Introduction
What is the “Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust”?
It is a Registered Charity which aims “to promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the inhabitants of Burley-in-Wharfedale and Burley Woodhead by any such means as are deemed to be exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales”
What does this mean in practice?
That the Trust is working jointly to cover many of the activities of Burley Community Council. Most of the spending activities of BCC are transferred to the Trust – for example all BCC Projects for village improvements.
Does Burley Community Council still exist ?
Yes: not ALL BCC activities are charitable in law. For example, although BCC has never taken any political stance, it has, whenever necessary, actively supported and promoted the interests of village residents with both local councils (councillors and officers) and Members of Parliament. This work will need to continue – but outside the remit of the Trust.
How will the Trust and BCC work together ?
As far as is practical, the Trustees of the Trust and the Committee of BCC are the same group of people. Of course, the Trust members have the right to elect their own Trustees, and also a BCC Committee member may choose not to be a paid up member of the Trust. However, the BCC Committee will normally co-opt any elected Trust Trustee, and Committee members will be encouraged to join the Trust.
Monthly meetings of the Trustees and BCC Committee are held one after another in the same building on the same evening.
Quarterly Open Meetings of BCC and the Trust are held jointly.
What happens if a new Burley Parish Council is established ?
The Trust will continue with charitable activities in the village, whereas BCC will probably cease to be needed as a separate body.
Can I join the Trust ?
YES – any resident of the communities of Burley in Wharfedale and Burley Woodhead is entitled to join the Trust and then to vote at Trust meetings.
How do I join ?
Please print and complete the form below and then return it with the annual subscription of £2.50p to the Treasurer. The subscription year runs from 1st June each year.