Some of the Charity's Trustees with Kim Johnson MP and Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region. The Eldonian Community Trust was pleased to meet with Kim Johnson MP, Member of Parliament for the Eldonian Villages, and Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, to discuss the future of our community and the issues that matter most to local residents. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the Trust to outline its ongoing work across the Eldonian Villages and the wider Vauxhall area, as well as to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our community. As a community-focused organisation, the Eldonian Community Trust is committed to ensuring that the voices of local residents are heard. We believe that strong relationships between community organisations, elected representatives and regional leadership are essential in achieving positive and lasting change. During the meeting, discussions focused on the importance of continued investment in the area, supporting local residents and strengthening the community for future generations. The Trust also highlighted its ambitions to build on its work and develop new opportunities that can benefit residents and the wider community. The Eldonian Villages have a proud history of community involvement, cooperation and innovation. As we look towards the future, the Trust is determined to build upon that legacy and ensure that the community continues to have a strong voice in decisions that affect it. We would like to thank Kim Johnson MP and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram for taking the time to meet with representatives of the Eldonian Community Trust and for listening to the issues and ambitions of our community. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working constructively with our elected representatives and partners to help deliver a positive future for the Eldonian Villages and the wider Vauxhall area. Eldonian Community Trust Working with and for our community.

The Trust announces the election of Maureen Price as Chair following the Board's meeting on 5 August 2026. The Board of Trustees of Eldonian Community Trust is delighted to announce the election of local resident Maureen Price as the Charity's new Chair. Maureen has served as the Trust's Vice Chair over the past year and has been a dedicated champion of the Eldonian community for many years. Her election marks an important milestone as leadership of the Trust returns to a long-standing member of the local community. Lord Chris Rennard, who has served as Chair over the past year, will continue as an active Trustee of the Charity. During his time as Chair, he helped lead the Trust through a period of significant legal and governance challenges, providing invaluable support and guidance as the Charity worked to secure its future. The Board of Trustees recorded its sincere thanks to Lord Rennard for his leadership, commitment and generosity in giving his time and expertise to the Trust during one of the most challenging periods in its history. Commenting on the appointment, Lord Rennard said: "After helping to stabilise the Trust over the past year, I believe this is the right time for leadership to return to someone from the Eldonian community. Maureen has proved to be a great champion for residents over many years. I look forward to continuing to support her and to working with all the Trustees as we continue our fight for justice for a community that has been unfairly deprived of major assets." Maureen Price said: "I am honoured to have been elected Chair of the Trust. I would like to thank Lord Rennard for his outstanding leadership and commitment over the past year. I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees as we continue to strengthen the Trust and serve the Eldonian community." Following Maureen Price's election as Chair, Brian Jones was elected to serve as Vice Chair, with Frances Sibert continuing as Treasurer. The Trustees look forward to continuing their work together to strengthen the Trust, protect its charitable assets and advance the interests of the Eldonian community. Published: 5 August 2026

The Board of Trustees would like to extend its sincere thanks to all members of the Charity who attended our 2026 Annual General Meeting. Your continued support, engagement and commitment play an important role in the life and future of our organisation. In accordance with our Articles of Association, trustees Maureen Price, Kevin Gibbons and Brian Jones stood down from office at the meeting. Maureen Price and Brian Jones both offered themselves for re-election, and we are delighted to announce that they were unanimously re-elected by the members of the Charity. We congratulate them on their renewed appointment and look forward to their continued contribution to the work of the Trust. The Board would also like to express its heartfelt appreciation to Kevin Gibbons for his steadfast service and dedication during his time as a Trustee. We are grateful for the time, experience and commitment he has given in support of the Charity's mission and the communities we serve, and we thank him for his valuable contribution. We are also pleased to confirm that our Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Rhys Jones, was unanimously appointed to serve as Secretary for a further year. We thank him for his continued professionalism and support to the Board. As we move forward into another year, we remain committed to delivering meaningful benefits to our community and working collaboratively with our members, volunteers and supporters to achieve the Charity's objectives. Thank you for being part of this journey.

