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Annual General Meeting 2008 - 11th June 2008

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

OF THE HELMDON READING ROOM

GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

Held in The Reading Room

On Wednesday 28th May 2008 at 8.00 p.m.

 

1.    CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME:  The Chairman welcomed all those present.

2.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:   Mrs. J. Saunders, Helmdon Church P.C.C.

3.    MINUTES OF THE AGM HELD ON 5TH JUNE 2007:  it was unanimously agreed that the Minutes were a true and accurate account of the proceedings.  The Chairman signed the Minutes. 

4.   MATTERS ARISING:  the Vice Chairman wondered whether the plinths (below the cupboards) in the kitchen were still falling off.  The Chairman said that they should be in place.  Mrs. England said that they still kept falling off and the Chairman said he would talk to John Brackenboro about them. 

5.    CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT:  “The last twelve months have been quite interesting.  There was some concern over the relationship between the Parish Council and the Reading Room;  this, however, has now been resolved after much investigation by the Reading Room Secretary and myself.

 

Members of the Parish were invited to a meeting in April to discuss the improvements of the main hall and the main point as a result was to remove the existing suspended ceiling and to expose the original one.  As you can see this has been achieved.  Nearly all the feedback has so far been positive.

Pam Wilton from ACRE visited the hall in May to give the Committee some input and advice and was very helpful in respect of funding and Caroline is in full flight following this up.

Thee finances at the moment are looking quite healthy although there are some unexpected maintenance works to be carried out.  These will be discussed in Item 8.

I would like to once again thank you all for your continued support and especially for the good housekeeping.  Thank you”.

6.    TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT:    The Treasurer had handed out copies of the Receipts and Payments Account (for year ended 31 March 2008) to all those present.  As at 31st March 2008 the bank deposit account held £12,353.38 and the bank current account £3,108.53.

The Vice Chairman queried the fact that service and renewal of fire extinguishers had gone down in price and wondered why.  The Treasurer explained that in 2007 some new fire extinguishers and a fire blanket were purchased hence the increased cost last year.

7.    CORRESPONDENCE:  the Secretary summarised the most important correspondence she had received since the last AGM: 

  • A lot of comments had been received about the refurbishment of the Reading Room and these have been set out in the Minutes of the Refurbishment Meeting held earlier this year.  These Minutes are also on the Helmdon Website. 
  • It was thought necessary to write to the Charity Commission to clarify several important points about the ownership of the Reading Room and the documentation the Committee holds in its possession.  The reply from the Charity Commission clearly sets out the Committee’s duties and rights with regard to the Reading Room. 
  • The yearly Northamptonshire Council emergency planning checklist has been completed and it became clear last summer, when Helmdon flooded, how important this is.  The Reading Room is a designated point of help and refuge for victims of disasters and since last summer another form has been completed and returned to the Council so their records are up to date. 
  • Following lengthy ‘phone calls and form-filling, the Reading Room now has an entertainment licence which allows for the showing of films.  This was granted last autumn. 
  • About three times a year ACRE send various information sheets and a magazine about village life.  As usual the magazines are kept in the rack in the Committee Room for everyone to read.  (The information sheets are kept by the Secretary for ease of reference but may be read by anyone interested).  The Secretary thought she should remind people of this as it became clear when Mrs. Wilton from ACRE visited the hall that not everybody had remembered where the magazines are kept. 
  • There has been some correspondence (and a visit) from the surveyors Peter North about the cracks in the main hall and extension.  Crack-measuring devices have now been installed and these are monitored once a month by the Secretary.  This will carry on for a year.

 

Mrs. Cairns asked whether the Reading Room Deeds were still needed and it was explained to her that – according to the Charity Commission – the Scheme (what used to be called the Constitution) overrides the Deeds and they are not required.  The Chairman thought it would still be nice to have the Deeds and has been searching for them for several months now.  He is going to try to get a copy.

