For most of the year we had a compliment of ten members, hence we are one short of our
preferred number of 11 (although this is not a maximum!). Attendance at meetings has
generally been good, and we accept that the Vicar, an ex-officio member has been unable to
participate due to other commitments. It is however something we need to consider and
make efforts to increase the number of committee members in the coming months.
Much of the year has been overshadowed by the impacts of Covid, and the various dictates
issued by Government for the public as a whole and for the use of buildings such as the
village. In some ways, as with the previous year this has allowed for the completion of
virtually all the restoration works with only little impact on the use of the VH. Fortunately,
we were able to reach a point where we could officially reopen the hall and a very
successful public event was held in 2021 The easing of the covid rules has allowed regular
and one-off events to start successfully again.
The hall we have today is a very different place to what it was before the works began, to
me it an asset to the local community worthy of the current time, it is now warm and
welcoming bright and light, with good facilities and amenities.
A big thanks to all the hard work undertaken by all the Committee in securing the very
successful outcome.
The financial aspects of the restoration have all been covered in the regular reports of the
Treasurer so I do not intend to go into that now.
The current financial position of the VH is that we can undertake further improvement
works to the hall, including some extra work to porch to remove any possibility of heads
hitting the porch roof support, and to provide “planters” to improve the grounds. I must pay
thanks to Jo Williams who keeps the grass cut. And also, to provide an external electricity
outlet for such things as Christmas lights.
The main additional works, which is something we have been asked for in the past is to
provide improved lighting in the hall and we will be installing a new ceiling with low energy
dimmable spotlights as soon as possible after the Jubilee Celebrations,
With that in mind I was very glad that we were able to partner with the PC in funding and
installing a new tree in the grounds as part of the “Queen’s Green Canopy” initiative.
I am also pleased that we have been able to re-install the village roll of honour after it has
been restored and cleaned by the PC with funding from a local military charity.
Finally, I am also pleased that we are supporting the PC by providing on long term loan two
benches to be used as part of the Glebe Land project at the end of Church Lane.
Another key project which has stated this year is a modernisation and automation of the
booking system, I say thanks to Ann for all she has done in the past and is still doing whilst
we agree the new approach, but I feel the sort of system we envisage will be of benefit to
all.
I conclusion however I must add this will be my last report as I intend to stand down as
Chairman for the coming year, I have held this role both unofficially and officially for many
years and other commitments mean it is time to let someone else take over. It is my
intention to remain as a trustee and of course an ex-officio member via my roll on the PC.
David Smedley