Maud Village Trust AGM 2025
Held in the Community Resource Centre at 7.00pm on 7th October 2025
Those present:
Bill Hutcheon –Chairman - Director
Tom Johnstone – Vice Chairman - Director
Pat Buckman –Director/Company Secretary/
Ian Pirie – Director
Sandra Buckman – Director
Victoria Brown - General Manager
Maureen Stephen MBE
Dita Carr, Kathleen O’Connor, Valerie Pratt, Ellen Brown
Apologies
Spencer Critten-Director
Neil Hendry-Director
Annette Clark
The Chairman Bill Hutcheon opened the meeting and welcomed all those present. He asked for approval of the minutes of the 2024 AGM and were approved by Tom Johnstone and seconded by Sandra Buckman.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising
Year End Report
Victoria Brown read the report a copy of which is attached.
Treasurer’s Report
Pat Buckman gave a brief explanation income and expenditure of the accounts to 31/10/24 for Maud Village Trust saying that there was a nett profit of £6,889. He also stated that the gym had an Income of £36.6k and Expenditure of £50.5k a nett loss of £13.9k which could not be sustained and changes had to be made, as stated in the yearend report. The accounts for the Old Mart Café for the same period showed a nett profit of £2,325 after paying a back dated VAT charge.
Approval of Auditors
The Chairman (IP) asked for approval for the accounts to continue to be audited by Shearer, Bruce and Paterson (SBP) who are the present auditors. It was agreed that SBP should continue to do so, the motion was approved and was proposed by Victoria Brown and seconded by Sandra Buckman
Lottery Scheme. The promoter for all lotteries carried out by the Trust will remain with the Treasurer Mr P. Buckman. will be responsible for submitting the lottery returns, the motion was approved and proposed by Tom Johnstone and seconded by Victoria Brown
Company Business – Bill Hutcheon introduced Maureen Stephen MBE to the members and thanked her for coming along to be the independent Chairperson for this part of the AGM, and handed over the Chair to Maureen
Directorship Maureen Stephen then took over the Chair saying, thank you for inviting me along again to officiate tonight. It is always a privilege to be asked.
Over the past year I have continued to hear only good things about the work that is carried out by the Trust. The excellent partnership working that ensures you are aware of the needs within your community as well as the strategic issues that affect us all. You continue to deliver many opportunities in the local community, such as clubs and interest groups as well as health initiatives and support services, and of course the wonderful Café that is a great meeting place as well as tempting us all with their tasty food. All of this ensures that Maud Village Trust provides a community hub that meets the needs of the community, in many different ways.
The Board and staff must be congratulated for these achievements, in what continues to be difficult and testing times. Victoria and her staff work tirelessly to keep things going, whilst the volunteers continue to show great commitment to the organisation by fulfilling their roles in a professional and efficient manner
I have no doubt that Maud Village Trust will continue to evolve and develop to face future challenges and I wish you all good luck for the coming year.
Very well done, to all who are involved and have once again played a part in the success of the organisation. Thank you.
Maureen proceeded to reaffirmed that as per the Articles of Association one-third of the directors shall retire at the AGM: Those are Pat Buckman and Tom Johnstone, both of these directors wish to be re-appointed. Maureen asked for a proposer and seconder for these appointments, Victoria Browm proposed and Sandra Buckman seconded the appointments.
Chair – Maureen the ask for nomination for the position Chairman. Ian Pirie proposed Bill Hutcheon seconded by Victoria Brown and as there were no other nominations, the motion was carried for Bill Hutcheon to be the next chairman of the board
Vice Chairman-Maureen then asked if there were any proposals for the position of Vice Chairman, Ian Pirie proposed Tom Johnstone seconded by Sandra Buckman there were no other nominations, therefore the motion was carried.
Bill Hutcheon took the Chair and thanked Mauren for coming out to officiate for the Trust AGM which was very much appreciated.
AOAGMB
There being no other AOAGMB business Bill Hutcheon thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 7.20 pm
Maud Village Trust - End of Year Report 2025
Health & Wellbeing Services
The Community Resource Centre continues to be a busy hub of health and wellbeing. We are proud to host such a wide range of essential services, including:
Podiatry
GP practices and practice nurses
CBT therapists
Psychiatric support from Cornhill
Midwifery
Immunisations for children and adults (Covid & Flu)
Retinal screening
Physiotherapy
Blue Badge assessments
With demand steadily rising, we were delighted to secure a National Lottery grant to create an additional consulting room by converting a storeroom. This new space, completed at the end of last year, is already in regular use and has been a real boost to our capacity.
We’ve also worked with partners and third-sector organisations to make service provision better in our rural communities. A great example of this is our new fortnightly Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) drop-in clinic, giving people local access to vital advice and support.
Gym
This has been a year of exciting change and fresh energy for the Gym. While we faced some financial challenges, it has given us the chance to rethink how we deliver our services. The arrival of our new PT, George, has been a real turning point — his enthusiasm and creativity have completely revitalised the space.
