There are several ways you can help.
Principally our need is for more people to help with the running of the Charity.
There are vacancies for Trustees, who will also become Directors of the Company. Apart from the official roles such as Company Secretary and Treasurer, the small committee is informal and flexible in approach. We have not designated any particular roles for individual Trustees, and Trustees can contribute as their interest’s suit. The Trustees meet once every two months and have the collective authority to spend the Charity’s money and to agree Policy.
Trustees are elected for a term of three years, but may step down at any time.
We are too small run a formal Volunteer Scheme, but we have two areas needing general help:
1. Providing an attractive space for our Hirers.
This can be anything from: basic tidying up and cleaning (although our Hirers are generally very good about leaving the room tidy afterwards), to opening up and locking up for Hirers who don’t hold keys. We sometimes set up tables and chairs for bookings, or assist in providing refreshments. The open nature of our car park results in a constant need to pick up litter. Fortunately, the grass is cut by our landlord, Thatcham Town Council.
2. Maintaining the building and carpark
This is basically DIY. Although we call in professionals for critical tasks such as electrical work, we can save our limited funds by doing as much as possible ourselves. Typical DIY jobs we do are changing lightbulbs, repairing the door lock, repairing minor damage and small scale repainting. Sometimes someone is needed to wait at the OBS to let in contactors e.g. B.T.
We have long term plans to do more interior refurbishment, so we are holding design discussions with Architects and surveyors. Our plans are “long term” only because we don’t have to money to go any faster!
3. Donating Money
We do not receive any funding to run the OBS. The Trustees are unpaid, and do not claim expenses.
The fees from our hirers allow us to run on a break-even basis, so any donations toward the preservation or improvements to our 700 year old Grade 1 Listed building are gratefully appreciated.
You can donate by cheque, Bank Transfer or Standing Order. We cannot accept Credit or Debit card payments.
Please use our Gift or Donation form, which includes an optional Gift Aid Declaration.
4. Friends of the OBS
At one time the OBS promoted a scheme where members of the public called Friends of the OBS would donate £20 a year. The Scheme is no longer being promoted to new members, while we review its future. We are grateful for the continuing donations of our existing Friends.
