston will also be the site for the Blue Light Hub which will be located just off the A 590 leaving town towards Barrow. This will be a unique office building as it will be built to environmental criteria to minimise its total lifetime impact and will be subjected to a full BREEAM (Buildings Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Module) assessment on completion. From plans, it is expected to come into at least the ‘Very Good’ category when formally assessed. As this will be the first office building that is being built with the environment at the heart of the design I hope it will be a harbinger of the considerations that could be applied to future office buildings in Ulverston. During the year I was a guest at various receptions, lunches and dinners including: Ulverston Golf Club, Rotary Club of Ulverston, Mayor of Dalton’s Charity Concert, Mayor of Kendal’s Charity Dinner, Mayor of Millom’s Charity dance, High Sherriff of Cumbria – Reception, Furness Lions Dinner, Ulverston Canal Anchor Festival Opening, Ulverston and District Disabled Club Christmas Party, Annual Exhibition of Ulverston Photographic Society, Ulverston Pantomime, Ulverston Ladies Afternoon Townswomens Guild, Civic reception to greet the Civic Party and friends from Albert and the Church Walk pre-school opening.

United Charities:

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The trustees, who are all Ulverston Town Councillors, made several awards this year, in the spirit of the original individual trust documents. Awards were made to Ulverston Parish Church, Ulverston Victoria High School and the Ulverston Food Bank. £1000.00 was given to the Town Mayor’s Charities to be distributed to organisations throughout Ulverston. This will be distributed this evening, together with other funds raised by the Mayor.

United Charities are made up of the following trusts formed from bequests given by individuals through the last century.

Thomas Fell, Neville Hall, Ann Kilner, Mill Dam. Basil Weston, Dickinson, Chairman’s trust, Jubilee and Hon. Peter Hague.

United Charities. Balances Dividend2015/2016

Donations

Investments with Blackrock and CCLA £22,972.09

Closing Balance March 2015Current account

£1723.37 £834.76

Closing BalanceApril 2015Deposit Account.

£5003.087

Ulv Parish Church £270.00

Food Bank £270.00

UVHS £270.00

Mayor’s Charity £1000.00

Grants from Ulverston Town Council:14

Shop Front Improvement Scheme:

Business Name Sum Approved

Lonsdale Bible Society £220.00The Salon £375.00Two By Two £100.00Boogles & Bump £120.00Nevinsons Carpets Ltd £400.00Greenlane Archaeology £350.00St. Mary's Hospice 325.00The Vapour Bar 150.00E.J. Crafts 500.00The Little Ulverston Kitchen 250.00Josart Upper Brook St 350.00Bluebell and Ivy/White Hart Yard 150.00The Hot Mango Café 375.00Poole Townsend 350.00

4,015.00

Community and Festival Grants:

APPLICANT Approved2016

South Cumbrian Retirement Band £ 300.00Ulverston Hockey Club £ 200.00Ulverston Rangers FC £ 750.00Ulverston Scrap store Plus £ 500.00Ulverston Gardeners Society £ 600.00Ulverston Pantomime Society £ 500.00Royal British Legion £ 250.00Ulverston Town Band £2,000.00Ulverston Inshore Rescue £ 200.00Ulverston-Albert Twinning Association £1,000.00Ford Park Community Group £ 500.00GSK Ulverston Rangers (Girls) £ 500.00Ulverston Canal Regeneration Group £ 400.00Ulverston In Bloom £ 3,000.00Ulverston Community Partnership £ 5,000.00Furness Young Carers £ 200.00

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Ulverston Society of Artists £ 450.00Ulverston & District Civic Society £ 200.00

£16,550.00South Cumbria Musical Festival £ 250.00Retro Rendezvous Festival £ 750.00Ulverston Lantern Supporters Group £ 750.00Ulverston Walkfest £ 200.00Another Fine Fest £ 750.00Dickensian Festival £ 750.00Flag & Banner £ 200.00Ulverston St. George's Day Committee £ 250.00Ulverston International Music Festival £ 750.00Furness Tradition £ 850.00

£ 5,500.00

Ulverston Town Council - Standing Committees:

Finance and Grants:

