The Chairperson – Lin Green opened the meeting at 7.30pm. Introducing the Trustees one by one.

David Catchpole {Treasurer), Carol Catchpole, Dan McCarthy and Patricia Hennessy.

Including Helen England the Virtual Assistant.

 

Lin Green explained that the Minutes for the last AGM were published on the Memorial Hall Website. She asked for a Proposer and Seconder. David Catchpole and Patricia Hennessy resolved that the Minutes be accepted.

 

Lin Green as Chair reported on the year and on how much the committee had achieved.

(Report to be added)

 

David Catchpole as Treasurer gave his report and showed the accounts for the year on a screen.

(Accounts to be added)

 

There were a number of questions from the floor.

 

Question -  What were the expenses, as the report on the screen was not clear?

Answer     - David read out the expenses from the report. David also pointed out that

                    The turnkey per month is £2000 (ie electricity, cctv etc).

 

Glen Dryhurst, a Trustee arrived at the meeting.

 

Question -   In the last couple of years, there was an item concerning the construction of the

                    building. Is there a plan to proceed with the repairs.

 

Answer -    The roof is a problem, it is not insulated and the estimated cost is in the region

                     £100.000.00.

 

Question - Are the Committee setting aside monies to repair the roof.

 

Answer   -    No we are concentrating on getting the kitchen up and running. To be able to

                     encourage more hirers but we take your point and will put this into operation.

 

Question - But surely you are losing heat through the roof, because of the bad insulation,

                   A false economy.

 

Answer -     The roof has been repaired in places where it was extremely bad. The large    windows at the end of the hall need replacing.  The small windows at the side are single glazed and also need replacing.

 

Question  -  Do you have plans to save money in the long term to replace the roof.

 

Answer    - Yes but there is a need to hold monies in reserve for emergencies.

Based on the present accounts and accruing £10k per year 10 years is needed to build up enough Funds to be able to do all the repairs and structural work to the roof. This would be reduced if we are successful in obtaining more grants.

 

Question -  What happened to the money in the accounts.

 

Answer    - There was no money (in fact the previous committee left the hall in debt)

 

Question -  A lot of work went into raising monies for the hall.

 

Answer   -   We have no idea where the money went.

                    Maria the previous Treasurer explained that she tried to find out what happened

                    But had no success.

 

Question -  Our Bowls Club applied for a grant from the Lottery Fund. We received a grant.

                   Could you do the same.

 

Answer   -    We have applied in the past, it is very difficult and involves a lot of work.

                      But we will investigate further.

 

Question - Was the floor varnished over Christmas.

 

Answer   -    Yes when the hall was closed for the holiday.  But unfortunately had to be re-done at no cost to the hall.

 

Question -  We can remember a time when there used to be weddings in the hall every weekend.

 

Answer    -   We are considering opening for Adult Celebratory Parties in the hall.

The problems were not having a working kitchen.  Worrying about the noise of people leaving the hall late at night and disturbing the neighbours.  Also, one of the Trustees would have to be there to lock up.  Plus, heels marking the floor.  Although we have changed this from high heels to not allowing stilettos.

                     

                   Our daytime groups are going down so, a rethink is needed.

 

Question -  Why don’t you have a Doorman for parties. How do you advertise the hall.

 

Answer    -  The hall has a website. 

 The Doorman would have to be paid for out of the revenue of the hire which may    not be viable.

 

Helen England – gave her report on the bookings over the last year. 

 

Lin introduced David from Bonsai Club – he had brought along a beautiful example of a bonsai tree.

 She recommended going along to their club.

 

Aimee our excellent caretaker has been invited to join the Committee and has accepted.

 

Carol Bibby and her Husband have joined the committee. Along with Chris Barnes.

 

The AGM finished at 8.30pm.