SOUL OF THE JUNCTION SCIO — AGM SUMMARY RECORD (minutes)

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Annual General Meeting held on 1 December 2025
Scottish Charity Number: SC053656

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1. Apologies

The following members sent their apologies and were unable to attend:

• Pratna GC

• Pramila Pandey

• Coleen Rudo

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2. Attendance

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The AGM was attended by:

Gen Mullen, Jill Armour, Margaret Smith, Ann Sangster, Susan Kelly, George Georgiev,
Magdalena Savova, Taylor Green, Ralph Barker, Julia Miller, Emma Durkan, Colin Reed

Nedelko Savov

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The presence of our community members, partners, funders and supporters was warmly acknowledged, as their continued engagement underpins the significant progress made throughout the year.

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3. Presentation of the Annual Report 2024–2025

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The Chair presented the Soul of the Junction SCIO Annual Report, covering work from September 2024 to September 2025.
Key highlights included (full detail in the Annual Report Annual Repot AGM):

Community Hall Regeneration

• Planning and architectural work for a commercial kitchen and two new function rooms.

• Substantial practical progress: roof replacement planning, brickwork preparation, insulation strategy, window planning, health & safety upgrades, storage solution acquisition, and regulatory compliance.

Climate Ready Places & Climate Action Programme

• Workshop delivered August 2025; partnerships with schools, Climate Hub, Community Energy Scotland and Scottish Flood Forum.

• Large 1.8m × 1.5m illustrated floor climate map produced.

• Additional £250 microgrant secured from Volunteering Matters.

• Ongoing commitment into 2026 to deliver Climate Action projects including the Community Garden.

Children, Families & Learning Support

• 131 children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across Lanark and surrounding rural areas.

• Reading for Wellbeing sessions, seasonal events and family engagement activities.  

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AI-Enabled Sensory Room Initiative

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• Collaboration with Strathclyde University students (Group 22).

• Development of protocol, literature review, inclusive user strategy.

• Presentation at AI for Good Summit in Geneva.

• Guidance from Dr Gerwin Schalk, world-renowned neuroscientist.

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Community Cinema Development

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• Launch of the Community Cinema Membership Programme.

• First Christmas screenings scheduled for December 2025.

• Projection, licensing and venue planning underway.

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Community RePaint Point (Dulux)

• Early-stage preparations to join the Dulux RePaint Network.

• Storage and operational planning integrated with hall redevelopment.

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Community E-Bike Initiative (GearUp)

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• Planning in progress for installation of a bike shed at Hall entrance.

• E-bike to support sustainable travel and volunteer mobility.

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Events & Community Life

• Climate Action Festival, seasonal family activities, music partnerships, workshops and community outreach.

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4. Financial Report 2024–2025

The Treasurer presented the Annual Accounts for the period 18 September 2024 – 30 September 2025

Soul of the Junction - Annual B…

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Income

• Total Income: £43,510.88

  • Grants received: £39,557.71

  • Fundraising: £3,300.00

  • Donations & other income: Vinted Shop, book income, general donations

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Expenditure

• Community Hall Renovations: £37,551.50

• Workshop Expenses: £1,164.79

• Insurance, utilities, subscriptions, printing, admin, travel: £1,807.10 total

• Total Cost of Sales/Expenses: £38,830.15

Net Position

• Net Profit: £3,173.63

• Total Funds Carried Forward: £3,173.63

• Fixed Asset Purchased: One 40ft container valued at £3,000.00

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Volunteer Contribution

• Over 9,000 volunteer hours delivered in this period, a remarkable demonstration of community strength and collective resilience.

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5. Governance & Compliance

As recorded in the Annual Report

Annual Repot AGM

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• OSCR compliance maintained.

• AGM notices issued as required.

• Fire safety, PAT testing, EICR and risk assessment procedures upheld.

• Strong documentation for funders and external partners.

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6. Priorities for 2026

The AGM reaffirmed the strategic priorities outlined in the Annual Report:

• Major hall rehabilitation and development of new commercial kitchen and function rooms.

• Launch of AI-enabled sensory room prototype.

• Creation of Eatery & Soft Play facilities.

• Expansion of Climate Education, Village Garden & local food sustainability initiatives.

• Increased membership and volunteer engagement.

• Reading Club and toddler-based learning spaces.

• Festivals, cinema programme expansion, and community cultural events.

• Continued growth of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library programme.

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7. Votes of Thanks

Heartfelt gratitude was extended to:

• Our volunteers and community members — the backbone of Soul of the Junction

• VASLan and Ann Sangster for continuous guidance

• Councillor Ralph Barker for his steadfast support

• Susan Kelly (Co-op Local Community Fund Activator) for partnership-building going into 2026

• Local businesses, donors and national funders including SSE Renewables, Clyde Wind Farm, Lanarkshire Climate Hub and South Lanarkshire Council

• International collaborators supporting the AI sensory project

• Every family and every child who participates in and inspires our community work

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8. Meeting Closure

The AGM was formally closed with thanks to all attendees for their commitment, participation and continued belief in the vision of transforming Carstairs Junction through innovation, creativity and community-led regeneration.

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