Report from Bishampton, Abberton & Throckmorton Villages Hall Trust
The Villages Hall Trustees for the year 2003 – 2004 are: Messrs R. Ockenden (Chairman) - R. Wood (Treasurer) - E. Morris (Secretary) - A.Aitkin (resigned and replaced by his wife) - P. Charlesworth - J. Bentley - E. Carter - M. Holden, Mesdames L. Smith (V.Chairman) - R. Weaver - S. Griffith - C. Ockenden - W. Aitkin
In general the year 2003 – 2004 has been a good one for the Villages Hall the only disappointment being the abandonment of the skate ramp as reported last year. Eventually the ramp was passed on to Broadway Youth who were able to take on all the grants that we had obtained with the exception of the grant made by your Council (£2000) and this has now been repaid to you. Work carried out at the hall during the last twelve months include:-
- Gardens around the junior play area and around the hall itself continue to be maintained and improved.
- Following the plastering and floor relaying, installation of new skirting, architrave etc has been completed
- The Trustees thank Messrs A.Westwood and A.Weaver and the Millennium Committee for their financial donations that have allowed the installation of new foyer/main hall doors. We also thank Mr I.Bratt for his assistance in fitting them. The doors combine to improve the thermal and visual properties of the hall.
- A new dual fuel cooker, worktop and cupboard have been installed in the kitchen, which add to the facilities of the hall.
- Due to reports that the Village Hall could not easily be located by outside hirers, a new sign has been affixed to the northern edifice of the hall and this can be illuminated at night which illumination also serves to light the northern driveway.
To encourage the use of the hall on a regular basis and to ensure its status as a social centre for the village I am pleased to report there are a number of clubs that use the hall. They are:-
- Art (contact Mrs D.Westwood 01386 462466)
- Barnstormers (contact Mrs S Griffith 01386 462306)
- Bridge (contact Mr R.Wood 01386 462133)
- Brownies (contact Mrs L.Cameron 01386 462740)
- Dancing (contact Mrs Z.Durrant 01386 793757)
- Gardening Club (contact J.Bentley 01386 462896)
- Pilates (contact Mrs J London 01386 462966 or Julie Farr 01386 710868)
- Table Tennis (contact Mr P.Averis 01386 462323)
- Tiddlers (contact Mrs R.Weaver 01386 462785)
Some of these have evolved from outreach courses organised by the Evesham and Malvern Hills College who continue to use the hall for other courses such as computer, upholstery etc., they are keen to run other courses at the hall once a demand exists and this will be welcomed.
Hiring by individuals continues to improve, further, letters of appreciation for the facilities offered have been received.
During fine weather, the practice wall and junior play area continue to be well used on a daily basis. The existing play equipment is showing signs of wear and tear. Your Council have joined forces with the trustees to form a sub-committee to investigate the needs for renewal/improvement of facilities.
Petty vandalism continues around the hall but fortunately is not nearly as bad as last year.
Routine repairs and maintenance have been carried out “in house” throughout the year. Over 500 hours of voluntary, unpaid labour has been expended during the year that represent substantial financial savings. It could be expected that in excess of £10,000 would have been needed were it necessary to employ contractors to do the work.
The practice of making monthly reports in the ‘Newssheet’ has continued and the trustees appreciate the support given by the editors etc.
Construction of the rear corridor is still outstanding which will complete the original approved design for the hall refurbishment. Finance is being sought.
We are very fortunate in being granted a two-year lease on an area of land lying to the rear of the hall belonging to Mr & Mrs Moule for use as an overflow car park. Work on clearing undergrowth within the field and creating access from the existing car-park has been started. Enquiries of Wychavon Planning department have assessed there is no need for special planning consent for the occasional use as an overflow car-park and this has been confirmed in writing by them.
Fundraising events which have taken place during the last twelve months included:-
- Summer Ball;
- Race Night;
- Barbecue;
- Christmas Fayre;
- Christmas Dinner Dance;
- Victorian evening with slides.
- Wine and Cheese
- Halloween poems & pints
The Annual General Meeting of the Village Hall is scheduled for Wednesday 12th May 2004 starting at 8pm.
I trust the above will enable you
to make your annual report but should any further information be required please
let me know.
R.H.Ockenden
Chairman B.A.T.V.H.T.
| Hon
Sec Tel. 013 8646 2075 |
Hon
Treas Tel. 013 8646 2133 |
Chairman Tel. 013 8646 2643 |
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