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that the Charity’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) will take place on Thursday 11 June 2026 at 7:00pm at Our Lady of Reconciliation de la Salette Church, Eldon Street, Liverpool, L3 6BR. The Annual General Meeting forms an important part of the Charity’s governance and democratic process, providing members with the opportunity to receive reports on the work and progress of the Trust, consider the Charity’s financial position for the year ended 29 March 2025, and participate in the election of members to the Executive Committee. The Board hopes that members will attend and take part in what remains an important moment for the Charity as it continues its work to strengthen governance, rebuild community confidence, and support the long-term future of the Eldonian community. In accordance with the Articles of Association, members will be asked to receive and consider the income and expenditure account and balance sheet for the financial year ended 29 March 2025 together with the reports of the Board of Trustees. Members will also be invited to elect members of the Executive Committee and transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting in accordance with the Charity’s governing document. Members who wish to stand for election to the Executive Committee are reminded that nominations must be submitted in writing, proposed and seconded by members entitled to vote at the AGM, and accompanied by the written consent of the nominee to act if elected. All nominees must be eligible to act as charity trustees under the Charities Act 2011. Completed nominations must be received by the Secretary no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 2 June 2026. Members unable to attend in person may appoint a proxy to attend and vote on their behalf. Proxy forms will be circulated following the close of nominations on Thursday 4 June 2026 and must be returned in accordance with the requirements set out in the Articles of Association no later than 7:00pm on Tuesday 9 June 2026. By Order of the Executive Committee

Fr Peter Sibert Today, on the twenty-first anniversary of his death, please remember in your prayers Fr Peter Sibert. Parish Priest of Our Lady of Reconciliation, Eldon Street between 1996 and 2005. Peter Sibert was born in Roby on 13th November 1938. He trained at Upholland, being Ordained 12 June 1965. Father Sibert served first as Curate at St Michael’s, Ditton, then from 1972 at Ss Peter & Paul’s, Crosby. From 1983 to 1986, he was part of the Skelmersdale Team Ministry before being appointed Parish Priest at St Patrick’s, Wigan from 1986 to 1996. During this time, he was also the local Dean. After a decade at St Patrick’s, he then moved to Our Lady’s, Eldon Street, Liverpool where he undertook a major project of restoration of the historic Pugin church. During this time, he also served as Chairman of the Council of Priests for the Archdiocese of Liverpool. We give thanks to the considerable work he did for our Community and are proud to have his sister Frances on our Board of Trustees.

Eldonian Community Trust Limited is pleased to confirm that an application made by Shaun Smith Enterprises Limited to reinstate a claim in the sum of £25,500 against the charity has today been dismissed in full by District Judge Metcalf. This decision brings the matter to a close. The current Board of Trustees, appointed in 2025, has approached this matter with a clear and consistent focus: to protect the interests of the charity and the community it serves, while ensuring that all issues are addressed properly and transparently. The Court’s decision provides certainty and allows the Trust to continue its work without the distraction of ongoing proceedings. The Trustees wish to place firmly on record their sincere thanks to Daniel Crowley of 2 Temple Gardens and Paul Currie of Liverpool Legal Limited for their professionalism, diligence, and support throughout. Reflecting on today’s outcome, Maureen Price, Vice Chair said: “I’m really pleased to see this resolved—it gives us the space to move forward and focus on what truly matters: our community. My sincere thanks go to Daniel Crowley and Paul Curry for their commitment and support throughout. There’s a renewed sense of positivity, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together next.” Trustee, Frances Sibert added: “This is very welcome news and an important step forward for us all. It allows us to put our full energy back into supporting the community and continuing the positive progress we’ve been making. I would also like to thank Daniel Crowley and Paul Curry for their professionalism and support throughout. I’m proud of how the charity has come together and I’m optimistic about the future.” This outcome marks a positive moment for the charity as it continues its programme of renewal, governance reform, and community-focused activity. The Trust remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering meaningful opportunities and support for residents across the Eldonian community. See the Liverpool Echo Article on this here. Ends

Dear Reader, Following our residents meeting held on 16 April 2026, the Board of Trustees have formally logged our objection to the above planning application which refers to the site of the former Our Lady of Reconciliation Primary School. For the purpose of transparency, the Board of Trustees wish to make public our letter of objection from our Secretary on behalf of the Eldonian Community Trust. We will continue to represent the voice of our community for the interest of our residents and future generations. Kind Regards, The Board of Trustees Eldonian Community Trust Limited

