At the main meeting of the Trustees in
January which was well attended (thanks to all who came it makes all
decisions more democratic and of course more organisations have a
say in running the Hall and Recreation Ground).
Among items discussed was the recent assistance with finance by the
Parish Council to enable
the Accessible Toilet and improvements to make conditions better for
disabled people in and around the Hall. Our thanks to them for this
aid. So by the time you read this article the job should be about
done hopefully! Part of the improved facilities for the disabled will
be an access to the Tennis
Court. It is hoped that this will allow
people in wheelchairs to use the courts. It is understood that interest
has already been shown by a group of wheelchair users who enjoy a
game of tennis.
The old chestnut the heating of the main hall was again the subject
of some criticism. The original firm who suggested the installation
of the new heaters have been contacted and they are due to attend
the premises and advise on any improvements. In the meantime it was
thought that a main source of cold air and draughts is the stage.
Suggestions for insulating the stage roof area and blocking other
parts with removable panels are to be further investigated. So perhaps
at long last, next winter we can look forward to a warm and cosy interior
in the main hall.
The floor in the main hall is to be refurbished, a further quote is
being obtained and work should take place in the near future. It will
of course means some disruption whilst the job is done, but should
then last, with the right maintenance, for a number of years. The
refurbishing will include the painting of the badminton lines and
a level surface for the bowlers. The pantomime has come and gone once
more. An excellent performance again by the Wickhambrook
Players. Our congratulations to all
who helped in any way to produce the show. The question of the hiring
charge for the pantomime was raised and unfortunately the percentage
increases were not applied for this year and it is hoped the extra
cost will be included in the 2005 pantomime charges. In future the
rate for the next year will be set by the Trustees in January so the
Players will know exactly what is required. Our apologies for the
mistake are made to the Players.
Speaking of finances funds remain in a satisfactory level. But will
be somewhat stretched in the near future with the expenditure on the
Accessible Facilities and the floor refurbishment. Keeping our village
Hall in an acceptable state is not a cheap business. We have one of
the best premises in the area and need to keep and improve it. It
is still one of the cheapest to hire. So if someone mentions to you
they need a venue for a function suggest the Memorial
Social Centre. More bookings mean charges can stay at
a reasonable rate for the use of village people.
Whilst on the subject of money. Can I ask that you continue to use
the Paper Bank
in the Memorial Social Centre Car Park in spite of the fact of the
new blue wheelie bins you all have are more convenient. Any paper
in the Paper Bank means more money for the Memorial Social Centre
and can help keep hiring fees down. Thank you.
Among other items discussed the purchase of a trolley for moving the
chairs in the hall was agreed. Problems with some of the trees were
reported and remedial work is to be carried out in the near future.
The question of a Television Licence was again raised following a
further reminder. The Memorial Social Centre does not have a licence
and any use of a television on the premises is breaking the law and
is not permitted.
Finally our congratulations to the organisers of the Teen
Project with the official
opening of the Skateboard Complex on 31st January. A
lot of hard work has gone into providing the facility for our young
people and those of the surrounding area.
Unfortunately the last Management meeting was poorly attended due
to circumstances beyond the members control, but matters were discussed
and recommendations will be made to the next Trustees meeting to be
held on Monday 1st March 2004. Please as many Trustees
attend as possible. Thank you.
David Turner |
