Bircham Centre chair steps down at AGM

Ian Boldero has been elected as chair of the Bircham Centre. He replaces Sue Ivins, who held the position for three years.
 

Sue Ivins has stepped down after three years as chair of the Bircham Centre

 
A trustee for six years, Mrs Ivins stood down at the annual general meeting on 20 April in accordance with the Reepham-based charity’s constitution. She was thanked for her huge contribution to the Bircham Centre, particularly for her devotion, hard work and support.
 
The meeting was told that Mrs Ivins had been instrumental in moving the Centre forward and it is now in a strong position; during her time as a trustee, the accounts have “never looked better”.
 
“When I started here in 2009, the Centre was in grave danger of closing,” she explained. “I was passionate about the building, so set about, together with the other trustees, looking at ways to guarantee its future.
 
“We are a team here, a great team with a lot of talent. We have fantastic support from our community, wonderful donations for our charity shop and amazing volunteers.”
 
Mrs Ivins said she will “miss the Bircham Centre terribly, but it’s time now for some fresh blood on the committee and other people’s ideas. I wish them every success for the future and will still be a regular visitor.”
 
Mr Boldero, a chartered accountant, has lived in Reepham for 18 years and is well known locally for his support for both the Reepham Society and the Bircham Centre.
 
However, as he has already served as a trustee for five years, under the Centre’s constitution he can only serve as trustee and chair for one more year.
 
“Sue has done a fantastic job as trustee and chair and I would like to thank her for all her hard work and support,” Mr Boldero commented.
 
“Over the next year my objective will be to review the Bircham Centre business plan commissioned in 2010 and look at ways we can utilise the building to its maximum for the benefit of the community.
 
“It is a very old building that needs constant maintenance. A building maintenance programme is being developed to help us plan this maintenance cost effectively with the funds we have.
 
“I would also like to thank my fellow trustees and the community for their support,” he continued. “I look forward to working with them over the next year.”
 
Liz Kidd of Kerdiston was elected to replace Mrs Ivins as trustee. Although relatively new to Reepham, Mrs Kidd is keen to get involved in the community and is already volunteering with the Reepham Archive.
 
The Bircham Centre was donated to the town as a reading room and war memorial by Samuel Bircham in 1919. Maintained entirely by public donations, the building houses the Reepham Library, a charity shop and an art gallery, and is used by many local clubs and groups.
 

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