Photo: Kris D’Août The Eldonian Community Trust Limited wishes to address recent coverage by the Liverpool Echo concerning the former Trinity Primary School site at Eldon Place. We are grateful to the Liverpool Echo for reporting on this important matter. Issues relating to the use and disposal of community assets are of significant public interest, particularly where they concern land originally intended to benefit local residents. Responsible reporting plays an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability. As outlined in that coverage, a serious concern has been raised in relation to a 2017 transfer of the site. At a residents’ meeting held on 16 April 2026, a former trustee stated that a signature appearing on a transfer document—relating to the disposal of the land for a stated consideration of £1—was not hers. This is a matter which, if substantiated, may have significant legal implications. The current Board of Trustees was appointed in March 2025 and was not in office at the time of the events in question. However, the Trustees have a clear duty to review historic matters and to safeguard the assets of the charity. The Board is therefore actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding this transfer, alongside other historic disposals of land. We have contacted the individual concerned and have offered appropriate support, including facilitating access to independent legal advice should she wish to formalise her position. It is appropriate that any such allegation is considered by the relevant authorities, including the Charity Commission for England and Wales, which is currently conducting a statutory inquiry into the charity. Photo: Kris D’Août In light of the seriousness of these matters, the Trust has maintained its position that it would be inappropriate for any planning determination to be made in respect of the site until the inquiry has concluded and the relevant facts have been properly established. Set out below is a formal statement on behalf of the Chair of the charity: Statement on behalf of Lord Chris Rennard, Chair of Eldonian Community Trust Limited “The allegations reported in relation to the 2017 transfer of the former Trinity Primary School site are extremely serious. Any suggestion that a signature on a legal document may not be genuine goes to the heart of the integrity of that transaction and, if proven, could have significant legal consequences. The current Board of Trustees, appointed in 2025, was not in office at the time of these events. However, we have a clear duty to investigate past matters thoroughly, to support any individual raising concerns, and to ensure that the interests of the charity and the community it serves are properly protected. We have reached out to Ms Harrison and have offered the charity’s full support, including facilitating independent legal assistance should she wish to provide a formal affidavit. It is right that any such allegation is considered by the appropriate authorities, including the Charity Commission, so that the facts can be properly established. More broadly, the Trustees are actively reviewing historic disposals of charity land, including the circumstances surrounding the 2017 transfer. We will pursue all appropriate legal avenues where there is evidence that charitable assets may have been improperly transferred or dealt with. Given the seriousness of these issues, and the ongoing statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission, we maintain our position that no planning determination should be made in respect of this site until these matters have been fully investigated and resolved. Our priority remains the protection of community assets and the restoration of the founding principles of the Eldonian Village for the benefit of local residents, both now and for future generations.” The Trustees remain committed to acting in accordance with their legal duties, to transparency and accountability, and to ensuring that community assets are protected for the benefit of the Eldonian community. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.” See the article here

Rhys Jones in today's Liv Post Article Today, The Post published a feature exploring the history of the Eldonian Village and the events of recent years. The story highlights the strength and determination shown by members of the local community, including our secretary and trainee priest, Rhys Jones, who became involved after supporting residents who wished to better understand governance matters affecting the village. What has emerged over time is a powerful example of community engagement, residents asking questions, seeking clarity, and working constructively to ensure that the future of the village reflects its founding values. Following concerns raised within the community, the Charity Commission for England and Wales opened a statutory inquiry. A new board of trustees was subsequently appointed to strengthen governance and ensure the organisation operates transparently and in accordance with its charitable objectives. Today, the Eldonian Community Trust is focused entirely on its mission: serving the residents of the Eldonian Village and delivering meaningful community activities that support children, families, and older residents alike. Lord Chris Rennard MBE, Chair of the Eldonian Community Trust, said: “Rhys Jones has shown extraordinary determination, persistence, and courage in bringing these issues into the open. His integrity has shone out every step of the way as he has been revealing the facts that others wanted to keep quiet. Only through his efforts are we now ensuring that the concerns of residents are being heard properly. A community has been deprived of the assets given to it by the Archdiocese and by public bodies. We want to restore hope. The Eldonian Village has a long and proud history as a community built by its residents. The priority now for the trustees is to ensure that the charity moves forward with strong governance and a renewed focus on serving the people of the village.” Rhys Jones, Secretary to the Board of Trustees said: “This story was never about me. It began because people in the Eldonian Village — many of whom I have known all my life — were worried about their community and wanted answers. I simply tried to help find those answers. People like Maureen Price showed enormous courage in speaking up, and there were many others who supported the effort quietly behind the scenes and have remained in the shadows. Their determination to protect the community they built is what really made the difference. What matters now is that the Eldonian Community Trust can move forward and focus again on supporting the residents it was created to serve.” Trustees Brian Jones, William Little and Maureen Price with a Resident Read Today's Article Here!

A fantastic week of football, partnership and community pride. Photo: Kris D’Août This half term, the Eldonian Community Trust was proud to host a vibrant and energetic football tournament that brought young people together from across the estate. The pitches were alive with excitement from the very first game, with players showing determination, skill and a genuine love for the sport. The tournament was professionally facilitated by Forward Thinking Coaching, whose coaches delivered high-quality sessions throughout the week. Their structure, enthusiasm and commitment ensured that every child was supported, challenged and encouraged to give their best. The standard of coaching was clear to see in the confidence and development of the players as the week progressed. We were also delighted to work alongside the Scotland Road & Junior District Football League, whose continued support of grassroots football plays a vital role in creating opportunities for young people locally. Their involvement helped make the tournament both competitive and inclusive, reflecting the best of community football. Photo: Kris D’Août Special thanks must also go to Custy's FC and No 9 FC for their participation and encouragement, and to Liverpool City Council for their support in helping make the event possible. Partnerships like these demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared commitment to young people. Beyond the goals and results, what stood out most was the atmosphere. Players encouraged one another, celebrated together and showed real respect on and off the pitch. For many of the children, this was more than just a tournament — it was a chance to build confidence, form new friendships and be part of something positive during the school break. At the Eldonian Community Trust, we believe that investing in youth sport strengthens the whole community. This half term tournament is just one example of how collaboration, structure and opportunity can make a lasting difference. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create safe, inspiring spaces for our young people to thrive. Photo: Kris D’Août