Chair Cllr P. Lister.The details of the Town Council’s expenditure and income can be found elsewhere in this annual report of the Council’s activities. It was pleasing that both the councils internal, auditor and accountant have said that the council’s finance are now in a much more robust position than they were a few years ago. The council has worked hard to increase its reserve to manage unforeseen challenges. For example, the stone wall at Hillfoot allotment had to be rebuilt this year at a cost of £8000.00

Although Ulverston Town Council’s budget is in excess of £200k we remain an asset rich and cash limited organisation. With the upkeep of the Hoad Monument, the Sir John Barrow cottage, two public conveniences, open spaces and woodlands on Little Hoad and Gill Banks to name but some of the Town Council’s responsibilities the members have maintained as a primary fiscal policy the need to improve the levels of our unallocated reserves.

We continue to play a strong role in supporting local organisations who are seeking to contribute to our community by the giving of direct grants and we are always interested in hearing from new organisations seeking funding. The council agreed to support the important work of Ulverston Community Enterprises and provides a £10,000 per annum grant for 5 years as UCE move to take on the task of managing the Coronation Hall, Market Hall and Street market from 1 July this year.

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The committee has been leading on the task of relocating the town council administration offices to the Brogden Street building from the town hall. It is anticipated that the relocation will take place during the late summer. The council meetings are already taking place in the supper room of the Coronation Hall.

Policy and General Purposes:Chair Cllr H. Irving

The committee has led on the development of a 20mph speed limited in the town, together with the new Medieval Charter Market for 2015. It has also led on the revision and development of council policies and more recently is developing a policy to support members who sit on external bodies. It is also leading on the ongoing process of negotiating with Network Rail to re-open the footpath between the Canal towpath and Next Ness.

Allotments Committee: Chair Cllr. Brenda Marr.

Once again, the 7 allotment sites in the town have been very busy with some changes of tenancy. At present the waiting list stands at 25 with 1 vacant allotment.

After the prototype notice board at Poplar Grove proving useful, six more have been ordered from the Old Library and are awaiting delivery. These will prove a useful communication tool between Ulverston Town Council and the allotment holders and also provide a means of communication between holders themselves.

Early in the year a survey of all boundary walls was undertaken and this highlighted a serious defect in the very high wall on Hill Fall. This was rectified in October by the rebuilding of the damaged area. Minor refurbishments suggested in the survey will be completed during the coming months within the budget. At the Eller’s site, we are still awaiting the completion of the United Utilities site including landscaping, and the return of a small strip of land to the allotments which will be used as an area of hard-standing for vehicles to load and unload.

The footbridge on the site was found to be in need of replacement and the contract has been awarded locally and will be completed in the summer.

The allotment sub-committee expresses it’s thanks to all the Allotment Representatives, who report directly to the Town Clerk and improve the service we provide and help Sue and Jayne manage the sites efficiently.

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Reports from external organisations:

Ulverston/Albert Twinning Society. 2015 – was the first year with the first Annual General Meeting in May as opposed to July. The Committee were elected en bloc.Chair: Roy Gill, Hon Treasurer: Bill Penny, Vic Chair: Mandy Allonby. Auditor/ Independent Examiner: Don Horrocks. Secretary appointed by Ulverston Town Council as per Constitution: Town Clerk (Jayne Kendall) The Chair to do the Minutes of the meetings.

Since the closure of Ulverston Town Hall, meetings take place in The Old Farmhouse Priory Road, starting at 18-00 hours at a date decided by the previous meeting. The next meeting is the Annual General and Executive Meeting on Tuesday 3rd May 2016.

Throughout the months following the Annual General meeting, we were preparing for the arrival of the Albert Tourist Board for their visit to the Dickensian Weekend.Between times, Cécile Bourlon, stepdaughter of the Mayor of Albert, Stéphane Demilly came to stay with Sylvia and myself. She is a student in Paris and came to improve her English. Other members of the Group looked after her during her stay, but she spent a lot of time studying.

