Chairman's Annual report from the Villages Hall Trust

The Villages Hall Trustees for the year 2004 – 2005 are: Messrs R.Ockenden (Chairman) - R.Wood (Treasurer) - E.Morris (Secretary) - J.Bentley - E.Carter - P.Charlesworth - A.Dyke Mesdames S.Griffith (V.Chairman) - A.Bufton - Y.Everett - C.Ockenden - L.Smith - R.Weaver

The year 2004 – 2005 has been another successful one for the Villages Hall.

Work carried out at the hall during the last twelve months include:-

• Unfortunately the water heater serving the kitchen sink became faulty during the year and had to be renewed. Similarly, a new vacuum cleaner, hot water urn and large capacity kettle have been purchased.
  
• The floors in the toilets, kitchen and main hall were stripped and scrubbed and that in the main hall resealed and polished in August. Thanks must go to all committee members who assisted in this operation and to Mr & Mrs Waghorn for their free advice and supply of materials.
  
• The dual fuel cooker, worktop and cupboards installed last year have proved extremely useful and have totally justified their installation.
  
• The play equipment in the main field is showing signs of aging to the extent that it is in need of replacement. A liaison committee was set up comprising members of the Parish Council and the Villages’ Hall Committee during the year and they contacted a number of equipment manufacturers. Three quotations were invited for a number of alternative combinations of equipment. Plans of these were displayed at the Summer barbecue and public reaction noted (from both young and old!). The two generally preferred layouts, which also happened to be the more competitive, were displayed in the shop window for a month and further public reaction received. The liaison committee reached a consensus and a planning application has been submitted by the Parish Council, to the Wychavon Planners, for planning permission.
  
• Changes in the Licensing laws are causing great concern being so complicated and with so many ramifications. Advice has been sought from Government, Community Council, Wychavon District Council and a number of other village hall committees. The advice given so far makes understanding far from easy. The new law comes into operation in November 2005 and applications have to be in by August 2005.
  
• Hire rates for the hall have been reviewed for the first time in over seven years in order to keep up with increases in the price of heating fuel, water and electricity.
  
• A monthly report has appeared in the Newssheet throughout the year and our thanks must go to the editor for his assistance and forbearance in these usually being right up to the deadline of publication.
  
• The hall was completely re-roofed in 1999. Unfortunately, the tiles used have proved to be sub-standard. The matter has been taken up with the builders, contractors and suppliers. Agreement has been reached for the roof to be stripped and re-roofed at no cost to the hall.
  
• At the time of refurbishment, insufficient funds were available to complete the rear corridor. However, it is now hoped to rectify this and prices to complete the work have been invited from local trades people.
  
• Wychavon are introducing a “Seal of Excellence” scheme. This has been applied for and results awaited.
  
• The hedge at the rear of the hall and playground has been traditionally laid and the dangerous willow pollarded for which thanks go to Jerry Bentley and Pete Chamberlain. The gardens, which make such an attractive introduction to the hall, have continued to be maintained by Mike Holden and other members of the Gardening Club. Worthy thanks go to all concerned.

During the last twelve months, the hall has been let more than 300 times of which local organisations account for approximately 200 lettings. Fund raising/social events organised by the Villages’ Hall Committee during the last twelve months have included:-

• Family barbecues
• Table Top Sale
• Antiques Road Show
• Christmas Fair
• Christmas Dinner Dance
• Two professional theatre group performances “East of the Sun and West of the Moon” and “Bedazzled”
• A Halloween Safari Supper had to be cancelled due to lack of support and bad timing due to the holiday season.

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/groups who continue to use the hall. They are:- Barnstormers, Bridge, Brownies, Dancing, Gardening Club, Ladies keep fit, Table Tennis, Tiddlers and Pilates. Evesham and Malvern Hills College make use of the hall for various ‘Outreach’ courses and it is known that some of their students have gone on to hire the hall privately.

The “100” Club continues to grow. It has now past the 150, then 160 to a current “170” Club members. The value and number of prizes has correspondingly increased and new members are always welcome. It provides not only a little enjoyment during the monthly draw but more importantly provides very valuable financial support to the hall.

I cannot end this report without giving heartfelt thanks to members of the committee for their continued support during the last twelve months and the committee also give their thanks to the Bishampton Barnstormers, The Gardening Club and Tiddler Group for their support both physical and financial.

The Annual General Meeting of the Village Hall is scheduled for Monday 23rd May 2005 starting at 8pm. at which I shall be retiring from the chairmanship. Complacency will prohibit improvement; new ideas and fresh enthusiasm must be promoted, I therefore appeal for new members to come forward to serve on the committee of trustees. It would be a great shame for all that has been achieved to be wasted due to lack of support.

R.H.Ockenden
Chairman B.A.T.V.H.T. 2004/2005