From refreshing our class timetables to boosting our social media presence, George has helped us reconnect with the community and bring new faces through the doors. Our programme is now more dynamic than ever, with something for everyone:
Spin & Abs and Circuits with a Twist for those who love a challenge
Gentle Gym and Gentle-ish Gym for those looking for a softer approach
Pilates and Beginners Spin for balance, flexibility, and confidence-building
The Gym feels more vibrant and welcoming than ever it’s not just a place to exercise, but a lively hub where people come together for health, fitness, and community spirit.
MVT Initiatives
Resilience Hub
We’re still here for you when you need us! Thankfully we haven’t been required so far this year, but we remain ready to step in and support the community in the event of any future power outages.
Just Ask
Our Just Ask project continues to provide vital help to those struggling with the cost of living. To date, we have supported over 290 families and individuals, offering practical support when it’s most needed.
Central Buchan Christmas Appeal
The Christmas Appeal will once again be coordinated from the Resource Centre. Gift tags will be out in the community from early November. Last year, we supported over 180 local children, and with the community’s generosity, we hope to reach even more this year. Donations of new toys are very warmly welcomed.
The Listening Ear
This service continues to make a real difference, offering fully trained volunteers who provide weekly listening sessions (3 x 50 minutes) in health and community settings. In the past year, we’ve welcomed two new listeners, based in Fraserburgh (DWP office) and Haddo, bringing us to a total of five listeners across Aberdeenshire (Alford, Maud, Banchory, Haddo, Fraserburgh).
Looking ahead, we hope to expand further, with new training opportunities planned in partnership with NHS Grampian Chaplaincy Services.
Mental Health Projects Officer
Jacqui continues to be a driving force for some of our mental health work, even while working remotely from Perthshire. She has led on evaluation, developed our social media, and explored new ways to connect communities with positive mental wellbeing initiatives.
Events & Activities
It’s been a packed year full of activities, creativity, and connection.
Regular sessions continue to be well attended, including Canasta, After-school Lego, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Maud and NP Con Cafés, Nomads Art, Delia’s Flowers, Maud Walk Club, and Crochet groups.
The Gym timetable has been equally lively, with Pilates, Spin classes, Circuits, and Gentle Gym options proving popular across all ages and abilities.
Pop-up sessions and outreach this year included Lego Fest in New Deer, film screenings, mindful creativity workshops, and craft thank-you events for our amazing volunteers.
One of our proudest moments was the Grampian Wellbeing Festival, where we hosted a whole month of wellbeing activities — from Menopause Cafés and sewing classes to creative writing, allergy awareness, school walks, and community games afternoons.
And our very first Window Wanderland (26–29 Sept) was a real highlight, transforming our streets with creativity and colour. The turnout was fantastic, and we were thrilled to celebrate our winners:
1st – Maud School
2nd – Wendy at The Gift Gallery
3rd – Station Hotel
We’re already looking forward to repeating it next year, possibly at Christmas, and involving even more of the community.
Upcoming Winter Events
Monthly Creative Writing sessions
Monthly Menopause Support Group
Christmas Con Café & Concert
Pumpkin Display (21st October, 6.45pm) — with free pumpkins provided by Longleys and a prize sponsored by Valerie
Breakfast Club in partnership with Fire and Police Services during October holidays (22nd & 23rd, 9–11am)
Centre Usage
Gym (mid-August – end of September): 86 individuals
Resource Centre (January – end of September): 456 individuals
Both numbers are steadily rising month by month, with users travelling from across a wide area including Maud, New Deer, Lonmay, Hatton, Stuartfield, Fetterangus, Mintlaw, Strichen, Ellon, St Catherine’s, Methlick, Cairnbulg, Kininmonth, Auchnagatt, Longside, and Garmond.
The Community Service Centre
Café
The Café remains one of the beating hearts of the Village. Annette and her team create a warm, welcoming space where people come not just for food, but for friendship and connection. Their cakes and treats are famous locally, and the Café’s Facebook page is a brilliant showcase of what’s on offer.
Workshops such as wreath-making and glass fusion have proven very popular, and we’re thrilled to be running more of these again this year – need to book quick! Looking ahead to Christmas, we’re excited to be hosting a tree light switch-on with Santa on Sunday 30th November (10am–2pm), alongside our always-popular Christmas lunches — which book up quickly every year!
Service Centre
It’s been fantastic to see the Service Centre buzzing this year with all units fully occupied – we even have some fairy settlers who seemed to have made themselves well at home! We have also welcomed this year The Gift Gallery, where Wendy shares beautiful crafts and gifts, and the return of Baxter Podiatry, who has transformed their unit into a modern, purpose-built clinic.
Thank You
As always, none of this would be possible without the incredible effort of our staff, volunteers, customers, and supporters. On behalf of the Directors and Management of the Maud Village Trust, we thank you for your commitment and encouragement throughout the year.
Together, we’ve made great progress and created many positive moments — and we’re excited to see what the year ahead will bring.
Thank you for your continued support.
V. Brown – General Manager