Members, Friends and Supporters
As I write these words, I realise that it is over a month since we all retreated into splendid isolation. Thus, although our activities have been significantly curtailed, and sadly we have had to close the West Pier Centre on Brighton’s West Beach, West Pier Trust’s Executive Committee has continued to meet on a regular basis through teleconference or Zoom. BAi360 has also closed which is having a major impact on both of our financial positions.
Because of this important change, we have decided to take advantage of the Government’s furlough scheme which will significantly reduce our outgoings over the next few months.
As many of you know we are in the 2nd stage of a major application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for financial support to enable us to restore and rebuild our treasured and unique West Pier Kiosk. Like all major institutions, the work at The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and we learned a couple of weeks ago that all current applications have been put on hold until at least October. We are optimistic that the process will reopen once everything starts to get back to normal.
While our permanent staff are furloughed, many of our trustees have increased their voluntary contributions in support of the charity such that we are able to keep the West Pier Trust rolling along while we await normalisation of our activities.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and friends who have supported us over many years. At times like this, we need you more than ever.
With very best wishes
Michael Farthing
Chair of the Board, West Pier Trust
26 April 2020