A group comprising- Bill and Julia Penny, Barbara Crellin, Ossie and Margaret Aisbitt, Sylvia and myself, plus Caroline Robertson of Radio Cumbria went to Albert for the Remembrance Service in Albert – 11th November 2015. We journeyed there by Eurostar, much easier than the 500 miles by road. Caroline broadcast back to Cumbria from the Ulverston Trench, Basilica and the Thiepval Memorial. Stéphane also gave an interview. During the Remembrance Parade, Bill met with Julian Blake of the War Graves Commission. He was given details of the Ulverston Trench, which he hoped to put into his next report.We were approached by the Albertines about the position of the Memorial to the Ulverston Trench. Currently it in the middle of a field and accessed by a track that very quickly becomes a mud-bath and can only be reached if you are in a four wheel drive vehicle or stout walking boots. They wished to place it about 200yards away as the crow flies, closer to the road, close by a military cemetery to enable easier access to visitors. We agreed and a plaque will be place with the memorial indicating the original position.

Once home it was time to prepare for the visit of the Albertines for the Dickensian Weekend. About 50 were coming, the bulk of them from the Albert Tourist Board to let people know of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 2016. They stayed in the Imperial Hotel - Barrow in Furness. The rest with their Ulverston hosts.They departed Albert on Thursday 26th November 2015 coming by bus, which had pictures of scenes from WW1 on the sides; they were making good time until they came to the M6 / M62 junction. There had been a crash and they were delayed for over two hours. Jayne had organised a reception for them in the Laurel and Hardy Museum, which meant

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that by the time they had offloaded all their exhibition gear, a quick drink, they had to leave for Barrow as the driver had only half an hour left on his tachograph. Those staying with the Ulverston hosts could stay longer before they left for a meal and some rest.Bill and I had hired two people carriers for transporting the twinning guests.Friday we took the twinning guests to Cartmel for their toffee fix thence to the Priory for a look around. For lunch to the Pheasant – Allithwaite. After lunch, after a request from the Albertines, to Fell Foot as they wanted to see a lake. Unfortunately the sky was meeting the water, but they enjoyed their trip. From there to Cumbria Crystals where they watched the workers making and engraving the crystal.The evening was a twinning meal at the Olde Mill Bardsea. Excellent with Tricolour bunting, plus the Tricolour and Union Flag either side of the bar. Our guests were quite moved by the display.Saturday, weather was bad, wet and windy. There was a delay in setting up the stall for the Tourist Board, they could not retrieve their gear from the Museum, which did not open until 09-00 hours, plus Mark had a sick child. Bill contacted him and he came and unlocked. Patrick and Marc (Albertines) collected some paving slabs from behind the Coro to anchor down the stall. A group from the Tourist Board decided to walk up Hoad; unfortunately it was closed when they reached the top. Still they became acquainted with Cumbrian horizontal rain.The Twinners were free to see the Festival in the morning, we took them for lunch to Swarthmoor Hall, then free to see the Festival.The excellent Civic Dinner took place at Rusland Pool organised by Jayne. Gifts were exchanged between The Ulverston Mayor - Bharath Rajan and Patrick, President of the Albert Twinning Association, also between the Ulverston and Albert Twinning Associations.Sunday morning was a free day for hosts and guests, followed by lunch at the Old Farmhouse on Priory Road. From there we took them to Dalton Parish Church for a display of Christmas Trees. Mandy and Maisie each had a tree on display. Very enjoyable. In the evening Pat and Allan hosted an enjoyable Jacob’s Joint at their home. I think it is fair to say, everyone enjoyed themselves. Thank you Pat and Allan.Monday was departure day at 09-00 for the Albertines, still raining. They said they were going to call in at Cartmel for their Sticky Toffee Pudding. I think it is fair to say that they like Cartmel, but I think they might be addicted to the pudding. The bus would be a shock to Cartmel, decorated with scenes from WW1.I had an E-mail that evening to say they were home and it had been raining in Albert all weekend.Seemingly the stall had been appreciated by those who visited.

We are currently preparing to visit Albert for the centenary of the Battle of the Somme (July 1st 2016) Those going have had to send photocopies of their passports for security checks. Our tickets are booked on Eurostar. Caroline Robertson and Belinda Artingstoll will also be going to represent Radio Cumbria.During the year Sylvia and I have met up with members from other South Lakes Towns – Coniston, Kendal. Sedbergh and Windermere. We are drawing up a pamphlet to advertise twinning in the South Lakes.

