Hackney Learning Trust Complex Needs Team Horse Riding Session On Monday, June 9th, Norman and I were invited to the Lea Valley Riding Stables to see ten disabled children have their fourth riding lesson. Each child was accompanied by a responsible adult and other helpers were on hand to give assistance. The children came from the following schools: Millfield; St John & St. James; Lauriston and Seabright.  Lessons are held Monday and Wednesday mornings. The group were divided into two, so that five rode at a time, while the others had a snack in the canteen. As it was such a beautiful day, after a brief trial walk around the exercise arena, the horses and riders were led into the grounds. One beautiful little girl, who had great difficulty in walking by herself, sat upright and confident once placed on the horse.  She was so much at ease, one could be forgiven in thinking she had been riding for years!  Several others were timid and unsure at first, but they soon relaxed and began to enjoy themselves once the horses  were moving.  It was obvious that contact with the animals had a positive affect on all the children - their happy  smiling faces said it all. We were given a copy of a book each child would receive as a memento, and for follow-up work and discussion . It contained photographs, symbols and words describing their riding experiences.  Later, at school and home they would be encouraged to share their personal thoughts with friends and family. The children gained a good deal from this project and we sincerely hope the  Learning Trust can offer further support in the future. We also had a good time and were pleased to be invited. Dorothy and Norman

The Stuart Feakins Trust Annual General Meeting

The Stuart Feakins Trust (SFT) Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on the 23rd April 2010 at The Florence Pub in Islington.

Chairman Ian Barney kicked off the evening by recounting some of the highlights of the year. He confirmed that he would be standing down as Chairman but would remain on the Board of Trustees.

Treasurer Charis Thomas gave a review of the accounts for the financial period 1 July 2008 to 31 December 2009. The financial year will formally run to the end of each calendar year. Charis has decided to stand down as Treasurer and from the Board of Trustees.  The SFT is extremely grateful for her hard work.

The SFT was delighted to welcome some special guests:

John Larter from the Hackney Schools Athletic Association (HSAA) spoke eloquently about Hackney District Football Team's participation in the Jersey Invitational Tournament with the help of a grant from the SFT.  The trip was an experience that will be remembered for the rest of their lives, including a hastily revised trip home thanks to the volcanic ash cloud.

Nicola Baboneau introduced Keir Apperley from Cycling Club of Hackney (CCH) who talked passionately about a recent trip to Milan which was funded by the SFT which gave young riders the opportunity to visit a new country and to compete against some of the best young riders in Europe.  This follows an earlier funded trip to South Wales.

Nadia described how the SFT was providing a grant to a project led by The Learning Trust to help a group of children with complex needs to go horse riding.

Sarah Wright spoke briefly to thank everyone involved with fund raising efforts, particularly Barclays Bank Event's team who organised an incredibly successful fund raising dinner in 2009 which raised over £20,000.  Further events are in the pipeline for 2010 including a party night.  Further details will be published here shortly.

Dorothy Feakins added her personal thanks to everyone involved and will be seeing first hand how the horse riding programme unfolds.

The Board election took place as follows:

Nicola Baboneau, Ian Barney, Dorothy Feakins, Steve Herbert, Warren Keeys and Sarah Wright were reappointed as members of the Board of Trustees.

Liz Allen, Steve Cunningham, Oliver Rowe and Peter Stimson were appointed as members of the board of trustees.

Razaq Dauda, Peter Passam and Charis Thomas have decided not to stand for re-election to the board.  The Trust extends sincere thanks to both for all their hard work and dedication.

A raffle draw took place which was conducted in a highly professional manner and without too much dissent from the crowd.  Congratulations to all the winners.  Thanks to all those who bought tickets, contributed prizes and to everyone involved in the organisation of the event. A magnificent £731.94 was raised, which thanks to match funding from Barclay's Capital, made £1463.88 for the trust.

Learning Trust Staff raffle raises over £1,000 for Stuart Feakins Trust

Thanks to the efforts of Tracy Spallin & Jemma Hobbs they have raised over £1,000 in two separate raffle competitions with Learning Trust employees

Stuart Feakins Trustee Steve Herbert said “What a fantastic gesture by Tracy, Jemma and many of the colleagues within the Learning Trust to raise such a substantial amount of funds”.  It is appreciated by all the Trustees and we will ensure that every last penny raised, goes to benefiting many young people and organisations to make a difference to those projects”

New Awards Made

The Trust recently approved funds to support a Hackney Schools Athletic Association football tour to Jersey and a horse riding programme for a group of young people with complex needs. We are delighted to support these great activities and hope to be able to announce new initiatives in the near future. These activities would not be possible without the support of many people who have given generously to the SFT over the last couple of years. Please click here for a letter of thanks from Dorothy on behalf of the Trust.

Newletter - 15/12/09

Dear Members

The Stuart Feakins Trust NEEDS YOU!

It is almost 2 years since we first met and decided to establish a Trust in Stuart's memory. I think we have achieved a lot but are now looking forward to building on the foundations made and really pushing the Trust forward. Achievements include:

• Charity established in October 2008
• £60k raised
• 3 activities funded:
  • Cycle Club of Hackney trip to the Newport velodrome;
  • Residential course for young people
  • Cycle Club of Hackney trip to Milan;
  • Others under consideration currently
• Numerous fund raising activities continue to bring friends of Stuarts together, e.g. the inaugural Stuart Feakins Fund raising Dinner.

