Present: Vicki Heath, Julie Dixon, Lynne Percival, Oz Hall, Kevin Morrell, Jim Aldridge, Eileen Baker.

Maurice Percival (Treasurer) was welcomed onto the committee.

Apologies: Dorrien Moody, Ron Phillips, Brenda Bricknell

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

Matters arising: Lynne had produced a draft letter to send to prospective hirers of the staging. Further information is needed from the suppliers to complete a hiring regulation form. Action: Jim to contact Barbara Clinton.

Lynne, Vicki & Maurice reported back on the forum attended at St Johns Hall, Ansley Common. All had found the meeting productive and had met useful contacts including "The Community Accountancy Service" which provides a professional accounts service to voluntary groups for a fee of approx £50.

A scheme called "Hallmark" has been launched in the last 18 months currently covering 19 counties, which promotes the delivery of effective and well-managed village halls through a quality standards scheme which is backed up by a system of peer visitors. The trained peer visitors use a system of checklists to identify performance and provide an external validation of achievement. It is thought that in the near future any funding applications will need to show that you have attained a"Hallmark". If Leicestershire is not included, officers from Warwickshire are prepared to help us. Action: Committee to revisit as & when standard required.

Treasurer’s Report: Current balance stands at £7,799.89. Cash in hand £26.53. Julie & Vicki were also holding cash. Maurice had queries regarding the annual return to the Charity Commission and the Small Society Lottery Fund. The latter has been actioned up to September & the Commissions website needs updating for 2008-2009.

Action: Lynne/Maurice to update website.

Fund Raising: Julie reported that HBBC had informed her that her bid for the Spring Show had been unsuccessful as it was sold out. Other options were offered but these were of limited appeal. Bingo on 20/11/09 had been well supported, raising £100. Next session is 18/12/09 when Kevin will be in charge. A booking for a private party in December had been received. Action: Eileen to supply mince pies for December Bingo.

Correspondence: A free calendar received from National Grid.

Cheque returned amounting to £17.00 Action: Julie to represent

Report from ACRE on statistics obtained from annual survey of village halls. e.g. 60% planning major improvements, of which 86% will apply for grants. 93% carry out their own small repairs & routine maintenance. 69% taken steps to improve energy efficiency although none have installed sources of renewable energy. Difficulty in recruiting hall trustees is a major problem

Email from Voluntary Action in Hinckley – now have a new development officer.

First Floor Project: Lynne reported as follows:

Letter needs to be sent to Parish Council before 1^st December requesting £1000 for match/3^rd party funding.

No responses from the 9 local businesses who were sent appeal letters in early October.

Peter Barnwell, Building Surveyor now employed to obtain Building Regulations and Change of Use. His fees will be approx £300. He will also liase with the Disabled Stairlift Companies. (Note: approved Buildings Regs last for 3 years, if work not completed within that period)

Letters of support needed from hall users. Action: Vicki on behalf of Ladies Group & to ask Whist Club. Jim to ask Sheepy School and individuals.

2/3 more quotes needed for toilet/kitchen block. Action: Jim to arrange.

Any other business: The Environmental Policy was revised & updated.

Oz confirmed that he had asked Tim Harding to quote for a timer switch for the heating.

Water heater in toilet block not working. Action: Oz/Jim to ask Tim Harding.

Guttering needs clearing. Action: Jim to ask Mick (from Ashcroft)

Whist Club Christmas: 10^th or 17^th December.Vicki to confirm.

Refreshments & some prizes already acquired by Vicki. Totalling £41.58 (not including raffle prizes) to be deducted from Whist income & passed to Maurice with receipts.

Following items/responsibilities agreed for raffle prizes:

Eileen: Washing up bowl with cleaning materials

Lynne: Bottle of wine

Kevin: Brace of pheasants

Julie: Toiletries.

Oz: 2 boxes of chocolates

Vicki: Hamper

Eileen agreed to help on the night.

Julie had arranged for a Christmas tree to be donated.

Thanks to all present for putting up the Christmas decorations after the meeting ended.

Next meeting: Monday 1^st February, 2010 at 2.00 pm.