Action by

1.

Introductions

Barbara welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2.

3.

Minutes of the last AGM were approved.

Finance

IL talked through the current finances and explained that the Hall accounts are moving from a Receipts and Payments basis to Standard Accounting and thanked Heather Grier for her support with this. IL reported that income from hall rentals, the newsletter and 50/50 are all up and fuel costs have reduced (this is skewed to some extent due to the new method of reporting but, on the whole, it’s a positive message). A comment was made about waste collection having increased and this is due to us now providing sanitary bins and rising costs for recycling collection.

4.

Bookings

PH reported that bookings have remained steady and while we’ve sadly lost regular groups such as the Strachur WI, Sacred Spaces and Reiki Share, we have gained different groups: French, Hearing the Word, and the Storytelling Workshop.

PH asked that users be mindful of their booking times as our cleaner works very closely to the booking calendar.

PH also asked everyone to make us aware of any issue they come across, no matter how small, either by contacting their group rep or putting it into the maintenance book in the kitchen.

5.

Risk and Fire Assessments

NA explained that we’re in the process of completing a new risk assessment for the building and that each group will have to fill out their own risk assessment, with some help and guidance from NA (and the committee). For some groups it will be straightforward and for others, a more detailed report will be required. Once completed, another one would not be required unless the activities of the group changed in a substantial way.

NA

6.

General Updates:

Memorial & Poppy Wreaths: The War Memorial shelf issue was discussed and making this safe is an ongoing issue. Update: we have had a suggestion for a temporary solution which is to provide a cushioned cover for the shelf (and to store the wreaths in the cupboard after an appropriate time on display).

Contact with Reps: With the changes of personnel on the committee, some group reps are being re-allocated and each group will be contacted.

Biomass Space: The biomass boiler and shed have gone! Plans are in place for installing a bench and planters in that area. Thanks go to Tom Paton, Neil Mackechnie & Alastair Fraser for their hard work.

Garden & Carpark: We hope to clear the verge of the car park, mark spaces, and put in edging.

Lighting: Ongoing project to replace lights throughout the hall making them brighter and more economical.

Projector: Has been well received and used fairly regularly. A request was made for another one to be installed in the Memorial Hall which will be considered, as funds allow.

Outside Sign: New “Strachur Memorial Hall” sign was installed following the demise of the old one after a storm.

Heating: Generally, people have been adhering to the request to turn down the heating at the end of meetings and work has been done to find out where a leak was located. Thanks to John Conning for his persistence and success!

In addition, IL reported that we have changed fuel supplier and the level of the tank is closely monitored by them.

We will be installing a remote access system to adjust the heating for individual group requirements and manage it in line with bookings.

New Booking System: We will be moving to a managed hall booking system called Hallmaster over the next few weeks. PH will be in touch with all the groups regarding the new process.

Newsletter: Drew Stewart moved away earlier this year but has very kindly continued to produce the Newsletter, with the committee printing locally. Thank you to Drew for his support.

Storage Structure: IL outlined plans for a new substantial building which will be put in place of the existing wooden green shed in order to house the community minibus and provide storage space. Argyll & Bute Council have given the okay to go ahead and the next step is to apply for planning permission. Some user groups are donating towards it, we are applying for funds and grants, and the Hall will use some of its reserves to fund the project.

EXC

PH

7.

Request for New Committee Members

Ralph Peters has stepped down from the committee and Ned Alexander has taken up the role of Vice-Chair. Thanks go to Ralph for his years as Vice-Chair and to Ned for taking over. BW put the request out for new committee members to join us, in particular for someone to act as Secretary.

8.

AOB

Near Me Room: Not currently being used as “Near Me” and BW is actively working with the Near Me team at the HB & Council as well as the medical practice to find a way for patients to access it for consultations.

PAT Testing: this has been carried out recently. IL asked for anything else requiring testing to be highlighted to him.

Youth & Drama Thank You: SD thanked all the groups for their help and flexibility when they put on a show, the next one being at the end of January/beginning of February.

BW

IL

9.

DONM: October 2025 – date to be advised

EXC