A boost for Lambourn community projects

Lambourn received a major boost in support of community ventures with the formation of the Lambourn Junction Community Interest Company. The name and logo of the company is based on the Lambourn Railway line which connected the community, brought employment and prosperity and was an essential part of Lambourn life.

“Lambourn has a great community spirit…” said Cathy Brown, a director of the company, “…however sometimes the red-tape and administration becomes just too much.” This is where the Company comes in. It is a not-for-profit organisation staffed entirely by volunteers which supports community activities with the administration and paperwork as well as hands on experience. All free of charge.

Organising a community activity or an event such as a car boot sale, an outing, a charity dinner requires a number of things including public liability insurance, risk assessments, DBS checks for volunteers, transparent finances (not a biscuit tin or your personal account!). These are the services the company provides free of charge as long as your activity is not-for-profit and benefits the residents of Lambourn and the surrounding area.

Julie Blogg manages the Lambourn Food Hub, a place where those who need a helping hand can pick up groceries and and toiletries free of charge. “The Food Hub is operated by the Lambourn Junction Community Interest Company so that we can provide this vital service to the community in a professional manner through a not-for-profit organisation.” said Julie who is also a director of the Company.

“The company is registered, like any company, at Companies House.” said Charles Lochrane, one of the five directors, “We comply with some additional rules and regulations to ensure that it operates to benefit the community. The Community Interest Company Regulator makes sure we comply. In a way it is very similar to a charity.”

“Another advantage of having the Company supporting the village is that it can apply for grants.” commented Christian Noll, one of the five unpaid directors. “Private individuals or societies are often do not qualify for grants whilst a Community Interest Company can apply for funds from many sources.” A number of very generous donors have already contributed to the funds the company holds to kick-start community activities.

Another example of an evolving project is the Lambourn Youth Junction. “We are in the early stages of determining if a youth club would benefit and be appreciated by the younger generation in Lambourn.” said Anna Field, a director of the Company, “we have started discussions with a number of organisations including Berkshire Youth and will involve the young people of Lambourn in the feasibility study.”

If you are running a community project/event or would like to start one, please contact us and we can discuss how we can help. Please email office@lambournjunction.uk or call 01488 505050

Unpaid company directors: Anna Field, Cathy Brown, Julie Blogg, Charles Lochrane, Christian Noll
Company number: 13305113

A community interest company is a type of company introduced by the United Kingdom government in 2005 under the Companies Act 2004, designed for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. The company is registered at Companies House and subject to regulation and oversight by the Community Interest Company Regulator.