The Memorial Hall

Sheepy Magna

Minutes of Committee Meeting

Back to Parish Council Home Page  

Back to Memorial Hall Front Page

Present: Dorrien Moody, Oz Hall, Ron Phillips, Eileen Baker, Julie Dixon, Vicki Heath, Kevin Morrell,

Lynne Percival, Jim Aldridge, Brenda Bricknell

Apologies: None

Minutes of last meeting: The minutes were agreed as a true and accurate record and signed off by Vicki Heath.

Matters arising: None

Treasurer’s Report: The balance in the current account is £9,165., plus £10.56 cash in hand and approximately £116 cash to be handed to the Treasurer which had been collected by other committee members. Other income due in before the end of March including £300 from the Parish Council for hire of the hall but also an expenditure of £600 for insurance. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council had not yet paid for the hire of the hall for self defence classes. Lynne to send an invoice in the sum of £14.00

In comparison between the period 1/10/2007 to 28/2/2008 and the same period over 2008/2009, income performance continued to improve but concern was expressed over the electricity costs which were now considerably higher because of the increase in the use of the hall. The Sheepy Greens are currently researching and costing a more efficient heating system with one quote in so far of £25,000.

Jim proposed that a quote for a thermostat to control the heating be obtained and Os will talk to Tim Harding.

Fund Raising: Julie reported that she had received a grant for "craft sessions" which will be run by an outside company. Current activities are ongoing although Vicki reported that the Ladies Group would not require the hall in January or February 2010. Yoga was proving successful and a new instructor/physiotherapist has taken over the Pilates class. A new activity – drama classes for children is due to start on 3^rd March. The concert by the Melody Makers on 21^st February in aid of Memorial Hall funds raised £105 and it was agreed that a donation of £35.00 should be given back to the Melody Makers. Julie was looking at booking a theatre production later in the year due to the success of last year’s puppet show. At Julie’s request, Lynne had redesigned and produced new forms for Hiring Regulations, the Constitution and headed paper.

Correspondence: A National Village Hall Survey had been received from ACRE, an organisation allied to the Rural Community Council and a reminder of the renewal of membership from the RCC at a charge of £35.00. It was decided that in view of the benefits we receive, e.g. seminars, information sheets etc. that we would renew and also complete the Survey.

Any other Business: Vicki and Lynne asked if the hall was insured for any treasured possessions/artefacts brought into the "Memories of Sheepy" exhibition and was advised that this was unlikely and a warning notice should be displayed on the day.

The committee were asked if they thought a piano would be of benefit to the hall as there was an option to acquire one at nil cost other than removal/delivery, but it was agreed that this would not be practical.

Lynne reported on progress with the costing exercise for conversion of the first floor to a history/reference room. In a meeting on site with HBBC, the Building Regulations officer had said that a change of use was needed from "storage" to "assembly" and advised that the services of a plan drawer be utilised. A quote had been received for the installation of a stairlift in the sum of £5,177.00 and it was estimated that £5,000 should cover furnishings, carpeting and equipment. The Heritage Lottery fund was the most likely organisation for funding and from research carried out it would seem that historical groups were in the main, awarded around £20-£25,000. As most of the first floor was currently occupied with chairs, christmas decorations, arts & craft equipment, documents etc., most of which would need to be rehoused, Lynne asked if the committee would agree to refurbishing the gents’ WC as a unisex toilet, and removing the sanitary ware etc., in the Ladies and reinstate it as a storage facility. All agreed and Lynne will include this in her costings and report back at a future date. The contents of the safe which is currently in the Ladies toilet would be checked for historical value and Jim and Os would arrange removal of the safe.

Jim had sourced a trailer for "raise a stage" at a cost of £1235 incl VAT plus £52 fitted winch, £60 delivery charge & the cost of a spare wheel , i.e. total £1347 (monies still held in reserve amounting to £1732.87). A 50% deposit is required when ordering. . Size 7’ long, 4’ wide, 5’5" high with non-slip floor ramp, winch on an A frame in order that the stage can be loaded by one person. All agreed that Jim could purchase with his credit card. Kevin will check insurance.

Some committee members will arrange at a future date to carry out an inventory of the contents of the kitchen in order to dispose of unwanted items and assess the need for replacement crockery & utensils.

It was reported that the Aquavac cleaner wasn’t working. Jim and Oz will have a look at it and if it can’t be repaired they will cost industrial vacuum cleaners and check back with Kevin.

Date of next meeting: Monday 23^rd March, 2009 at 2.00 pm at the Memorial Hall

Back to Parish Council Home Page  

Back to Memorial Hall Front Page