Writing as Chairman of NEA's trustees how could I not but remember two great events in the period of this review, namely the 50th Anniversary of Netherhall House and the canonisation of the Founder of Opus Dei. Both are covered later in this review. These extraordinary events however should not obscure the proliferation of ordinary activities that have taken place during the same period in and from NEA's centres in Britain.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with NEA of late has been seeing the children of former residents or club members coming to benefit from our activities. They are living proof that exposure to a spirit of friendship and service to others bears fruit in subsequent generations eager to experience the same. This aspect was particularly in evidence during the very successful and enjoyable celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of Netherhall House during the summer of 2002.
Naturally we are keen always to look to the future. We try to build on what succeeds and make modifications where we see the opportunity for improvement. When we opened the enlarged Netherhall House complex in 1995 we established Netherhall International College to provide courses in English as a foreign language and computing which soon acquired a high reputation and accreditation by the British Council. In a review of the College and of competing uses for the premises occupied we decided during this period that the English language operation should cease in December 2002. This has enabled us to utilise the Central Area as the London base for the new Thomas More Institute which will combine aspects of an academic institute and a think tank. In addition one room has been converted to enhance Netherhall House's IT provision for its residents and their friends.
With the completion of a refurbished Orme Court complex we have been planning activities to be run from these fine premises. The works we have undertaken at Westpark and Kelston again reflect a perceived need to run more activities for greater numbers. Major plans for Kelston's expansion will be dealt with in our next Review when covering that centre's 40th anniversary.
We have also acquired two properties adjacent to our Orme Court centre with the intention of transferring their ownership at a future date to another registered charity with similar objectives, so that the two charities can run joint projects.
My fellow trustees and I are anxious to live up to the responsibilities which current legislation imposes on those in charge of charities. To this end we have adopted and put in place policies and criteria for working with young people, for data protection and for health and safety. For us it is not just a question of complying with legislation. These are, in essence, but formulations and clarifications of longstanding good practice. The very ethos of NEA's aims and objectives requires that everything should be done well to the benefit of all. We want everyone to achieve a personal development of which to be proud.
Deeply gratifying is the ever-growing number of supporters who give regular financial support and spend their time on management committees and as volunteers in NEA centres. This has enabled our accounts in recent years to show modest surpluses in line with our reserves policy. The administrative costs of running the charity continue to be very low due to this broad base of skilled volunteers who carry out much of the work for each of the centres and the running of the charity as a whole.
It is always difficult to single out individuals who deserve special mention among our volunteers and helpers. However, I feel appreciation should be expressed to Ralph Gretton, our Treasurer for eight years, who has retired from the daily concern about our accounts, only to continue with ad-hoc sage advice and good humour. Neither must I forget Miss Valerie Morrissey, the Bursar of Netherhall House for many years, who died recently.
The future of NEA is in the hands of many young and not-so-old enthusiasts and supporters who have taken the initiative to find outside support and funding for the existing and new activities. As just one example, Lakefield Training Centre has obtained a grant to fund the post of a schools liaison officer and an IT teacher. My hope is that the next NEA review will be able to report the beginning of a flourishing seminar programme at the Thomas More Institute as well as other initiatives still in planning and development.
Neil Pickering
Chairman
November 2004