At the 20th annual meeting of the Millfields Trust, the scene was set by the indomitable Rev Sam Philpott and Roger Pipe Chief Executive, quoting Mother Theresa:
‘We can’t all do great things but we can all do small things with great love.’
This has been the mission of the Trust since its inception 19 years ago when the first members, all of whom come from the local community, got involved to make a difference and build a more sustainable community in Stonehouse.
The trust’s income comes almost exclusively via the letting of business units and conference rooms in the HQ Building, the former Royal Naval Hospital and the purpose built, award winning Genesis Building.
Once overheads and direct costs were paid, it donated over £63,000 this year to the charity Millfields Inspired. In the last 20 years, the Trust has invested £1.7 million back into Stonehouse.
Millfields Inspired, who deliver the Widening Horizon’s programme aims to develop a range of activities and visits that give an opportunity for local children to experience life outside their immediate neighbourhood, and to introduce them to people and experiences that broaden their horizons.
This year’s annual meeting attracted a packed crowd. There was an exhibition of unique historical photographs of Plymouth from the collection of Richard Fisher, part of the Walks With History team. Following that, the audience were treated to an excellent motivational speech from the TV personality Adam Hart Davis.
Adam is a patron of Action on Hearing Loss which is a tenant of the Millfields Trust, and a national charity supporting over 10 million adults with hearing loss in the UK.
The event concluded with some toe tapping entertainment courtesy of www.irishsession.co.uk, a group of mainly tenants of the Trust who share a love of Irish traditional music and getting together to play.
It’s very refreshing to know that public money is being used carefully to deliver projects in local areas, blighted with a history of deprivation. The aim of the Millfields Trust has always been to promote economic activity and local employment in order to contribute to the regeneration of Stonehouse.
Being based in the area and having such close working relationships means that it is able to not just serve the community, but be a part of it – and that makes all the difference.
