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LITTLE WALTHAM MEMORIAL HALL COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular meeting held on Tues 29th Nov. 2005held in the Memorial Hall, Lt. Waltham PRESENT Messrs. D. Elliott (Chairman), W. Wickham (Treasurer), E. Leach, A. Fewell, R. Thomas and R. Dixon, Mesdames B. Naitby, E. Metson, J. Willsher and M. Sorrel. Also present Ms. Pat. Everitt who has expressed an interest in becoming involved in the running of the Hall. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE J. Williams (secretary), P. Dixon (Bowls), R. Lodge (Gardening) and G. Aston (LWPC) In the absence of the regular secretary, Mr. Leach took the minutes. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGheld on 29th November 2005 had been circulated in advance and were approved MATTERS ARISING The Deaf Aid loop system has been installed and fully approved by a deaf member of the Gardening Club who was the first to benefit from it. He reported that for the first time he heard every word that the speaker uttered.The three gullies (drains) around the rear of the Hall have been unblocked and covered to avoid similar problems in future from stones. Mr. Leach was thanked for donating the considerable labour involved. The RCCE conference was not attended by Mr. Wickham nor Mr. Elliott. Therefore the sum previously agreed for this was not spent. Nettles around the Hall have been treated with weed killer by Mr. Wickham, but may need a second treatment which he will undertake. Hall tables shortage. One has been repaired while a new one has been purchased. TREASURERS REPORT Since the last meeting in September, payment has been
made for All of these expenses were largely offset by 3rd quarter rentals to bring the balance back to £8695.21. Against this, we have a commitment to spend up to £500 on decorating during the Christmas vacation period. More oil will need to be ordered shortly. As stated under Matters Arising, The RCCE conference was not attended. Therefore the sum previously agreed for this was not spent. In the past, volunteer Margaret Williams has tended the Hall’s front garden. Due to some ill-health, she has asked for help. The Vera Perkins bequest of approximately £40 p.a. covers fertiliser etc. but there is a need for someone to take on the gardening in a formal way and be paid. Mrs. Williams is prepared to supervise any such work. Mr. R. Baalam has offered his services and this has been accepted. A rate for the job was agreed by the committee for a trial period of six months. (The figure is considered confidential and has not been given here.) BOOKINGS REPORT No major changes to report and all 2006 regular user dates have been received except that Pre-School term dates (start, end & half term) are yet to be confirmed. Usage by the Clinic (twice monthly), Walthambury W.I., Clairvoyants and Martial Arts is continuing. In addition to the once monthly Sunday morning usage the
Martial Arts group have requested every Saturday afternoon from 2.0 –
6.0 p.m. commencing 28th January 2006. The rate for this booking will be £35.00 less 20% =£28.00 This booking (for about 40 occasions) represents just over £1000 income in the year. The fee for booking the Hall for the Combined Churches Carol Evening was agreed by the committee to be a special concession rate of a token £5.00 CORRESPONDENCE A letter has been received from "The Big Lottery Fund" advising change of name from "Lottery Community Fund". HEALTH AND SAFETY The Borough Council Premises Licence application for the Memorial Hall has been received. The B.C. now places much greater responsibility on the Hall Committee as is evidenced by the twenty pages of requirements issued by the B.C. Study by Messrs. Elliott, Wickham, Fewell and Leach has decided that although it would be slightly advantageous to (principally) the Drama Group, the great responsibility placed on seemingly one or two nominated members of the Hall Committee does not justify making an application for a specific ‘Plays’ Licence. Accordingly, Drama Performances and alcoholic licences will be covered by TENs (temporary event notice)s obtainable from the Borough Council at a cost of £21.00 each. One TEN is valid for a continuous period of 72 hours. We understand that the Drama Group representative has obtained approval for two TENs for their pantomime period. The Chairman noted that we must arrange for another inspection of the fire safety equipment in January 2006 (twelve months after the previous one). It is considered that an electrical inspection every three years is sufficient to ensure safety. ANY OTHER BUSINESS The installation of a letter box for the Hall was discussed and rejected. Panels giving access to under-stage. Some were liable to fall on children. This was confirmed and was due to missing/broken safety chains. Mr. Leach agreed to attend to the problem as a matter of urgency. Waste of energy in the Hall. All users are requested to make sure the heating is turned off when leaving the Hall, i.e. press the black control button near the front doors. Telephone for the Hall. After a brief discussion where it was noted that so many people now have a mobile phone, it was decided that this was unnecessary. Weeds at front of Hall are coming through cracks in joints of paving. Agreed that the largest be removed and the rest treated with weed killer. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday 24th January 2006 at 8.00 p.m. in the Memorial Hall 07/12/05 Addendum Mr. Leach reminded the Pre-school representative that the usual Hall limitations would be operated during the week of the forthcoming pantomime. |