Whilst we sometimes get frustrated at the pace of change, in this year’s review I would like to highlight two examples where patience and persistence have paid off.

Firstly our own “Phase III” project which seems to have been in the planning stage for many years.  Whilst the project is relatively straight forward, a new business centre providing 14 new units, the practicalities have been anything but straightforward.  Before work could begin the land transfer including access rights had to be negotiated and completed, financing the project had to be in place, only then could the process of appointing a contractor begin.

I am, however, pleased to report that work has now begun on the new building, which represents the third phase of this Trust’s development. Building work will be completed in February 2007 and in next year’s annual review I hope to be able to report that we are fully let.

Although a relatively small project “Phase III” has large significance for the Millfields Trust. The Trust has financed the work partly through a grant from European Objective Two funds, but also partly from funds taken from our own reserves and partly from a commercial loan from the NatWest Bank. As the Trust owns the land, and will own the building when complete, the development is also significant in providing a lasting asset for the Trust on behalf of the community.  We are grateful to the “funders” for showing faith in the project and the work of this Trust.

Secondly, in October last year Sandwich Island opened for business on the Millfields site.  On the face of it this was not big news, however the story behind the opening is worth telling as it really highlights that if you want something and you are determined enough it can become a reality.

The Millfields Trust first saw the potential of the little green hut as a sandwich bar in 1999, shortly after we asked for expressions of interest from anyone interested in running the facility.  At the time there were several, including Beth Taylor.  For nearly five years the Trust was unable to let the little green hut to anyone due to problems with covenants and leases.  For five years Beth rang the Trust on a regular basis to find out when it could be used, Beth must have tired of the response that we hoped it would be ready shortly. 

 Last summer we were able to go tender, and after the meeting of the tender group the lease was offered to Beth and her daughter Andrea. For the past eight months they have been running “Sandwich Island. They have become well known on the Millfields site for the good quality of the food and the warm welcome.  They are an example to anyone wishing to start their own venture that if you want something badly enough you can get it with persistence and patience.

As ever I would like to conclude by thanking all those involved with the Trust, the staff team of Mandy, Barbara, Colin and Hester.  The Board of Directors, our tenants and all our loyal sub-contractors.  Most of all I would like to thank the members of the Trust who turn out faithfully to support us at formal meetings and social events.

Roger Pipe
General Manager