8.    BUILDING AND REFURBISHMENT:

                 The Ceiling:  Mrs. Hadfield said that the old ceiling panels which have now been taken down were baffle boards for sound and she thought that without them there might be problems if music were played in the hall.  The Chairman responded by saying that the ceiling was taken down exactly so that it could be seen what problems this might cause i.e. poor sound quality.  Mrs. Lidgley wondered about the heating loss and the Chairman said that there would probably be very little heating loss but even so Mrs. Wilton from ACRE suggested getting some insulation for the ceiling.  The Vice Chairman wondered what the next step should be and the Chairman said that was to be decided but he suggested that the ceiling should be painted in the interim.  Mrs. Lidgley disagreed and thought painting should wait until a grant had been obtained for the insulation.

I       Mrs. England proposed that the ceiling be painted in the interim and this was seconded by Mrs. Hadfield.  The motion carried.

II      Roof tiles:  the Chairman told the meeting that there were some roof tiles missing and he didn’t as yet know how much this would cost to repair.

iII.   Oil tanks:  the Chairman explained that both the Reading Room and the Reading Room cottage oil tanks were in a bad state and were liable to leak.  Two quotes for replacements tanks have been received; one said that the cottage oil tank should be the first one to be replaced.  If there was a leak the Committee would be liable for cleaning up the resulting mess and there would be a big fine too.  The first quote from Domestic Tank Services Ltd. for replacing the cottage tank (and relocating it) is £1,592.00 (+ VAT) and for the hall tank £1,392.00 (+VAT).  (The Chairman said that no mention seems to have been made of the drain by the entrance to the disabled access door and also that although the quote mentions bunded tanks, this was not totally clear.) The second quote received from On Tap Helmdon says it will cost £2,473.38 just to replace the hall tank.  No estimate was given for the cottage tank.

Mr. Moody said that the Domestic Tank Services quote should be investigated with regard to the bunded tank situation and the drain.

Mr. Harrold said he was concerned about the situation and there should be no ‘tweaking’ of the rules to accommodate the new tanks as this could invalidate our insurance apart from anything else.

The Chairman said that the Domestic Tank Services Ltd. should be contacted to see whether the tanks are bunded and also mention the drain.  On Tap Helmdon should also  be contacted to get a quote for the cottage oil tank.

Mr. Moody said that the two firms both mentioned that the tanks should be replaced “soon” but what did “soon” mean?  The Chairman said that in this context “soon” meant as soon as possible.  Mr. Moody wondered whether the cost of the replacement tanks could be part of the heating and insulation grant that might be applied for.

Mrs. Cairns proposed that the whole matter be left to the Working Committee bearing in mind all the comments that have been made.  Seconded unanimously by the whole meeting.

Mr. Forgham suggested going out to tender again and making sure that the tender complies with all the regulations.

On one last point the Chairman mentioned that he had disposed of the mat by the emergency exit in the kitchen as this was not a public thoroughfare and was a tripping hazard if the door were to be used in an emergency.

9.   ACORNS:  Mrs. Wheeler, representing the Acorns playgroup, said that Ofsted regulations required the playgroup to offer nappy-changing facilities.  She went on to say that Acorns would therefore like to request such a nappy-changing unit be installed in the larger (disabled) lavatory.  Acorns would be prepared to pay for the equipment and installation.  The table is to be of the fold-up variety.  Mr. Harrold asked where the nappies would be disposed of and Mrs. Wheeler explained that they would be given to the parents.  The Chairman said that any such table must not encroach on the door because access was important.   Mrs. Wheeler proposed that such a table be installed and this was seconded by Mrs. Lidgley.  The rest of the meeting was in favour.

Mrs. Wheeler asked if there was a possibility of extending the hours that Acorns rented the Reading Room.  Acorns would like to offer a lunch club  on a Monday or/and a Wednesday if possible.  The sessions would finish at 1.00 and the key returned by 1.30.  Mrs. Lidgley proposed the motion that Acorns should have extended hours and the meeting were all in favour.  The motion was carried.

