CHAIRMAN'S REPORT to the 2020 AGM

 

Welcome to the 2020 Annual General Meeting, held virtually for the first time this year. The financial year under audit ran from the 1st of April 2019 to the 31st of March this year. It has been a year of change and challenge for the charity as we ended the financial year at the beginning of national lockdown, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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May I take this opportunity to welcome Mrs Kate Moss to her first A.G.M. as our Chief Executive Officer. As you may recall from our last meeting, Colonel Wheeler was due to retire at the end of July. The staff and children enjoyed an informal gathering in the gardens with Graeme, where he was presented with cards, gifts and a beautiful celebration cake to mark the occasion. Graeme's steadfast leadership over the past 27 years leaves the charity in a robust position, able to offer 33 school places to children with complex physical difficulties aged 2-18, as well as providing a first-class unrivalled therapy service to some 2,000 outpatients.

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It is with pleasure that I can report that the charity was able to begin building work alongside the school hall, on the purpose-built wing to house the three Innowalk machines - a type of complex cross-trainer for children with physical difficulties. This work was completed over the summer and we are delighted with the light and airy space that has been created.

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The work within School continues at a fast pace, with some exciting developments over the summer which enabled us to expand the number of available classrooms. Each child continues to receive a personalised programme of learning, integrating their individual therapy targets.  It is always a delight to attend school events and see how much the children enjoy education. The Therapy department continues to provide the highest level of services to a large number of children. Throughout the pandemic, Vranch House has remained open, providing schooling and services to support the children and families who rely upon it.

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It is genuinely difficult to find the words to convey enough thanks to the management team for all they have done to make Vranch House a safe environment for the staff and children. Furthermore, may I offer heartfelt thanks to each and every member of staff for your continuing dedication, handwork, resilience and commitment in ensuring that the important work of this charity continues on a daily basis. You are exceptional people and it truly is a privilege for me to support you as your chairman.

 

Mrs Julia Tolman-May