Photo: Christopher Thomond (the Guardian) The Board of Trustees today announces that His Honour Judge Mark Halliwell has issued a judgment in response to Anthony McGann’s application for permission to appeal an earlier decision of the High Court, in which the winding-up petition he presented against the Charity was dismissed. Judge Halliwell ruled: “Permission to appeal is refused on the basis that an appeal would have no real prospect of success and there is no other reason, compelling or otherwise, as to why such an appeal should be heard.” The issue of costs was also addressed. The Charity, through its barrister, Daniel Crowley of 2 Temple Gardens, made submissions as to why Mr McGann should be ordered to pay the Charity’s legal costs. Judge Halliwell ruled: “Mr McGann must pay the Company’s costs summarily assessed on the indemnity basis in the sum of £7,852 plus VAT if the Company is unregistered for VAT. He must also pay the Charity Commission’s costs summarily assessed on the indemnity basis in the sum of £1,586.25. He must make a payment to the Foundation in the sum of £20,325. Subject to any immediate submissions to the contrary, payment must be made within 14 days.” The Trustees wish to thank all those who have supported the Charity since their appointment in March 2025. The Charity has now successfully defended itself in the High Court, and the Trustees are turning their attention to the future, focused on protecting and advancing the interests of those for whom the Charity exists. The Charity can also provide an update on a separate claim brought by Shaun Smith Enterprises Ltd in the County Court at Liverpool. The Company issued a claim alleging that the Charity had agreed to a consultancy arrangement, which purportedly resulted in a debt of £25,500. Following directions from the County Court, the Charity submitted a witness statement setting out its position in relation to the alleged debt. Shortly thereafter, Shaun Smith Enterprises Ltd contacted the Charity, and the claim was subsequently discontinued. As a result, the Charity has no outstanding claims to defend and has successfully concluded its High Court proceedings. Maureen Price, Vice Chair of the Charity, said: “This is a real achievement for a Charity which, in March 2025, had just £42 in a frozen bank account. Without the steadfast support of those who stood by us, the Charity may no longer exist. We wish to place particular emphasis on, and express our sincere thanks to, Daniel Crowley of 2 Temple Gardens, who represented the Charity with exceptional skill, commitment, and courage.” Lord Christopher Rennard MBE, Chair of the Charity, added: “This judgment reflects the determination and hard work of everyone involved in securing the Charity’s future. Our focus now turns to growth and renewal. We are excited about what lies ahead and confident in what we can achieve.”

Photo: Christopher Thomond (the Guardian) The Eldonian Community Trust acknowledges the recent announcement by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) that it has closed its Regulatory Compliance case into the Eldonian Community Based Housing Association (ECBHA). While we respect the Regulator’s role, the Charity does not support the decision to close the case at this time. For several years, residents of Eldonian Village have raised serious concerns about governance, accountability, and the absence of an effective, independent board structure to oversee decisions affecting their homes and community. These concerns remain unresolved, and many residents feel they have not yet been given the transparency and reassurance they deserve. As the community’s charitable body, we believe that Eldonian residents should have clear routes to challenge decisions, seek explanations, and have confidence that proper oversight is being applied to organisations operating in their name. Lord Chris Rennard MBE, Chair of the Eldonian Community Trust, has therefore raised parliamentary questions to the Government regarding resident protections and the mechanisms available to challenge regulatory decisions. He said: “Residents must be able to trust the governance of the organisations that serve them. When long-standing concerns remain unaddressed, it is vital that people feel they have the right and the means to challenge decisions that affect their lives. Confidence in oversight matters. That is why I have asked the Government to reflect on whether the current system gives residents the protections they need.” Photo: Christopher Thomond (the Guardian) The Eldonian Community Trust will continue to stand with local residents in seeking transparency, robust governance, and accountable leadership in all organisations operating in Eldonian Village. We remain committed to supporting residents and ensuring their voices are central in any process that affects their community. If you are an Eldonian resident seeking advice or support, please contact us directly through our website or at our regular community drop-ins.