Report: Surrey Hills Trust Fund

Item No: 7 (d)

Date: 21st January 2015

Written by: Neil Maltby ______

Purpose of Report

To update the AONB Board on the activities of the Surrey Hills Trust Fund Panel

Summary

There has been little activity with the Trust Fund since the last Board meeting The Trustees last met on 21st October and the next meeting is planned for 17th April. We need additional Panel Members who are willing and able to try and raise funds for the Trust and have the time and enthusiasm to do so.

I have met with Jim McAllister on two occasions and he has agreed to become a Panel member. We believe that it would be possible to launch a Surrey Hills Challenge fund raising event across the County and Jim did a considerable amount of work and research about such an event in 2012/13. We would like to organise a trial event in May 2016 with a full inaugural event in 2017.

I have written to the Chief Executive of MVDC to ask if any of the surplus s.106. money they are reported to have related to developments in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If so, would she consider passing it on to the SH Trust so we could use it to support, enhance and protect the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I await her response! I believe a personal approach is required to all the Chief Executives of the Boroughs and Districts in the Surrey Hills.

The Mountain Bike Working Group also requested that a separate ‘pot’ could be created to attract donations from mountain bike trail users to maintain and extend the trails on Leith Hill and into the Surrey Hills. This has been promoted on the new notice board for the Summer Lightening trail. The funds used will initially fund some maintenance work, which in turn should publicise the Trust Fund.

It has also been agreed that any interest and Gift Aid attracted by donations on projects to show what could be achieved. The first priority is the Inspiring Views In this respect the Trust are part funding the ‘Inspiring Views’ project. The AONB Director is also writing to Mrs Mittal about supporting the Inspiring Views project, with the priority being a major project to enhance access to the viewpoint at Lord Justice Seat on the Hurtwood. Recommendations

Members are asked to note the report and provide any leads or contacts for potential donors and Panel Members. ______

Contact details:

Author: Neil Maltby Job title Chairman of the Surrey Hills Trust Fund Contact no: 01306 713063 E-mail Neil Maltby