Mrs. Wheeler also asked if, when the refurbishment was carried out, there could be more ventilation in the extension.  The Chairman said that that would be discussed when the plans for the refurbishment were decided.  Mrs. Wheeler also asked if there was any possibility of more cupboard space for the Acorns.  The Chairman said he really thought there wasn’t.

10. CARNIVAL FLOATS:  The Chairman said that the Reading Room Committee had been approached to see if they wanted to provide a float in the Helmdon Carnival parade in August.  Mrs. Lidgley said she did not think it possible because most of the Committee members were involved in other things at that time.  It was decided by the meeting that the Reading Room would not provide a float for the carnival.

11. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FUNERAL RECPETIONS IN THE READING ROOM:  The Chairman said that at the General Management Committee meeting last year it was mentioned that Acorns had had to give up one of their sessions for a funeral reception.  It has always been an unwritten rule that funeral receptions take precedence over any previously booked session.  At that meeting the Chairman asked the Secretary to check through all the Minute Books in her possession and see if this custom was an actual rule, or something that had become common practice.  The Secretary found nothing in the Minutes Books.  The Chairman went on to say that if there was to be a ruling made about this situation the time to do it was at this Annual General Meeting.

 Mr. Harrold said that if a rule was made that funerals take precedence over any other bookings, this should be mentioned in the Letting Conditions so that people booking the hall would know that this was a possibility.

Mrrs. Cairns said that this custom came about before Acorns used the Reading Room and that Acorns should not have to lose a session because of funeral receptions.  Mrs. Lidgley agreed with her.  Mr. Harrold said that if there is a funeral in the afternoon, the reception could then be held in the Reading Room because it is not often booked in the afternoon.  A compromise was between all parties was needed.  Mrs. Cairns proposed that funerals do not take precedence over existing bookings.  This was seconded by Mrs. Harrold.  Most of the meeting was in favour of this and the motion was carried.

12.  LETTING FEES:  The Chairman asked the meeting if they were happy with the present letting fees.  Mrs. Lidgley said she thought the fees should be increased.  This was seconded by Mrs. Cairns and all the meeting was in favour.  Consequently the new letting fees are as follows:

                      £ 15 for a normal session

             £25 for children’s parties

             £75 for an all day session.

             The Treasurer said that in respect of children’s parties it is not specified in the rules the time that a session is meant to cover.  Mr. Harrold was concerned that the new letting fee increase did not reflect the rising cost of electricity but the Chairman said very little electricity was used but that he would increase the number of tokens that have to be used for the cooker, etc.      Mrs. Lidgley proposed that the new hire rates be put in place and this was seconded by Mrs. Cairns.  All were in favour and the motion was carried.  The Chairman suggested that this price increase applies as from now for bookings but that village organisations using the hall will not pay the increase until 1st June 2008.  Mrs. Lidgley proposed this and Mr. Seckington seconded it. 

13.  INSURANCE:  The last insurance premium was £1,643.65.  The Chairman asked the meeting whether a new insurer offering a less expensive premium should be sought.  Mrs. Wheeler proposed that the Committee should look for cheaper insurance and this was seconded by Mrs. Lidgley.  It was agreed that the Working Committee should look into this and the Secretary was asked to ‘shop around’ for cheaper insurance.

14.   AUDITOR:  It was agreed by the meeting that the same auditors should be retained

15.   ELECTRIC ORGAN:  The Chairman explained that about two years ago the Reading Room was very kindly given the electric organ.  Since then it has not been used very much and he wondered whether people would prefer a piano instead.   The meeting agreed that the organ should go and a piano purchased.

 Mrs. Cairns thanked the Working Committee for their hard work in the past year and the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.50 p.m.

HELMDON READING ROOM

GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Held in the Reading Room on Wednesday 28th May 2008 following the AGM

THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2008/2009

Mr. Bill England was re-elected as Chairman; Mrs. Cairns proposed the motion and was seconded by Mrs. Lidgley and all the meeting was in favour.  Motion carried

Mrs. J. Harrold was re-elected as Vice Chairman.  Mrs. Cairns proposed the motion and was seconded by Mrs. Lidgley.  All in favour.  The motion was carried.

