Issue - meetings
Tenant Organisations (Verbal Update)
Meeting: 01/09/2020 - Barham Park Trust Committee (Item 5)
Tenant Organisations (Verbal Update)
Representatives of the tenant organisations of Barham Park have been invited to provide a short verbal update on activities undertaken.
Decision:
NOTED the verbal updates provided from the following organisations:
· Nepalese Community Centre
· Friends of Barham Library
Minutes:
At the invitation of the Chair, representatives of the following tenant organisations for the Barham Park buildings complex provided updates on the activities of their respective organisations:
Friends of Barham Park Library
Paul Lorber supported by Councillor Lloyd speaking on behalf of the Friends of Barham Library began by advising the Committee how they had needed to adhere to Government guidelines and close the library during lockdown. During closure repairs, decoration and stock checks had been undertaken. After detailed assessments, the library had recently reopened but was operating under limited hours with four activity groups currently having resumed albeit operating in accordance with the relevant social distancing requirements. The groups operating were Memory Lounge; the Dementia Support Group; Art classes and evening Yoga sessions. The children’s library remained closed along with the toilet and kitchen facilities. The Trust were advised that the Friends of Barham Park Library continued to monitor and assess safety measures to ensure activities could still take place. In addition, whilst the shop at Sudbury Town Underground station was now reopened sales were limited due to the reduction in commuters using public transport during the pandemic. Financial support was being provided by London Underground in terms of rent reductions with additional grant funding also provided, however ongoing concern remained in relation to the repair of the library as a listed building.
Tamu Samaji UK
Baburam Gurung speaking on behalf of Tamu Samaj UK (Nepalese cultural group) reminded the Trust of their status as a charitable organisation focused on the elderly and young people in the community. The group had been involved in providing various community activities but was currently not able to operate due to the pandemic. It was hoped they would be able to reopen shortly with the organisation looking at various measures, including the receipt of grant funding to generate income in order to support their activities and ongoing overheads. During lockdown, the organisation had continued to visit their elderly members in order to provide support and assistance.
Members commended the tenant organisations for their ongoing efforts, dedication and hard work in continuing to support this local communities during such challenging times.