PURITON Parish Council is looking to support two local charities in 2023 by updating their charitable status.

The Puriton Village Hall and Puriton Playing Field Committee have added to the quality of life in their village, for more than 80 years.

Puriton Parish Council wants to support the two charities to make changes in the way they are run, which will improve their chances to raise funds in the future. 

The chair of the Parish Council, Simon Langley said: “We are delighted that the two major charities in our village are forging ahead with exciting plans for their futures.  The Parish Council are delighted to host a public meeting to support these charities to make the planned changes in governance.”

Both charities will set up what is called a ‘Charitable Incorporated Organisation’ or CIO, which will update their rules and allow them to be able to own property in their own charity names and act as corporate bodies.

A public meeting is required to allow these changes to happen.

“Puriton Village Hall wants to develop their building so they can create a modern village hall that meets the needs of every local person, offering a place to learn, meet new friends and celebrate important events with their friends and families,” said Kim Heathcote, secretary of the Puriton Village Hall Trust.

Puriton Sports Centre want to develop their facility in Church Field Lane by updating existing facilities to ensure that the building is accessible and welcoming for users and any new group that may wish to use the spaces in the future.

A public meeting will be held on January 26, 2023 at 7pm in the Puriton Village Hall, in order for village residents to approve the changes and allow the transfer of assets to the new incorporated charities.