2018 was a fantastic year for life on the lake. Not only are visitor numbers ever increasing – but also much needed funds to keep Clevedon Marine Lake ship shape. Here’s a snap shot of some highlights we’d like to share with you, to give you a better understanding of all the improvements we’re making thanks to your generosity – in terms of both time and money.
Some significant donations in 2018 > £3,000
We’ve had some incredibly generous donations from individuals – who’ve either asked friends and family to gift money to MARLENS instead of a birthday present or nominated MARLENS to commemorate a loved one’s passing as an alternative to flowers – whilst others have invested their time and energy in organising social swims and swim challenges in support of the charity. In addition, in January 2018, a local business, MBDA based in Filton awarded MARLENS £1,700 through its Charity Challenge Initiative Scheme. Together these gifts totalled over £3,000.
Clubs and Coaches doing their bit – £3,500
Every time you see a Club or registered coach running a session on Clevedon Marine Lake, remember they’re contributing to everyone’s enjoyment of this amazing space. Clubs and Coaches register with MARLENS to use the lake by paying an annual fee as well as making a contribution per session.
Some Fantastic Fundraisers in 2018 – £11,000
Community events and subscriptions in support of MARLENS are making all the difference too. In round numbers, here’s a taste of how well they did last year – Clevedon Open Water events £3,300, MARLENS’ Lottery £1,900, Last Night of The Proms £1,700, Winterfest £1,200, The Curzon ‘Swimming under the Sky’ £900, New Year’s Dip £600, Friends of Clevedon Marine Lake £500, Avon Gorge Boat Trip £500 and Light up The Lake £400.
Just some of the costs in 2018 – £10,000
It costs a lot to run Clevedon Marine Lake, and many of the expenses are unseen. Administrative costs simply to run the charity amount to £3,500 per annum. In addition, in November 2018, MARLENS submitted an application to Marine Management Organisation for two silt removal sessions per year (March, October) for the next five years, 2019-2024. The application costs £1,500. It is required to enable MARLENS to deposit silt back into the estuary.
MARLENS spent over £1,500 on routine repairs and maintenance around the lake in 2018, and over £1,000 on equipment to support the work carried out by volunteers. Other investments at the lake in 2018 included non-slip matting for events, running costs for the webcam, new flags on the upper promenade and the installation of three murals which together cost over £2,500.
Some 2019 Investments – £10,000
From 2019 onwards, we are looking to carry out two drain downs for mud clearance each year. The lake’s annual heavy machinery bill for the de-silting programme alone will be £3,000.
We’re planning to digitise subscriptions and donations on Clevedon Marine Lake website this year, and together with continued water quality testing, we’re budgeting over £1,000. Another £1,500 will be set aside for more concrete benches and helpful fittings lakeside. There’s a major, remedial project planned to improve the splash pool in 2019 which will reduce on-going maintenance and is estimated to cost £4,500.
LTL
We’re excited about the year ahead and bringing all these plans to life – but we couldn’t do it without your continued support. Thank you from MARLENS and our growing community who ‘Love The Lake’. There’s lots to do – and lots of love for this amazing space!
MARLENS, the charity behind the lake is run solely by volunteers. Clevedon Marine Lake is run for the people by the people. New volunteers are always welcome.
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