Whalton Village Hall Committee

Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on May 10 th 2005

Present: Billy Grix (Chairman ), David Adams (Treasurer), Joan Goddard (Secretary), Sue Richardson, Elizabeth Silvester, Nicky Blackett, Martin Keegan, Stewart Murray, Vivian Thomson, Alison Jackson, Barry Swan and Jenny Stevenson.

Apologies: Fiona Ellis, Rosie Harvey, Richard Sill and Richard Grix.

“100 Plus Club”

£15 135 Graham Truman

£15 42 Joan Robson

£15 79 Tom Reynolds

£10 10 Martin and Liz Grix

£10 132 Trevor Howell

£10 22 Keith Wilson

Minutes

These were read and agreed as a correct record.

Matters arising

Theses were dealt with as agenda items.

Treasurer's report

This was dealt with as an agenda item.

Village Hall Refurbishment

1. Financial update

David gave an update of the current financial situation, namely that there is an estimated shortfall of £20k in the overall cost of the Hall Refurbishment project. In addition it will be necessary to settle the final account from the builders before the grant from DEFRA is received, thus creating an additional short term deficit of £56k.

David outlined two options of dealing with these deficits. Firstly Northern Rock Bank would be prepared to loan the Village Hall the sum required but this would be subject to interest and setting up charges and would require the personal guarantees of the three Trustees of the Hall.

Barry Swan reported to the meeting that his personal approaches to Parish residents regarding donations or interest free loans have been met favourably . He suggested that the outstanding £20K could be raised by 40 loans of £500 which would be paid off as soon as funds were available, with a deadline of 31/12/2010 and proposed sending a letter to all village residents outlining this plan.

Martin Keegan suggested that the £50k shortfall until the DEFRA grant is paid could be met by asking 5 people for an interest free loans of £10K for the next six months.

After a lengthy discussion the following was agreed:

• Martin will explore his plan of raising £50k in short term loans.
• If this is unsuccessful a private loan would be sought.
• Barry will follow up his plan for raising £20k.

2. Furnishings

Sheila updated the meeting on plans to furnish the kitchen. White goods have been obtained at very competitive prices from Robson and Cowan.

The curtains for the Hall are to be provided by the WI.

Vivian has arranged the purchase of 13 chairs for the quiet room.

3. Caretaker

Susan will do a job specification for the caretaker.

4. Hall reopening

It was agreed that the provisional date for re-opening the Hall would be 24th or 25th June and that Dame Margaret Barbour will be asked to perform the ceremony. A plaque will be put up acknowledging the support received from the various trusts and from the Parish.

All the above will be discussed in more detail at the next meeting on June 21 st .

Village Show

It was agreed that this will go ahead as planned on August 20 th . Joan informed the meeting that 6 advertisers in last years schedule did not wish to place ads this year.

AGM

It was agreed that this will be held on July 19 th .

AOB

• Village Hall Website

Martin informed the meeting that this continued to be popular, with 1600 hits since December last year. He asked for updates on the Hall refurbishment, the Parish Council Minutes, Whist Club and Whalton in Bloom.

There being no further business, the meeting ended at 10.05pm .

WA Grix Chairman