Since I gave my last report to the Annual General Meeting
the Hall has changed beyond all recognition! We now have a
wonderful Resource Centre on this site which I hope the
Village will appreciate and use.
The foundations of the new build were started in April
2007.We closed the Hall and kitchen for the summer for the
builders to renovate both. Unfortunately this was a bigger job
than was expected. Besides putting a new wall between the
kitchen and Middle room the floors in all three rooms needed
work done on them which took longer than anticipated. We were
not able to use the kitchen and middle room until just before
Christmas. Consequently we could not take bookings for this
period although Pre-school, W.I., toddlers and a few others
managed without the kitchen. It was worth waiting for as the
Hall, Kitchen and Middle room all look wonderful now!
We were handed the new build at the end of January,
although there were still a few jobs needed completing. We are
still waiting for the fence to be finished! Our Grand Opening
of the whole building was on 8th March. We also ran
a St Piran’s coffee morning on that day. The building was
official opened by Daphne Skinnard. We invited funders,
builders, architects and others who had helped us get the
building up and running. I think we had about 300 people
through the doors on the day! It was a great success.
We now have a purpose built Pre-School, IT suite, Office
and Library. The Library getting used thanks to Rosie, Carol
and helpers. We now have about 175 members. We held a coffee
morning for Library funds which was well supported. The Pre
School is opened from 9.00am – 3.15 pm. And they hope to run a
breakfast and afterschool club next term .We have started a
computer class in the IT suite. This room is also being used
as a committee room. We are trying to get more Adult Education
courses running for next term. We have more users for the hall
with Line Dancing, Home Schoolers and Beavers.
The committee have struggled with several new difficulties
in the new Centre, not least the high electricity bill we
received! Hopefully all these problems will be sorted out in
the near future.
In the past year we have not done so many fund raising
activities .We held our usual Table Top sale in November and
the Carol Concert in December. Thanks once again to the two
choirs and the band. In March we had our Beetle Drive, which
was great fun. Besides these Debbie Shearman has run a Craft
and Produce Market once a month since May. These are very
popular with both stall holders and punters. Thank you,
Debbie, for all your hard work.
Once again I must mention a few people who have worked so
hard for the Centre. First James Biscoe, who was Chairman of
the Resource Centre Committee and worked hard with Roger
Hocking and Nicolas the builders. Then John Calvert ,for
overseeing the finances of the build. Charlie, who has been
fantastic with decorating, cleaning up after the builders and
generally keeping an eye on everything. Cath , who has been a
wonderful secretary and keeps me up to date with everything.
Shelia, for being Vice Chairman. Cath and Rachel have also
been working hard to get new courses into the Centre. Thank
you to you all.
Now we come to the sad part of my report. Rachel Godwin is
standing down as our Treasurer and booking officer. We all owe
Rachel a big thanks for all her hard work as Treasurer to the
Village Hall and also for all the work she has done getting
the funds for the Centre .I don’t think we would have got the
building if it had not been for her skill in filling in all
the forms. We will all be very sorry to loose Rachel, but
appreciate th fact you have a teaching post and also a young
family. Thank you for all you have done.
Rachel’s job is now being split into two. Rosie Turner is
going to be our Bookings Officer. We are delighted to welcome
John Colgate on committee. He has offered to be the new
Treasurer.
I would like to end my report by saying thank you to the
rest of the committee who have supported the Officers through
this difficult year and I hope for an easier time in the next
12 months.