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Hopefully the leaflet will be available by mid- March. We also attended the North West Twinning Federation Annual General Meeting in Preston. It is interesting to meet people from other town and hear how they manage their twinning.

During the year it was agreed that the Ulverston – Albert Twinning Association make an award of £25 to the pupil at UVHS in the Lower 6th who performs best in the French examination. If you would like to become involved in twinning activities and joint the association please call Roy Gill. Chair - Ulverston- Albert Twinning Association on 0783 6203441

Ulverston in BloomUlverston in Bloom: Mrs. J. Pickthall: Chair 2015-2016The Ulverston in Bloom Committee is an independent voluntary Group which welcomes new members to get involved in keeping Ulverston blooming. To become involved as a volunteer please contact Judy Pickthall on 480666.

• We ran our seventh annual Open Garden Weekend last June.• We organised the Annual Charter Gardening Competition.• We worked with Friends of Lightburn Park on planting and helped finance

the planting.• We took part in the Ulverston Canal Regeneration Group Anchor Festival and

Easter Egg Displays.• We worked with Croftlands Community Group and Croftlands School on an

Incredible Edible Project.• We worked with the Guides and the Scouts on their Incredible Edible Projects.• We led a Clean for the Queen Weekend in early March.• We continued to recycle annual bedding plants for some of our planting this

year.• We continued to meet weekly to look after the Jubilee Gardens, the New

Market Street Bed, the Coronation Hall Roundabout, the Boat, the bottom of Sunderland Terrace, the bed on Soutergate and the tubs around the Town Centre.

• We were finalists in the Heart of Ulverston Awards• We are presently working with the Business Improvement District to improve

the quality and quantity of Summer and Winter Bloom in the Town Centre.• We are looking for volunteers to take over the Daltongate Garden created as a

memorial to Joe Rushton and tended by his wife and Mavis for many years.• Thanks to Peter Winston, Pat Bentley, Pat Appleton, Jan Parratt, Jane Lawrence,

Amanda Smith, Norma Sanson, Kim Farr, Joan Casson, Colin Pickthall, Cliff Bradley, Jane Swan, Ford Park Volunteers for their help.

• Thanks to Siemens, Steve Martins Associates, Cllr. J. Jenkinson, the Curry Club, UIverston Town Council for sponsorship and grants.

• Thanks to Roger Chattaway, Norma Sanson, Colin Pickthall, and Ford Park for plants.

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Ulverston Community PartnershipChair Peter WinstonThis is an independent group of local businesses and councillors who come together to develop marketing initiatives within the town.

We set up two job fairs at the Coronation Hall. We led the Shop Front Improvement Scheme. We invested in and designed new Ulverston Festival Leaflet. Following the creation of the new Town Council Web-site we worked with Neil

Fleming to develop the Visit Ulverston Visitor web-site. Invested in Trafalgar Public Relations to promote Ulverston. Worked with SLDC to create more flexible parking charges when new initiatives are

being launched.

Ulverston Community EnterprisesMrs. J. Pickthall: Chair 2015-2016• We have finalised our governance for both Ulverston Community Enterprises Ltd

(Company Number 08904327) and Ulverston Coronation Hall (Charity Number 1164000.

• With funding from SLDC we have employed two consultants who are supporting us through this transfer period.

• We have received funding from John Fisher Trust to employ a lawyer who is supporting us through the TUPE process and with the leases we are taking on.

• We have appointed Mr. Charlie Rowley as our Chief Executive Designate.• Through funding from SIB we have now a full and measured plan for the Coronation

Hall.• We are presently having an independent survey of the Coronation Hall completed.• The agreed transfer date is 1st July, and our initial lease for the Coronation Hall will

be for five years.• We are intending to host a week of Activities for all ages and interests in the

Coronation Hall in August to celebrate our new ventures-supported by Ulverston Town Council and Friends of the Coronation Hall.

• We are presently prioritising the developments of the Hall as we are keen to improve the facilities available as soon as possible through the funding provided by SLDC and UTC.