Mr. H. Seckington was re-elected as Steward.  Mrs. Cairns proposed the motion and was seconded by Mrs. Wheeler.  All in favour.  The motion was carried.

Mr. H. Seckington was re-elected as Treasurer.  Mrs. Cairns proposed the motion and was seconded by Mrs. Lidgley.  All in favour.  The motion was carried.

The Helmdon Reading Room working Committee 2008/2009:-

Chairman                    Mr. Bill England

Vice Chairman            Mrs. J. Harrold

Treasurer/Steward     Mr. H. Seckington

Secretary                      Mrs. C. King

 

Committee Members Present at the Reading Room AGM/Election of Officers 2008 

 

Mrs. D. England                                         Helmdon W.I.

Mrs. J. Hadfield                                          Helmdon Fellowship

Mrs. J. Harrold                                            Helmdon W.E.A.

Mrs. J. Cairns                                              Helmdon Women’s Club

Mrs. S. Lidgley                                           Friends of Helmdon Churchyard

Mrs. R. Wheeler                                         Acorns Playgroup

Mr. Bill England                                         Helmdon Parish Council

Mrs. J. Heady                                             Helmdon Drop in Centre

 

 

Working Committee Members present at the meeting:

 

Mr. Bill England                                          Chairman

Mrs. J. Harrold                                            Vice Chairman

Mr. H. Seckington                                      Treasurer/Steward

Mrs. C. King                                                Secretary

 

 Annual General Meeting 2008 - 1st May 2008

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE

HELMDON READING ROOM

GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

TO BE HELD ON THE 28TH MAY 2008

AT 8.00 P.M. IN THE READING ROOM

 

You are invited to attend the Reading Room AGM on the above date.  Everyone is welcome.  After the meeting there will be another short meeting to elect officers on to the Committee (voting is by existing Committee members only) followed by refreshments.  If you wish to add anything to the Agenda, please call either Bill England (Chairman) or myself; telephone numbers printed above.  Please come.

 

AGENDA

 

  • Chairman’s welcome
  • Apologies for absence
  • Minutes of the AGM held on 5th June 2007
  • Matters arising from the Minutes
  • Chairman’s annual report
  • Treasurer’s annual report
  • Correspondence
  • Building and refurbishment:
    • Ceiling
    • Roof tiles
    • Oil tank
  • Acorns
  • Carnival float
  • Arrangements for funeral receptions in the hall
  • Letting fees
  • Insurance
  • Auditor
  • The electric organ

 

Caroline King (Secretary)

 

Minutes Of Reading Room Public Meeting - 15th April 2008 

                 MINUTES OF A PUBLIC MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 2 APRIL 2008

AT 8.00 P.M. IN THE READING ROOM

                                                          TO DISCUSS

REFURBISHMENT PLANS FOR THE READING ROOM

Members of the Reading Room GMC present:

Mr. Bill England, Chairman

Mrs. J. Harrold, Vice Chairman

Mrs. C. King, Secretary

 

     The Chairman of the Helmdon Reading Room General Management Committee, Mr. Bill England, welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologised that on the Helmdon Website the meeting had been described as an ‘Extraordinary Annual General Meeting’ when this was not the case.  The Chairman went on to say that the only item on the agenda was the refurbishment of the Reading Room and that he had received many comments and suggestions which he would read out later.  The reason for holding a public meeting was that the Reading Room belonged to everyone in Helmdon and it would be quite unfair for the General Management Committee to go ahead with any plans without referring to people living in the village.  Most of the feedback the Chairman had received concerned the ceiling.

The Chairman went on to read the various comments and suggestions he had received re the proposed refurbishment.  He explained that he would read the comments without giving any names.

