Minutes of Acklington Village Hall Committee Meeting
9th September 2010

Apologies received: Graham, Barbara C and David
Members present: Eddie Critchlow, Sharon Thorpe, Bob Smailes, Alison Sharpe, Lorna Budge, Steve Thorpe, Barbara King and Vi Currie

The minutes of the last meetings on 8th July 2010 were read and approved subject to a discrepancy in the monies held shown in the treasurers report

Matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda
• A PRS licence has been applied for the estimated cost is £50.53 based upon the income shown in the accounts to September 2009

Correspondence received
• None.

Treasurers Report
• Bob advised £2,507.84 held on the current account, £4,102.95 held on the premium account and £25,000 held on the treasury deposit. Petty cash figure not reported.
• Npower have increased the gas payments from £60 to £74 per month. Bob took a meter reading and will ask if this can be reduced. The gas contract runs to April 2011.
• Bob has changed the electricity supplier to Haven which reduces the monthly cost by £10. The contract runs for 2 years from 18/8/10.

Maintenance, repairs and decoration
• Lumsden and Carroll have taken over the carpark whilst laying drains from the Railway. They did not ask permission, it has inconvenienced users and it is in a dreadful state. Alison contacted the company and Dave Taylor (07970755257) the chargehand said that he had been unable to find a contact for the village hall. He told Alison that he would arrange for the surface to be rolled level and Alison suggested that some gravel would be needed. Agreed to write to their head office expressing our concerns requesting compensation.
• The work party on 10th July had been productive. Another session was arranged for Saturday 9th October to specifically paint the passage and gents toilet. The kitchen can also be cleaned and the number of cups, saucers, plates and cutlery counted. Vi will check with her son re the valve in the gent’s toilet. The sign on the ladies toilet needs fixed on again.
• Vi’s nephew has offered Karndean flooring for the porch. Vi to check with Richard Sullivan if this is suitable.

Update on garden
• The garden lease has been completed. The solicitors have asked for this to be registered with the Land Registry and for copies of the registered entry and plan to be sent to them. ST to speak to Louise Currie from CAN re this.
• ST to contact Julia Robson from Northumberland Estates to arrange for land to marked out again. This should be marked off with orange tape.
• The original fencing contractors haven’t got back to Vi she will now contact Mr Redhead for a quote, Alison to ask Mr John Robson(who supplied the posts) for his advice.
• Eddie suggested we contact Jeff Watson to let him know the lease has been finalised.

Update on back room
• Discussed Richard Sullivan’s letter of 17th August 2010. ST will ask him to proceed with costings based on agreed specifics.
• Bob suggested that when costs known we should appeal to local people like Rev Parker and Glyn Morgan.



Hall Bookings (inc encouraging new user groups)
• The hall was quiet in August. A 10 week Pilates class has been booked for Tuesdays from 5.30-6.30.
• A calendar of hall bookings is now on the noticeboard in the hall. User groups should check that it is correct and let Alison know if there are any changes so it can be updated and everyone knows when the hall is free.

User Group Reports
• Nothing particular to report


Fundraising
• After discussing starting a “100” club decided not to pursue as it may involve a lot of work for little return.
• A Christmas coffee morning/raffle/tabletop sale will be held on 27th November and a Christmas Quiz on 11th December run by Steve. To be advertised in the Pelican


Any other business
• Louise Currie from CAN to be contacted to progress the transfer of Custodian Trustees to the Parish Council and obtaining Hallmark accreditation.
• The village hall committee expressed their thanks to John Robson for cutting the grass around the village hall throughout the year. Agreed to give him a voucher for a meal for 2 at The Railway (Bob to sort out) and a thankyou card
• The rocket backdrop on the stage will need to be taken down shortly. Alison to ask if the school would like to provide seasonal backdrops.

The date of the next meeting which is the AGM is Thursday 14th October 2010 at 7pm. Barbara K is unable to attend this meeting.