New life for Youth Trust

The number of trustees had dwindled to three and it looked as if the organisation might fold but at a meeting called by the Uckfield Inter-Agency Forum two people expressed an interest in learning more about becoming trustees and two others volunteered to join the trust's management committee.

Bob Charlesworth one of the founder members of the Youth Trust and still a trustee warned that the problem with the role was that of liability for the trust's debts.

For example if new premises were taken up in the Olives Yard area of town where the landlord wanted a five-year contract that would commit the trustees to pay rent of 6,500 for each of those years. Other expenses could add to a total liability of 50,000 in that time.

Mr Charlesworth said the problem was that organisations which supported the trust, like the town council, did not commit their funds so far in advance and the trustees would be legally bound to find that money themselves if funds dried up within that time period.

Mr Pat Wager, chairman of the inter-agency forum who chaired the meeting held at the Youth and Community Centre in Downsview Crescent last Wednesday, said that problem would be investigated.

In the meantime he asked for volunteers to consider the role of trustee and Kings Church pastor Robert Thursfield and Baptist minister Andy Melvin both stepped forward. Two young people volunteered to join the management committee of the trust, they were Trevor Olive and Imogen Moore.

The next task of the trust is to clear out the old Youth Zone premises in Uckfield High Street, which can no longer be used because of planning restrictions, and find somewhere to store equipment until new premises are available.

Mr Wager thanked the trust for all the work done over the years so far and said it was very important that organisation continue because as a charity it could attract grants towards projects being considered for the town, like skateboard facilities and a shelter where youngsters could gather.