By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The Victoria Hall Heritage Maintenance Trust Fund has presented a $10,000 donation to Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland in support of repairs to the downtown landmark’s clocktower and clocktower railings planned next year.
Diane Chin and President Edward Cunnington represented the group in making the presentation.
The Victoria Hall Heritage Maintenance Trust Fund was established in 1988 with the mandate to invest and distribute funds remaining from the third phase of reconstruction and restoration of Victoria Hall after its 1983 reopening, with monies transferred from the disbanded Society for the Restoration of Victoria Hall. With oversight administered by a committee, the funds were to be invested and used for the on-going maintenance of Victoria Hall.
With this gift, the Fund has now donated more than $135,000 in a span of 36 years to the town towards a variety of heritage maintenance projects. The list included repair to the clock tower in 2002 and in 2014, chimney repairs, recent work on the front portico and entry, as well as many other exterior and interior projects.
Committee members meet twice yearly to review the Fund’s finances and approve investment decisions.
Because these monies are invested in laddered tranches, some funds may be available in each year without penalty.
This summer’s meeting began with a walk-about with town staff to assess the exterior and interior, see what maintenance issues have addressed in the past year and what is planned for the upcoming year. It is also an opportunity for committee members to raise any concerns, engage in discussions and make recommendations to town staff.
Upon the Fund’s establishment, it was determined that the immediate Past President and Treasurer of the Victoria Hall Volunteers group would always serve on the committee, with the Treasurer automatically acting as Treasurer of the Trust fund.
Committee members are also sought from the wider community to bring expertise and good counsel to the table. It is from this contingent that the President and Secretary are elected.
With Cunnington as president, Margaret MacKenzie serves as the current Secretary and Sarah Holland as Treasurer. The remaining committee consists of Diane Chin, Bruce MacNeil and Boris Nikolovsky.
The Victoria Hall Heritage Maintenance Fund is a registered charity, and donations are always welcome. For more information, contact any committee member or Treasurer Holland at 905-349-3710.