• We shall be running the indoor and outdoor markets on behalf of the District Council.

• Market Stall holders have formed a Market Stall holders Association which has been working with Mr. Rowley to increase the number of stalls on the outdoor market. New stall holders have been invited to try the market in April and so far nine new stalls have agreed to take a stall. We hope everyone who visits the town and the market will encourage these new stall holders.

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• We would like to thank Ulverston Town Council for its strong and continued support for this project.

The volunteer Directors and Trustees of UCE are: Keith Butcher: Chair of South Cumbria Musical Festival Julie Hammerton: Professional Arts Practitioner. Involved in setting up the

Barracudas Ltd. Ceri Hutton: Consultant working with local, national and international groups

developing strategy and business plans and advising on funding. Janette Jenkinson: Twice former Mayor of Ulverston and serves on many local

organisations and is an SLDC and Ulverston town councillor. Gordon Jones: professional musician and chair of Furness Tradition. Jayne Kendall. Ran her own publishing company, previously managed the

Coronation Hall, currently Town Clerk to Ulverston Town Council. Gavin Knott: Owner of Appleseeds, involved with many groups and is the Leader

of the 2nd Ulverston Scouts. Chris Loynes: Educational Advisor and Reader in Outdoor Studies at the

University of Cumbria. Jacqueline McCloy: Finance Director of Tritech International and on the Board of

the Ulverston Business Improvement District. Judith Pickthall: Former head teacher of a Lancashire Comprehensive, former

Mayor and a town councillor, chair of Ulverston in Bloom and Chair of UCE. Caroline Welch: Previously managed the retail operation of the Factory Shop,

now manages retail for St Marys Hospice.

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Ulverston Town Council: Annual Accounts 2015 – 2016

Accountants:TI Payroll and Accountancy, 73 Buccleuch St, Barrow in Furness.LA14 1QQ

Internal Auditor:Mrs Jean Airey, 63 Trinity Way, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4HX

Notes to the Financial Statements.

Ulverston Town Council For the year ended 31 March 2016

1. Statement of Accounting Policies:Ulverston Town Council is a local authority. These Financial Statements are general purpose financial statements and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.

The accounting principles recognised as appropriate for the measurement and reporting of earnings and financial position on an historical cost basis have been used, with the exception of certain items for which specific accounting policies have been identified.

2. Changes in Accounting Policies:There have been no changes in Accounting Policies. All policies have been applied on bases consistent with those used in previous years.

3. Goods and Services Tax:"These financial statements have been prepared on a VAT exclusive basis with the exception of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable

4. Accounts Receivable:Receivables are stated at their estimated realisable value. Bad debts are written off in the year in which they are identified.

5. Audit:"These financial statements have been checked against the spending but have not been officially audited.

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£12,760.09£31,428.93

£10.29Accounts Receivable £5,394.00Accounts Payable -£1,139.05

£5,261.99

£53,716.25

£45,540.68 £99,256.93

£27,099.03£69,786.60

Accounts Receiveable £0.00£48.81

Accounts Payable -£4,057.65£6,380.14 £99,256.93

Current Account 61008419High Interest Account 31162314

Ulverston Petty Cash

VAT Account

High Interest Account 31162314Ulverston Petty Cash

VAT Account

Gain for the year

Represented by:

Closing Balances @ 31st March 2016

Current Account 61008419

Movements in Reserves

Ulverston Town Council As at 31 March 2016

Opening Balances Brought Forward @ 1st April

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31-Mar-16 31-Mar-15

Assets

Bank Petty Cash Account 48.81£ 10.29£ Ulverston Town Council 27,099.03£ 12,760.09£ Ulverston Town Council (Reserves Allocated) 25,522.71£ 11,738.45£ Ulverston Town Council (Reserves Unallocated) 44,263.89£ 19,690.48£ Total Bank 96,934.44£ 44,199.31£

Current AssetsAccounts Receiveable -£ 5,394.00£

Total -£ 5,394.00£

Total Assets 96,934.44£ 49,593.31£

Liabilities Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 2,904.15£ 1,129.25£ NIC & Paye Payable 10.00£ 9.80£ Pensions Costs 1,143.50£ -£ VAT 6,380.14-£ 5,261.99-£ Total Current Liabilities 2,322.49-£ 4,122.94-£

Total Liabilities 2,322.49-£ 4,122.94-£

Net Assets 99,256.93£ 53,716.25£

EquityReserves brought forward 53,716.25£ 61,764.00£ Movement 45,540.68£ 8,047.75-£ Total Reserves 99,256.93£ 53,716.25£

Notes:

Balance Sheet

Ulverston Town Council As at 31 March 2016

: Signed .......................................................