We are hoping to invite you an AGM in January or February to tell you a little bit more about the work of the Trust.  At this meeting we need to recommend to you, as members, a 'new' Board of Trustees.  We were wondering whether any of you would consider serving as a trustee of the Trust for the next couple of years.

We need to fill the following roles:

• Chair:
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Young Peoples Activities
• Internet/Communications
• Fund Raising  (see later for more details of the roles)
  In addition to the above there are spaces for Trustees without specific remit to guide and support the work of the Trust.

It is a rewarding role that demands attending quarterly Trust meetings and some follow up and preparation. We estimate 10 days per annum to perform these functions properly. We need your energy and ideas to move the Trust forward.  If you are interested or know someone who might be please contact me:

• E-mail:       ianbarney@twin.org.uk
• Tel:             01883712318

We will be in touch soon regarding the AGM but in the meantime please do contact us if you think you can add to the Board of Trustees.

Can I also take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy Christmas and fantastic 2010?

Regards

Ian Barney
Chair SFT

Key Roles:

Chair:
The key role of the Chair is to coordinate meetings and the actions of Trustees. Ultimately the Chair takes responsibility for the effective operation of the Charity, our responsibilities to the charities commission and our legal responsibilities.  Ensure financial systems are adequate.  The Chair should not do all these things but delegate to others to do and ensure accountability of Trustees to agreed objectives.

Treasurer
To manage the finances in an appropriate way. To keep an accurate record and prepare monthly reports for the Chair, quarterly reports for the Trustees and an annual statement to members. Reserve policy established and distributions reflect this.

Secretary

• To ensure that SFT is compliant with Charity regulations.
• To keep record of each trustee meeting (minutes) in a timely and accurate fashion;
• To coordinate with chair re papers for Trustee meetings;
• To ensure formal timeframes (AGM etc) are maintained.
• Manage database of members -update etc.
• Oversee AGM- support Chair, Treasurer to prepare reports for AGM in appropriate and timely fashion
• Submissions to Charities Commission

Young Peoples Activities

• Proactively seeks funding opportunities
• Supports (if necessary) filling in of application forms
• Receives application forms
• Maintains accurate record of all interest and applications
• Allocate to trustees or 'friends' to review applications
• Makes recommendation to Trustees in timely fashion (prepares quarterly report on application and those projects funded;
• Supports grantees (or delegates to other trustee) to support and report on activities
• To develop a mechanism to assess impact of the activities to facilitate reporting to stakeholders
• Report on applications with recommendations and report on activities funded)

Internet/Communications

• To ensure effective communication is maintained with members. Quarterly communication at least.
• To ensure reports for FR and YP activities lead are communicated to members (and key supporters, e.g. LT)
• Manage website

Fund Raising

• To coordinate fund raising activities
• To support those wanting to raise funds for the SFT
• To delegate events/initiatives to others
• To report programme to Trustees on a quarterly basis
• Ensure continued support to LT staff
• Report to Communications Trustee

Mossbourne students donate to Stuart Feakins Trust 
Mossbourne Academy students have donated £2,000 to the Stuart Feakins Trust (SFT). They presented a cheque to charity trustee Razaq Dauda at a special ceremony at the school on Wednesday 1 July.

The students had raised about £15,000 in total, through a variety of sponsored activities. They also donated to other charities including Macmillan and St Joseph’s Hospice, and plan to make regular donations to SFT.

Razaq said, ‘we’re most grateful for this donation and look forward to working in partnership with Mossbourne.’

The annual Charity Challenge Cup Match for The Feakins Trophy
between The Hackney Learning Trust and Shenfield AFC, was held on 28th June 2009, in Shenfield attracting well over 150 people.
click here for full story

Sarah Wright, one of the Trustees was named one of seven Barclays Women of the Year 2008
in November. Sarah was recognised for her commercial success, team leadership and exceptional customer service as well as overcoming the effects of an unprovoked knife attack in February 2005. Sarah donated her prize money to The Stuart Feakins Trust to help fund the first activities.

Barclays Events Team was awarded a Chairman’s Award
in 2008 for their work in supporting local charities. In March the team ran workshops to provide templates and teach-ins to help charities run cost-effective fund raising events and they donated their prize of £250 to The Stuart Feakins Trust.

Faye Taylor of the Barclays Events Team recently ran a 10k race to raise money for the Trust
She raised £170 which she donated to the Trust and chose to use her matched-funding with Barclays to increase this to a fabulous £340!

A good night was had by all at the The Learning Trust’s Termly quiz night, which took place on Friday 24 October. Reigning champions Exodus (Corporate Governance and Legal) managed to retain their title despite some stiff competition from competitors Fur Coat No Knickers, Monkey Nuts and Sweet FA. The final scores were:

               Exodus                                       92
               Fur Coat No Knickers                   86
               Sweet F A                                   76
               Monkey Nuts                               70

All monies raised on the night went to The Stuart Feakins Trust, a charity set up in memory of our former colleague. We raised £40 from team entries but thanks to the kindness of individuals we managed to increase that to £100.