Strachur Hall Committee
Minutes of Committee Meeting held on 29th October, 2019
To be agreed on 3rd January, 2020
Present -
Les Earle, Evie Campbell, Douglas McHugh, Fiona Campbell
Bill Dickson, Kate Paton, Ian Asher, Anne Fiddes, Annette McCracken, Patrick Gibb, Susan Gaffney, Rev. MacKenzie, Teresa Hunt Earle, Cathie Montgomery, Drew Stewart, Allison Roy
Les thanked the Committee for their running of the Hall last year, particularly Patrick, Allison, Sheena and Gordon, and hoped to continue the good work they started. He also wished to thank Mhairi for her work in keeping the hall clean.
He proposed that in the future if there are contentious points at Meetings which needed further thought, it would be better to carry the discussion on to another meeting rather than rush to make a decision.
Previous quarterly minutes of 30th July were formerly adopted as an accurate reflection of the meeting.
Matters Arising -
8a. Evie reported the Memorial Garden was looking good. The WW1 100 years Memorial Plaque was in place. There is to be a service on 7th November with the Hub and The School for unveiling of the Plaque. People have been dropping off pots, but still looking for compost and volunteers needed to help. Margaret Marshall, Irene Cameron, Kate Paton and Liz Fraser have been doing a great job organizing the project. Evie thanked Susan for coming up with the name “Memorial” Garden. There is a seat being donated for the area.
8b. Ian Wilkie not present. Confirming Memorial Plaque fixed to gable end of Hall.
Douglas reported that Oil Tank Wall was noted as having some cracks at the seams. Held over to next spring. The lorry driver wasn’t concerned. Just needed to keep and eye on it. It will possibly cost £1500 to £2000 for the work involved.
8d. Ian Wilkie had sent an email stating that there had not been a lot of progress re twinning with Sournia. However the Mayor of Sournia reported that he might well visit Strachur in December en route to Sutherland for a hunting trip.
Dates were set for Hall Meetings – Sunday afternoon at 3p.m. last Sunday in the month, starting January and quarterly thereafter. To be held in New Hall.
Safeguarding Policy. Allison has worked on this. Les asked Evie to review it and report back. Policy and conditions to be on the Agenda for next Meeting.
Its Your Neighbourhood - Evie reported it was a scheme “keeping Scotland beautiful”. This was the second year the hall and surrounding area was assessed. It included Heron Park as well. It is free to sign up to and the hall gained a level 4 certificate. The Assessor was impressed with Bills group of young gardeners and how both old and young were encouraged to be involved in our community. The wild area at Heron Park also was noted as good. Evie asked Bill if his group of young gardeners could be involved with the Memorial Garden? Bill thought it wouldn’t be suitable, it was difficult enough trying to get adults to be there with the children, and many children were too small.
Sunflowers were again planted this year by youth club, with thanks to Peter Roy making the planters out of old pallets recycled.
Evie reported it was noted in the book that the thermostat on the refrigerator wasn’t working properly. Douglas had confirmed funds were available to buy and new one. It should be automatic defrost and no ice box needed.
General maintenance – Gutters needed cleaned out. Patrick reported the design of the roof one section doesn’t have the gutter catching drips leading to a problem. Alex Tickell was suggested to be asked to clear the gutters.
Other business – Bill said the Development Company had been looking after Heron Park, but this has become a challenge as they don’t have funds to pay someone to keep it tidy. A grant was spent repairing it last year, but it is now starting to deteriorate and volunteers are hard to find. Cammy and Janice MacDonald had been volunteering for many years, but it is now better to try and find a solution. Does anyone have any suggestions how Heron Park can earn an income to cover running costs? Should it be shut off? This wasn’t thought of as suitable as it would still need someone to do that. Bill also mentioned that the Pavilion was becoming a concern as to how to keep up with running costs/maintenance. Les suggested perhaps getting in touch with the Community Pay Back Team, although they cut the grass around the hall – it isn’t always frequent. It was also suggested a note should go in the local newsletter asking for suggestions. Ian and Kate confirmed that some attendees of the Hub and Hub volunteers could clear some leaves off paths as the Hub is happy making use of the Heron Park. Report back on this subject at next meeting.
Douglas gave the up to date figures
Fabric Fund £122.40
General Fund £8350.88
This includes money added lately from the very successful 50/50 Fund which Teresa runs and she should be thanked for helping us.
Douglas also said in the winter there is always a couple of months in the red with the extra cost of oil for heating.
Les suggested that the next meeting we should be thinking about rents etc. and perhaps compare our fees to other halls to see if we can increase charges.
The Election in December, previous year was £400, it was suggested to now charge £500, we have loss of rent fees from user groups for that day and night.
Meeting closed at 8.40 p.m.