The Friends of St Nicholas has become a registered charity which allows donations to be increased by Gift Aid and broadens funding opportunities. They maintained the Vestry building over the summer with volunteers opening it daily for visitors. In July, their heritage event raised nearly £1000 and expanded their collection through Lottery funding. At the upcoming AGM on March 18th, they will discuss funds and next repair steps, and collect £10 membership fees which pay the building's insurance.

1. The
Friends of
St Nicholas
Chairman: Alfie Flett Treasurer: Athole Thomson
Secretary: Marlene Mainland
Skaill, Holm
781 395
dmainland@btinternet.com
Spring newsletter March 2014
Dear Friends
Since our AGM in March 2013 the most significant development has been our
application to become a registered charity and SCIO. This has been successful and
means that the Friends of St Nicholas is a legally recognised body. Being a charity
means that donations can be increased by Gift Aid, and can also broaden the
opportunities for funding.
The Vestry was open from April until September last year, and we are very grateful to
Antoine, Athole and Erland for opening and closing the building every day. There was a
steady trickle of visitors, with a few pounds added to our funds. The Vestry had
withstood the previous winter well, and no re decoration or repairs were required. Our
archive materials were removed from the building for protection during the cold damp
weather, and will soon be returned there for the coming season.
In July our heritage event, Holm Uncovered, gathered in a fascinating range of items
for display in the Community centre. As this project was Lottery funded, it enabled us
to raise our profile and to add to our materials without touching our own funds. For
example, there is now an extended digitised photo collection and extra display boards
which otherwise we could not afford. The collection at the event also took in almost
£1000 which was most gratifying.
Our funds will be discussed at the AGM, and suggestions put forward for the next
steps in the repair of the building. £10 membership fees will also be collected, and we
thank all those who contributed last year as this income pays for the annual insurance
premium on the building.
The AGM is on 18th
March at 7.30 pm in the Graeme Room, Holm Hall, and it is
hoped there will be a good attendance, as there has been in previous years.
On behalf of the Trustees
Marlene Mainland

2. The
Friends of
St Nicholas
Chairman: Alfie Flett Treasurer: Athole Thomson
Secretary: Marlene Mainland
Skaill, Holm
781 395
dmainland@btinternet.com
Registered charity SC044541