  • “As you know, I am heartily in favour of removing the suspended ceiling and doing what is necessary to clean up what is behind it.  If the worst comes to the worst, and no-one likes it, there is nothing lost.  The other things I feel would significantly improve the Reading Room are (I know that some of these are planned already):  1.  new curtains.  2.  new lighting to give some atmosphere to the place (hopefully not entirely politically correct low energy lighting, because this doesn’t add any atmosphere at all in my experience).  3.  replacement of the plastic folding doors by a sliding/folding dividing wall.  (I know this could be quite expensive)  4.  redecoration.  5.  try to hide the pipework.  6.  open up the fireplace – possibly put some lighting in there.

  • I think it would be a great shame to lose this opportunity to bring back the original character to the building. I speak with some authority because I am one of the few people (if not the only family) in Helmdon to live in a house built by Charles Fairbrother at around the same time as the Reading Room. My house was badly affected in the 60’s and 70’s by covering up or removing some of the original features and we have been able to restore most of them. So far in over 20 years no-one has commented that “it looked better before you restored it”. I am sure the same would apply to the Reading Room.”

  • “With regard to the Reading Room ceiling, I make the following observations:  1.  I think the existing ceiling should be removed and the vaulted roof exposed.  I do not think that the ceiling adds to the insulation.  2.  if possible the vaulted roof should be sympathetically illuminated with uplighters if possible. This should add to the ambience.  3.  I have always thought the flat roof extension is gloomy and unwelcoming even during the hours of daylight.  Consideration should be given to better artificial lighting.  I also think that a frosted glass window in either the back wall or side wall or both would enhance the ambience of that area.  Like everything else you can only spend what the budget allows but I hope the above is of interest.”
  • “I’m only an infrequent visitor to the Reading Room but my preference would be for it to be restored to its former condition.”
  • “Expose it and tell people to wear jumpers!  It is such a lovely building and anyway winters are getting warmer.”
  • “I would love the ceiling to be opened up as long as not too much heat was lost.  In fact, it would be terrific!”
  • “My view is that, if possible, we should open up the ceiling.  I think it would add to the character of the building (though I am not sure what it would do to the acoustics).”
  • “I have just read your report on the Helmdon website and I personally think it would look better and more in keeping with the building to expose the original roof.  By looking at your photographs I think the original wood looks most attractive and it seems sad to keep it hidden especially when there is no heat advantage to the room.”
  • “As a relative newcomer to the village I would like to respond to your invitation:  it does seem a shame to cover up those fantastic beams and if heat is not lost then why should they not be on show; this would only add to the beauty of the building.  My only query would be, will it change the acoustics of the hall?  Bearing in mind the different activities that the Reading Room is used for?”
  • “I agree with you – my vote would be to remove the suspended ceiling and redecorate the ceiling above.  I don’t think the heating issue is a significant one.  I also recommend getting in touch with Pam Wilton, the village halls’ adviser at ACRE; she might have ideas having seen lots of other village halls.”
  • “Thank you for the invitation to a meeting regarding the refurbishment of the Reading Room.  I would like to put forward the following suggestions which were banded about by various Helmdon residents this morning.  1.  Redecorate etc. as no doubt you will be planning.  2.  Remove the ceiling in the back room and renew throughout with lighting incorporated within the new ceiling if appropriate.  3.  Renew the sliding door between the front hall and the back room.  4.  Renew the floor covering.  5.  Better access – external doors to be self-closing and disabled access/facilities provided.       Other ideas include: sound system/wi fi availability;  big screen TV that may be locked in situ.  You will appreciate that these are just thoughts and ideas, and that we have no idea of the budget you are adhering to.  However, I hope that our ideas are of some use to you and that the meeting progresses well tomorrow evening.” 

The Chairman then asked the meeting for their suggestions.

Mr. Underwood thought there were three important things to discuss: the ceiling, the concertina doors and the lighting.  He went on to say that the chapel in Weston was an example of an old building which had been really well transformed.  It was obvious that somebody had an idea about what should be done and Mr. Underwood suggested that perhaps somebody with vision should be brought in to give advice about what was possible.

