Govan’s Pearce Institute reported another ‘successful year’ and discussed changes for the historic building at their Annual General Meeting, held in their brand new café.

The meeting, attended by Westminster MP for Pollok Ian Davidson, Govan Councillor Bailie John Flanagan and Govan Community Council Chairman Dick Carabine, among others, saw the PI’s accounts, which showed the Institute is in fine financial health as its refurbishment progresses. The incorporation of a new limited liability company, taking over the responsibilities of the management committee and Trustees, was also discussed.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Rev Norman Shanks called the current management system ‘archaic’.  
Mr Shanks highlighted two high points in the past year – the opening of the new café, scheduled for October 16, and the centenary celebrations earlier this year.

Norie Mackie, Pearce Institute Project Manager, told the meeting that the PI’s website had over 2000 visits so far, resulting in groups as far afield as London expressing an interest in using the facilities, and that the PI had generated a £14,000 funds surplus.

Four interim directors of the new limited liability company were named at the meeting. Dick Carabine of Govan Community Council, Tommy Docherty of Govan Initiative, Norman Shanks and Germaine Hand, chair of the Pearce Institute Management Committee, will be directors of the new company, to which the Trust will transfer all its assets. The company as yet has no powers. Mr Shanks explained that the process couldn’t go any further as they are waiting for the relevant legislation to be passed in the Scottish Parliament sometime next year. The fourteen directors of the new company will be elected once the company is up and running.

Bailie Flanagan expressed his concerns at the meeting that the transfer of assets to the new company would put them in danger of being lost, saying, ‘What happens when the limited company runs into difficulties? The last board of directors almost closed the Pearce Institute. I have concerns about the Trustees disappearing off the face of the Earth and severing the link between the Trustees and the beneficiaries, the people of Govan. I’m not convinced that this is a safer model.’

Mr Shanks and Mr Mackie reassured the Councillor that the building was no more at risk as creditors could come after the Trustees the same as the company. They also pointed out that it would be a more democratic system of governance, as members of the company would elect the new directors. Current Trustees are appointed ex officio. Company membership is open to all by application.

Mr Mackie told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘We are aiming to have the widest possible membership. Technically everyone in Greater Govan could have a share in the company and I would love that. The more support the PI has the brighter the future looks.’