: This statement is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements and the accompanying Compilation Report.

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Mar-16 Mar-15IncomeAllotment Deposits 1,550.00£ 1,650.00£ Allotment Rental 9,498.30£ 8,336.10£ Charter Income 813.93£ 3,725.35£ Christmas Lighting Donations 500.00£ Grants 1,000.00£ 2,286.00£ Grants Member Allowance 335.00£ Income from Land Sale 4,744.00£ Income from Painting Sale 29,773.40£ Interest Income 44.38£ 23.19£ Miscellaneous Receipts 16,793.01£ 1,500.00£ Other Revenue 120.00£ Precept from SLDC 159,588.52£ 145,961.38£ Public Donations: Hoad Monument 2,756.61£ 2,094.68£ SLDC Local Council Tax Support Scheme 15,383.48£ 15,628.73£ Ulverston in Bloom 1,150.00£ War Memorial Contributions 9,094.00£ WC Coin income Brogden St 1,639.75£ 1,693.35£ WC Coin income Gill 2,122.50£ 2,549.05£ WC's Grant from SLDC 15,500.00£ 15,500.00£ Total Income 256,963.88£ 216,390.83£ CostsCommunity Grants 21,000.00£ 13,630.00£ Deputy Mayors Allowance 387.40£ 387.40£ Direct Salaries 60,038.47£ 56,878.71£ Election Expenses 4,799.11£ Fesitival Grants 5,350.00£ 3,550.00£ Gen Civic Events 4,657.44£ 3,628.68£ Town Council handyman (contractor) 7,050.00£ Town Mayors Allowance 3,250.00£ 2,437.40£ Town Twinning Civic Expenses 1,010.29£ 607.20£ Ulverston Community Partnership Grant 7,000.00£ Total Cost of Sales 95,693.60£ 99,968.50£

161,270.28£ 116,422.33£

Less Operating ExpensesAllotment Deposit Refunds 500.00£ Allotment Expenses 12,839.18£ 7,711.36£ Audit & Accountancy fees 3,730.80£ 4,171.80£ Bank Fees 516.42£ 552.21£ Charter Festival 2,471.52£ 3,091.88£ Christmas Lighting and Town Dressing 12,183.44£ 12,678.84£ Contract/Main Photocopier & Computer 2,094.56£ 1,966.87£ Council and Community Projects 17,495.60£ 40,636.58£ Employers National Insurance 3,790.20£ 3,793.21£ Green Spaces Little Hoad and Gill 1,707.15£ 1,086.00£ Insurance 5,236.28£ 4,677.76£ Laurel and Hardy Statue 506.00£ 506.00£ Miscellaneous Expenditure 17,914.45£ 1,000.00£ Office and IT equipment 1,129.30£ 1,446.30£ Petty Cash 182.16£ Postage, Freight & Courier 795.68£ 963.20£ Public Conveniences 16,586.65£ 16,611.15£ Rent 3,300.00£ 3,900.00£ Repairs & Maintenance 2,589.93£ 1,554.46£ Sir John Barrow Cottage 636.99£ 248.12£ Sir John Barrow Monument Expenses 5,413.24£ 12,014.18£ Subscriptions and Licenses 1,029.00£ 1,073.00£ Telephone & Internet 588.20£ 590.20£ Training & Travel 995.01£ 1,417.80£ UTC Website and Newsletter 1,680.00£ 2,597.00£ Total Operating Expenses 115,729.60£ 124,470.08£

45,540.68£ 8,047.75-£

Notes:

Income and Expenditure

Ulverston Town Council For the 12 months ended 31 March 2016

: This statement is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements and the accompanying Compilation Report.

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