Regular readers of the Scene may have noticed
that in the last edition of the magazine there was no report on the
activities of the Memorial
Social Centre. This was due to one meeting being cancelled
and not too much to be said about the other one. So I will try to
make up for it this time.
The Trustees met back in July and among the items discussed was the
new Alarm System. Those persons to be called out on the activation
of the alarm were placed on a rota. The police were also to be informed.
As you will be aware the system is now fully operational. Lets hope
it won't be needed for a real emergency. It was also decided to carry
out repairs to the track leading to the lower field by filling in
the pot holes and a budget for carrying out this work was agreed.
It was also noted that in spite of numerous requests the debris from
the bonfire of 5th November last year had not been cleared away. Those
responsible please note, thanks. Please also note there will not be
a bonfire and firework display on the recreation ground this year.
So please do not deposit any items on the old bonfire site, thank
you.
At long last the Crime
Prevention Officer had visited the Memorial Social Centre.
He made various suggestions to improve security and these will be
implemented in the near future. The result of the Carnival
and Week of Events was reported. A generally successful
time both monetary and in enjoyment was agreed by all. Special thanks
to the organisers Helaine Addison, Jo Elers and Richard Edwards. Well
done your hard work is really appreciated.
Due to lack of committee members being unavailable, the meeting scheduled
for August was cancelled.
The Annual General Meeting was held as usual on the first Monday in
September. This year it actually fell on the 1st. As always on this
occasion the names of the Fallen in the two World Wars were read and
a short silence was observed around the Memorial Plaque in the main
hall. It was pleasing that this year the members of the newly formed
Youth Club were
also present. The Chairman Jeff Claydon then presented his report
on the year thanking his Officers and the outgoing Secretary and Caretaker
for all their hard work. He also noted the new heating system had
been installed and the burglar alarm. He hoped further improvements
in the coming year would include further disabled facilities, external
decoration and floor surfaces as funds allow.
The Treasurer then reported funds had increased only slightly over
the last year, with bookings up by 10% on the previous year and expenditure
had been kept low. Further expenditure in the coming year would mean
no room for complacency and extra funding would be needed to cover
these costs.
The Booking Manager reported that bookings had increased over the
previous year this was partly due to early bookings and this had now
levelled out and current bookings were not quite so good. It had been
necessary to increase charges,
but if things did not improve the increase charge would only serve
to keep funds the same as last year. We have a great Hall one of the
best for miles. So please make use of it. Remember the more it's used
the better for everyone. Whilst on the subject please note that the
Hall is free on the weekends the 29th November and 13th December
2003. Surely someone would like to book a pre Christmas event!
The Annual General Meeting ended with the election of the Officers
and Management Sub Committee for the coming year. These all remain
as last year but for your information are as follows: Chairman Jeff
Claydon Vice-Chairman Jim Field Treasurer Steve Bye Joint Secretaries
Jacqui Underdown Alison Betson Booking Manager Steve Taylor The Management
Committee consists of the above persons plus David Turner.
At the October meeting of the Management Sub Committee a variety of
subjects were under discussion. One important point was the present
location of keys to the premises. An update of current keyholders
is required. Will all Organisations Representatives please ascertain
who is their keyholder and report to the Trustees meeting on Monday
3rd November. Thank you.
Also ALL persons booking the Hall please remember the burglar alarm.
It is very important that you set it on leaving the hall. Thanks
Finally I could not finish a report without the mention of the Accessible
Toilet. It is going to be installed in the very near future together
with other special facilities for the Disabled!
As this will be the last edition of the Scene this year (I know its
only November) May I wish you all on behalf of the Trustees a very
Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
David Turner |
