Whalton Village Hall Committee

Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 12 December 2006 at 7.30pm

Present: Billy Grix (Chairman), Elliot Ward (Treasurer), Alison Jackson (Secretary), Charlotte Capps, Sheila Lough, Nikki Blackett, Sue Richardson, Gladys Smith, Edna Parker, Joan Goddard, Elizabeth Sylvester, Stephen Trobe, Stewart Murray, Richard Grix, Richard Sill, Robin Wood

Apologies Martin Keegan, Julie McGrorie, David Adams, Fiona Ellis, Vivian Thompson, Kathryn Truman

100 Plus Club

£50 88 Gavin Jackson

£25 12 Barry Richardson

£25 59 Aileen Thompson

£25 58 Lucy and Robert Grix

£25 3 Geoffrey and Margaret Thompson

£15 56 Sheena Law

£15 11 Rachel Murdy

£15 183 Bryson Prudhoe

£15 118 Lena Bird

£10 177 Emma Younger

£10 207 Kate Minney

£10 141 Stefan Lepkowski

£10 164 Edna Parker

Minutes

Minutes of meeting on 14 November 2006 read and agreed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

• Water heater in bar is leaking. May have been the cause of electric fault. Will be referred to Steve Bilclough
• Billy has collected the Christmas tree from Mr Cookson
• Bin screening still outstanding although Billy mentioned it to Gordon Hodgson
• Linda's wage has not increased very much at all as her rent has increased as well. Sheila proposed a gift for Linda for Christmas and to recognise her work. Bonus of £50 proposed and agreed.

Treasurer's Report

Elliot delivered his report. Copy attached to the Minutes.

The play made a net profit of some £900.

The accounts are very healthy but the Receivers have not yet finalised the position with Rooneys. Agreed to consider an investment account of some sort in due course. The patio, new tables and stage lights are all under consideration.

Carol singing/lantern procession

Tree to be erected tomorrow 13 th December, weather permitting and lights on Thursday.

Northumberland Lights have chosen the Hall to be illuminated on 23 rd December following a bid by Cinzia. The lights will come on for the carol singing. Singers will need to stand on the pavement opposite as it will be too bright next to the Hall.

Elliot will play the trumpet and any other musicians are welcome. Pooled supper. Agreed to provide wine and soft drinks. Elliot will organise the drinks. Agreed there will be no charge. Elliot will arrange for the event to be publicised at the school. Start time 7pm from 3 corners of the village.

Chimney pot and ivy clearance

Agreed to proceed with G M Services quote of £130. Sheila will liaise with the neighbours and advise them of the works

Burns Night Supper

Licence needed for the bar.

Tickets will be created by Sue

Leaks

The bar door and big window have leaked again. To be investigated.

Chess Club

Sheila has received an enquiry re starting a chess club. There are only 4 participants so far, so the rent is an issue. It may be of interest to others in the village. The bar area may suffice. Agreed to set a minimal rent to allow the club to get established.

Telephone

There was an issue with a person taken ill at the luncheon club and there was no phone available to contact the emergency services and relatives. Sue felt we should have a phone available in the Hall. Agreed to get an estimate of the cost. Elliot will get a price/ seek advice.

Library

Sheila queried whether a computer was appropriate as one has been offered free of charge. Felt it would not be useful without an internet connection.

The library will open on 9 January 2007.

Tables

Martin has provided some brochures for the new tables. There are many shapes and sizes. Agreed they are a priority. Suggested Richard Grix, Stephen Trobe, Martin and Linda should decide as a sub committee. Richard Sill suggested trimming the existing tables to form a stage. Agreed to consider this…

AOB

Billy thanked Linda for her hard work for the past year on behalf of the committee and said she will receive a Christmas bonus

Next meeting 9 January 2007.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9pm.