WHALTON VILLAGE HALL

Minutes of the committee meeting held on 9 th January 2007

Members Present Billy Grix(Chairman), Elliot Ward(Treasurer), Vivian Thomson(Acting Secretary), Stephen Bilclough, Nikki Blackett, Richard Grix, Martin Keegan, Shiela Lough, Edna Parker, Elizabeth Silvester, Gladys Smith and Kathryn Truman.

Apologies David Adams, Joan Goddard, Alison Jackson, Richard Sill and Stephen Trobe.

100 Plus Club

£15 130 Mark Wilson

£15 76 J. Davison

£15 94 Bill Cambell

£15 104 Edith and Brian Parry

£10 204 Helen Roberts

£10 60 Thomas Unwin

£10 1 David Adams

£10 11 Rachel Murdy

Minutes

Minutes of the committee meeting held on 12 th December 2006 read and agreed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

• Chess Club Dennis Clark ( organiser?) has agreed to a poster being displayed in the notice board to see if there is any interest. Martin Keegan will put it on the website.
• The water heater in the bar has been replaced.
• Stewart Murray will be asked to investigate the leaks in the large hall window and patio door again.
• The ivy has been removed and the chimney pot repaired on the caretaker's cottage.
• Elliot Ward has investigated the cost of having a telephone in the hall. To install a payphone it would cost £150 plus VAT plus a quarterly rental charge of £50. After much discussion it was suggested that each user group should bring a mobile phone to the meeting. A letter could be sent to each group. Elizabeth Silvester said she would contact the Luncheon Club members on this matter.
• The quest for the tables is ongoing. Prices and sizes vary. Barry Swan is to get match funding from Barlays Bank on the Burns Night Supper receipts and has requested that the money be used to purchase the tables.
• The Whalton Library has opened today. An honesty box has been screwed to the bookcase!
• It was suggested that the minutes be circulated before the meeting. Those with computers could receive them via e-mail.

Treasurer's report

The Treasurer delivered his report and a copy is attached to the minutes. It was suggested that the funds could be invested but it was agreed that they remain on deposit which, at present, is at a favourable rate. A query concerning tax was raised, however it was believed that charities were exempt.

Carol Service

There was general agreement that the evening was very successful. The lighting of the hall was especially noteworthy.

Burns Night Supper

Jobs allotted as follows:

Sue Richardson:Menu Cards.

Door: Billy Grix

Elliot Ward will stock the Bar.

Bar staff: Stephen Bilclough, Richard Grix and possibly Stephen Trobe.

Stewart Keegan and Digby Jackson will be asked to help clear tables.

Usual Menu: broth, Haggis, neeps and tatties, trifle. Volunteers pressed to cook these.

Fund raising: raffle board and coins nearest to bottle of whisky competition.

Toasts: Shiela Lough to arrange.

A.O.B.

The Caretaker reported that a group wishing to use the hall for a singing workshop on 3rd-4th March had approached her. She wondered whether or not a concession on the hourly charge might be made.

Stephen Bilclough will arrange a time with the caretaker to check out the electricity installation.

The Ashington Colliery Band has agreed to play at the Village Show on 22 nd September.

A gift has been bought for David Adams in recognition of his contribution to the Village Hall over many years.

Kathryn Truman suggested that a Summer Ball (black tie, band and disco) be held as a fundraising project. She will bring details to the next meeting

The meeting closed at 9.15pm