Mrs. Lidgley suggested that we use Pam Wilton’s (ACRE) expertise.  Mr. Moody, who works with Pam Wilton, said that she would be willing to come to see the Reading Room.

Mrs. Lidgley said that if Pam Wilton could come in the day time, it could be arranged for people to be present so that they could meet her.

Mrs. Saunders wondered if fans to circulate the hot air could be installed but the Chairman thought this was not necessary.  He went on to explain that when he had gone up into the roof (i.e. the other side of the suspended ceiling) it was very warm and there seemed to be no heat loss from the hall.  Mr. Moody added that the space above the suspended ceiling was not large – about four foot high.

Mrs. Wheeler wondered whether it was possible to add some ventilation to the hall because she thought it was often too warm in the hall.  She liked the idea of having some windows which could be opened and fitting thermostats on to the radiators.  Mrs. Wheeler (representing ACORNS) also requested baby-changing facilities in the disabled lavatory.  She presented the meeting with some quotes for this facility and thought the price would be about £250.

Mrs. Harrold thought that Mrs. Wilton should be asked to visit the Reading Room before the ceiling is taken down.

The Chairman said that one idea was to take only half of the ceiling down so that people could compare between the suspended ceiling and the original.

Mr. Woodhams wondered whether anybody could remember what it looked like before the ceiling was put in.

Mr. Burns said that if it was possible to have somebody come along to give their ideas of how things would look in the future, they should be asked to do so.  The Chairman agreed with this.

Mrs. Forgham asked how much money was available to spend on refurbishment.  The Chairman told her that it would be best to see what was required before starting to cost it.  He told her that the finances in the 60 day account came to £12,353 and in the current cheque account £2,865.  The Chairman said that only a certain amount of the 60 day account could be used; some money would have to be left in reserve in case of other expenditure.  Mrs. Forgham said that perhaps plans should go ahead only after  seeking advice about what we want.

The Chairman suggested taking down the picture of the Queen and the various awards and replacing them on the beam dividing the room.  His other ideas were: 

  • Box in all the pipes with a false beam (removable)
  • Move all the coat hooks and put them in the Committee Room – making this into a cloak room as well as a committee room.
  • Move all the notice boards into the extension.

Mrs. Vicars asked that a few hooks be left so that people having parties in the hall could use them to help fix their decorations.

Mr. Underwood asked where Pam Wilton worked and Mr. Moody replied that she works for ACRE and that she gives advice on all aspects of village halls.

 Mr. Underwood said that it should not be assumed that curtains were needed again.

Mrs. Wheeler spoke about the floor and said that if anything was spilt on the floor one not only had to clean it up immediately but had to wax it to avoid stains and she wondered whether anything could be done to help preserve the floor.

Mr. Coatsworth agreed that Pam Wilton should be asked to come to Helmdon and then it was necessary to get somebody to advise on what sort of design we are looking at.  It would be good to produce a computer generated image of what we are looking at.  We also need some costings and in that way we could work out our priorities; it might be necessary to pay for a professional.

The Chairman said that it was unlikely that all the plans could be carried out in one go.

Mr. Moody wondered whether it would be possible to advertise for a designer and the Chairman suggested asking Mrs. Irene Inness.  Mr. Moody wanted to know who would be supervising all of this and the Chairman said that a contractor could manage the whole project but that he would be happy to do this himself.  Mrs. Lidgley said that this would have to have the approval of the Reading Room Committee.

Mr. Moody asked whether there was a particular time scale to complete the work and the Chairman said that there wasn’t although the work would mainly have to be done in the summer holidays.

Mrs. Lidgley said that the ceiling should be the first job done and the Chairman suggested that it be taken down within the next few weeks.

Mr. Burns said that once the ceiling was down Pam Wilton should be asked to see the hall fairly rapidly afterwards.

The Chairman asked the meeting formally whether the ceiling should be taken down and the meeting agreed that it should.

Mr. Short made a point about natural light and suggested installing a frosted glass window in the extension.

