8th August 2018
Statement from the new Trustees at The Barlow, Edgworth
A re-convened AGM took place on 1st August at The Barlow, Edgworth which was attended by a record 150+ people. The then Trustees had hoped that the residents of North Turton would approve a new Constitution for The Barlow in the form of a “CIO”; however, there were very many questions outstanding relating to the proposed new scheme and it was overwhelmingly rejected.
The previous Trustees stood down en masse at the end of the AGM.
Two new Trustees (Colin Rigby OBE and Daniel Wild) were duly elected to join Stephen Danks, the incoming Trustee from the Parish Council. Since then, two further Trustees have been appointed by the Parish Council, Mark Sutherland, a Barrister-at-Law, together with Christine Waring, a retired School Governor – making five in total. Additional Trustees from the various user groups of the Barlow will be invited to join soon in line with the Scheme which governs the Barlow in operation since 2000.
The new Trustees at The Barlow would like to take the opportunity to reassure the residents of North Turton and the wider community about any uncertainties they may feel. They are determined that it will be “Business as Usual” and anyone who has an event or wedding booked can be sure that everything will go ahead as planned. In addition, The Reading Room will be open as usual for drinks and light meals.
The new Trustees will continue to update the Barlow estate and Working Groups have already been set up to look at different aspects of the Charity’s future, including the possibility of a revised Constitution to support planned developments. One of the first priorities will be the repair of the roof as well as long overdue internal refurbishment works.
The new Trustees also hope that decision making and implementation of those decisions can be more open and transparent in the future whilst seeking to involve many members of the community in a meaningful manner. They are grateful for the numerous offers of help and support already received.
When the Barlow Memorial Institute was opened in 1909, Sir Thomas Barlow, reminiscing about his parents said:
“They would not be satisfied until the Institute was managed by Edgworth people for Edgworth people. That was the only truly satisfactory basis on which it could be worked.”
The new Trustees intend to honour that democratic ideal which rings true today and thank the Barlow Family for their ongoing support which is still forthcoming over a century later.
The Barlow is for the people of the area and the Trustees would say this: “The Barlow NEEDS YOU!”
All are therefore welcome at The Barlow and if anyone would like to volunteer their expertise at this exciting time do make contact. Our email address is info@thebarlow.co.uk.
Progress reports and newsletters will be posted on The Barlow website – www.thebarlow.co.uk – where other information about events and facilities can also be found.
