Chair’s Report 2025

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Hudson House Annual General Meeting 16 June 2025
Chair’s Report

This year we have been very active in managing the Hudson House estate, reaching conclusion on several projects and undertaking a wide variety of new activities and initiatives covered below.

1. Anchor Hub Status:

This year the Anchor Hub provided:

• A range of computer, mobile and tablet courses provided by North Yorkshire Council that were very well attended and repeated to the extent that an advanced course has recently taken place.
• A CPR course that was also very well attended.
• An upgraded Library space that allows it to be used as a friendly, informal ‘warm space’ if needed and provides a useful gathering space and reception area for Hudson House.

In the future we are looking at:

• A family community theatre event nearer Christmas.
• Collaboration with the Swaledale Festival on a Community Day – ideas are invited on events from the community.
• Further courses – ideas welcome.

As with all these types of initiatives the frequency of implementation depends on demand so please keep the ideas for new projects coming.

2. Information Centre and Shop:

This year we have seen the following:

• The build up of stock encompassing a wide range of local products – chutneys, soaps, local walking books, jams, cards, honey, felt items, dog leads, candles and environmentally friendly cosmetics. So, if you have anything you want us to stock, please tell us.
• Visitor numbers seem to run at about 5000 a year which is encouraging.
• Revenue is not at the level as in the past which I suspect is due to the economy although we are selling a different range of goods and no clothing.

As always, we need as many volunteers as we can get so if you are interested or know anyone who is, please put them in touch with us.

3. Premises Matters:

This has been a big area of activity this year on many fronts:

• The Barn is now vacant, and we are seeking a new tenant.
• Unit 10 at the Dales Centre is now vacant and available for rent. Repairs have been undertaken to the roof on Unit 11 and to a broken drain in the car park.
• I can report no further information from North Yorkshire Council on future property policy although we are meeting NYC soon. We do have an email agreement to extend our management agreement for the Dales Centre for another 5 years.
• As noted, the library has been upgraded with new furniture, new blinds and makes a more comfortable space. I must thank Jill for her help in putting furniture together before Christmas last year in a 3-day sprint.
• As some of you will have noticed the car park to the rear of Hudson House has now been returned to its proper use. I am in ongoing discussions with Together Housing to get the damage caused both to the car park and the building repaired.
• We have purchased two heavy duty stand by batteries to power the telephone system and computer server in the Barn in the event of a serious power cut. This will allow the Barn to be a centre for information if needed.
• External signage on the building has been completed. The frontage of Hudson House has been repainted along with the installation of twoswift boxes under the eaves.
• The Gallery woodwork has been stained and sealed improving its appearance. It should be noted that a lot of the woodwork shows considerable evidence of rot to the extent that the west door will be replaced over the summer. The exhibition panels have been upgraded.
• We will be upgrading the Computers in the Meeting Room to Windows 11 capable machines at the end of this year.

4. Community Matters:

• We have increased the maximum amount for community group project grants to £700. Uptake has been slow this year so if you know of any projects please tell us.
• We are in discussion with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority about replacing the village sign by the Village Shelter. The YDNPA have a new format for information boards that it is proposed to replace it.
• We also wish to locate two plans of the village around the green, one on Hudson House and one elsewhere, giving the ‘visitor services’ that are provided. Look out for future developments.

Financially Hudson House is stable at present.

So, for next year our priorities are:

•  More projects for the Anchor Hub please.
• More Volunteers.
• Concluding repairs by Together Housing.
• Further community use of Hudson House – ideas welcome
• Gallery floor and ceiling blind upgrade.
• Recruitment of future Directors for Hudson House.

As usual we welcome ideas from our Partners and our community of what Hudson House can offer.

Thank you.