Whalton Village Hall

Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 5 th April 2005

Present: Billy Grix(Chairman), Vivian Thomson(Acting Secretary), Nikky Blackett, Shiela Lough, Sue Richardson, Barry Swan and Stephen Trobe.

Apologies: David Adams, Fiona Ellis, Joan Goddard and Bernard Scott.

“100 Plus Club”

£15 48 Olwen& Richard Grix

£15 149 Jan Robson

£15 2 Joan Goddard

£10 91 John Jameson

£10 13 Ernie McDougal

£10 119 Evelyn Hutchinson

Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as a true record.

Treasurers Report: The Treasurer was not at the meeting. The Chairman reported that an application has been made to Northern Rock for a bridging loan. The project will be approximately £20,000 short (this includes the £8,000 for disabled access).

Hall Refurbishment: It was agreed to ask Stuart Murfin to maintain the garden at the front of the hall as usual. Those who had a conducted tour of the hall on 17 th March reported positively. David Ash has a contact at Ferryhill who sells reconditioned white goods at reasonable prices. The chairman will try to arrange a suitable date to visit.

Barry Swan asked about the bridging loan from Northern Rock and was told that an official from the Foundation is to inspect the hall on 28 th April. He then asked whether or not there would be sufficient funds to pay the next instalment to Rooney due at the end of April. He informed the committee that he was still approaching village residents personally and had been encouraged by the favourable response from most people. Out of 29 people approached only 2 have refused. Others have promised loans and gifts.

As yet there is no date for the handover but the disabled toilet and the front room will be ready for the General Election on 5 th May as the hall is to be used as a Polling Station. The cottage may not be finished at the same time as the hall. It was asked whether or not the scale of charges would be reviewed. This is unlikely as our charges are at the top end of the scale compared with other halls. It was hoped that running costs would be less.

Another meeting had taken place with the Local Authority regarding disabled access. They are unwilling to consider any modifications.

It was suggested that Dame Margaret Barbour open the hall and a gift be bought for her.

A sub- committee consisting of Shiela Lough, Sue Richardson and Vivian Thomson will consider soft furnishings, furniture and white goods for the hall. A meeting with the architect will been arranged next week to look at plans and take measurements.

The next meeting will be on 10 th May.