Hadnall Village Hall Committee AGM 6 April 2011

Chairman’s Report

2010 was the hundredth year since the building of the Village Hall.   The Hall had been designed by Thomas Geldert who designed many of the houses in the village.

This year’s committee has been smaller than in previous years as we lost a couple of members at last year’s AGM.  Sadly no volunteers have been forthcoming and so the committee has managed with fewer members.   Margaret Thomas decided not to stand for another year.  Her expertise and knowledge has been sorely missed.  We were fortunate to get an able replacement in Kaye Weaver who was closely supported by Margaret.  Di Rogers had demonstrated a very firm grip of what the committee has to work on to achieve to keep up-to-date with legal requirements and her influence is missed too.  Margaret Garrett similarly resigned from the Committee and she is missed too.

With a smaller committee it is more difficult to organise functions so the efforts were directed at arranging the fete to celebrate the Village Hall’s centenary.  A few special events and fancy dress were planned.  After a lot of hard work getting everything organised, the weather intervened and the fete had to be abandoned about half way through the event.  This did affect the fundraising potential, but a very healthy profit was made never-the-less.

Christmas time saw the Annual Village Quiz take place.  A new trophy presented by Bryan Thomas was duly won by the Hadnall Bowling Club.  Thanks to Neil and Emily for a most enjoyable event.

With income levels being maintained by regular bookings the committee felt that they had to keep the standards of the hall as high as possible.  It was therefore decided that a re-decorating programme was planned.  Thus the “Tuesday Club” was formed.  This is not just for the male members of the committee but anyone can be involved.  The first task that the group took on was to finish clearing the ivy from the walls of the carpark.  Eventually the front wall area was completely cleared and some trees planted.  Roses donated by John Jinks have also been planted and a plaque will be put up shortly to commemorate the Centenary.  This has very much improved the presentation of the Hall.  Inside the main Hall was repainted which met with general approval.  Next the entrance hall was repainted in yellow which changed the outlook completely.  Once the staircases are finished, it will mean that all the main areas have been repainted.  Particular thanks must go to Tony Corn, Neil Duxbury and Mike Pemberton for all their considerable efforts.

Not to be outdone by the men, the ladies did a splendid job clearing and sorting the committee room and other important jobs.  The committee has therefore had a busy year and has achieved a great deal.  Bookings for the Hall have been maintained which suggests the efforts by everyone has put in have been worthwhile. There are still things for the Committee to do to keep/raise the standards we offer, but much to be proud of has been achieved this year.  In particular our finances have remained very steady.

Finally I would like to thank the whole committee for their hard work and support this year.  Working with the group has proved to be fun and rewarding.

Tony Collins   Chairman 2010-2011