The Secretary explained that she had started looking into funding and grants and was receiving information packs from several sources.  She also said that crack-measuring devices had been installed (by the surveyors Peter North) in several of the larger cracks in the extension and main hall and these could not be taken down for a year.  Repainting etc. would have to be carried out with these in place. 

The Chairman thanked everybody for attending and closed the meeting at 9.05 p.m.

 

Reading Room Extraordinary AGM - 10th March 2008

Reading Room Refurb

Your village hall needs you!

The Reading Room is about to receive a 'makeover' and your ideas will be greatly valued because, after all, the hall belongs to everybody in Helmdon.

The Reading Room Committee is holding an Extraordinary AGM in the Reading Room on:

                       WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL 2008 @ 8.00 P.M.

Everyone is welcome and it would be great to hear your ideas. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful facility but the hall needs a new look and that's where you come in. Please come along on the 2nd April and be a part of the planning process for the refurbishment of the Reading Room.

If, sadly, you can't make that date, please ring either Bill England on 01295 760744 or Caroline King on 01295 768695 and let us know how you think the Reading Room could be improved.

Caroline King, Secretary, Reading Room.


Reading Room Refurb - Your Choice - 11th February 2008

The Reading Room
 
As some of you will be aware, the Reading Room main hall hopefully, will be refurbished during the course of this year.

The discussions so far have been whether to expose the original ceiling, or to have another suspended one, as is there at the moment. There have been one or two issues on this matter; one of them is heat loss if the ceiling is exposed, another is the condition of the original ceiling.

As the photos show the condition is pretty good and in my opinion will not take much work to bring it back to its original glory. Where the heat loss is concerned, when I opened up the suspended ceiling I found it to be as warm above as it was in the main hall. It is YOU who should have the say on this matter. It is YOUR hall. Please let us know what you want. Reply to:- Bill England 760744 email bill_england@btinternet.com or Caroline King 768695 carolineking@dsl.pipex.co.uk.

A meeting will be arranged sometime in March so could we have your comments by the end of this February.

Bill England


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading Room Report - September 2007

The Reading room has just had its "fifteen minutes of fame" - something that has entirely escaped it so far!  Yes, the dear old Reading Room was featured in the national news on the day of the "Great Flood" a few weeks ago.  All the support services arrived and set up shop in the Reading Room just in case their help was needed - luckily nobody actually had to be housed there overnight, but it is nice to know that the emergency plan (yes - the Reading Room does have one!) really worked.

Hosting all night emergency housing is probably not specified in the licence for our premises BUT shortly our licence will permit us to show films in the Reading Room.  At the request of Helmdon Presents we are applying for a variation in our licence.  The group had the brainwave of using the hall in a new way but there may be other things that you can think of which would be suitable to hold in the Reading Room.  Even if your idea is only in the planning stages, please sound out the committee and they will give it every consideration.  It's your hall after all!


Warning!  Bookings for hiring the hall are already being taken for 2008 so don't delay.  (We had difficulty in finding a date to hold our own Reading Room AGM because of heavy booking).  Mr Fairbrother, who so generously donated the hall to the village so many years ago, would be thrilled by the use it gets.

Enjoy!

Bill England

Chairman:  Reading Room Management Committee

01295 760744

Reading Room Report - March 2007 

The Reading Room is still being used to the full, with almost every weekday and evening being used up by one organisation or another, which proves the fact that it is a very popular amenity.  Sundays are being booked, especially for birthday parties and christenings.

This year we are looking to refurbish the main hall, finances permitting, and a flyer was sent round the village asking for comments on what you would like.  Even though the response was somewhat disappointing, the main comment was to “do something with that awful ceiling.”  We have received one quote, and the secretary is busy seeking more, which should be forthcoming in the near future.  We can then set about seeking some funding for the project.  After this will come the rest of the plan ie. reecorate, floor, curtains, electrics, it seems never ending, but when it is all completed, we will have a building that the whole community can be proud of.

I look forward to your continued support.

Bill England

Chairman: Reading Room Management Committee

01295 760744
 
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