Whalton Village Hall Committee

Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 14 February 2006 at 7.30pm

Present: Billy Grix (Chairman), David Adams (Treasurer), Alison Jackson (Secretary), Sheila Lough, Martin Keegan, Nikki Blackett, Stephen Trobe,  Sue Richardson, Elizabeth Silvester,  Richard Sill, Joan Goddard,  Geoffrey Holliday, Stephen Bilclough,  Richard Grix,  Fiona Ellis, Stewart Murray, Robin Wood

Apologies: Vivian Thompson, Kathryn Truman, Elliot Ward

100 Plus Club

£15      172      Jessica ward    

£15      117      Paul Wright

£15      42        Joan Robson

£10      28        W. Dennis Coulson

£10      49        Irene Davison

£10      168      Kate Grix

Minutes

Minutes of meeting on 10 January 2006 read and agreed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

• Sheila said that when the Hancock Museum closes, a display cabinet may be available for the photo albums.  She will investigate.
• A new wheeled barrow has been acquired for the toddlers’ gear.
• The new outside light has been fitted.
• The application for funding from Awards for All has been completed by Sue Richardson.  This was a complicated detailed document and was made available at the meeting for inspection. Thanks given to Sue for this task.
• Martin gave an update on the roof litigation.  The Defence has been filed and Martin explained the basis of it i.e. we have not got the roof we contracted for and therefore cannot pay the invoice raised by Europa.  Martin and Alison have had a meeting with Charlie Wandless who is embroiled in similar litigation with Europa, regarding monies claimed on a personal guarantee in respect of the roofing works carried out when Rooney had the contract.  Martin said he remains up beat about our position but acknowledged a negotiated settlement might prove more economic.  As yet Europa has ignored all his efforts to discuss the case.  CW’s case will be heard before ours and Alison said we could review our position when the outcome of that case is known. Agreed Martin and Alison have authority to continue to deal with this case.
• Burns Night was very successful and much enjoyed by those who attended.  Sheila thanked for organising this.

Treasurer’s Report

David delivered his report.

The electricity charges have increased substantially as N Power now classes the Hall as a small business rather than a social organisation.  David will make enquiries for a price from different providers.

The insurance company has been to assess the new Hall and stated that the front door lock was inadequate and must be replaced with a 5 lever mortice deadlock.

A new schedule of hire charges for the Hall has been produced by Barry Swan.  This has been calculated based on projected expenditure and by drawing comparisons with similar facilities.  The schedule was discussed at length and ultimately approved with minor amendments.  Friday and Saturday nights will be the same rate and weddings will be charged £300.

David is due to meet DEFRA next week.  He said it is possible we may get a little more money.

Caretaker

Linda has settled in well and is keeping the Hall very clean.  There have been one or two issues over the Hall not being open on time for functions and Linda has agreed to address this.

Linda is on holiday from 4/3/06 to 11/3/06.

Fund Raising Events

• Elizabeth’s Concert 18 February 2006. Billy will do the bar and Elizabeth will be on the door. 
•  John Grundy  21 Feb 2006.  Geoffrey reported he has sold 170 tickets.  Agreed the free glass of wine will be provided in plastic cups at the beginning of this event.  Elliot and Steve B will do the bar.  Raffle prizes to be supplied by Alison, Fiona, Joan, Steve, Geoffrey and Sue.  Finger buffet has been organised
• Rocking Zimmers 11 March 2006.  David is in the process of getting a licence. Elliot has secured match funding for this event from Barclays through his sister. Prizes are still needed for the auction although some excellent items/offers have already been received. Richards Sill and Grix to do the bar.
• Northumbrian Evening with Ernie Coe, 25 March 2006. Licence needed.  Pie and Peas.  £8.00

Show Schedule

A new publisher is needed as Joan wishes to be released from this task.  Thanks given to Joan for producing the schedule for many years.  Robin will consider if he can take this role on.

Pictures

The pictures Gladys was concerned about have been moved back to the front room.

3 new photos have been framed by Sue and were available for inspection.

AOB

• The heater needs replacing in the disabled toilet.  Steve B will organise this.
• The PCC will run the Bale Fire dance this year as they are short of funds.  All agreed.

Next meeting 14 March 2006.

 There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9.30pm.