Chairs Report July 2023

After the tough covid times of 2020 and 2021 it’s great to see the Village Hall bookings returning and the hall being used again.

We have a good cross section of regular bookings, including the dance club, yoga, Pierre’s kitchen, and keep fit.  We are also very fortunate to have the popular Community Kitchen as a regular weekly booking.  Thanks to all regular groups who book the hall and to Sara Trumper for getting the community Kitchen up, running this year.

Through the year the committee have arranged some excellent events including our regular quizzes, the return of the ever popular Burn’s Night, skittles, an antiques evening, Father’s Day BBQ –  in perfect weather and with a live band and the coronation celebration –  attended by many from outside the direct village. 

A special thanks too to the Parish Council for applying for the initial community Kitchen grant and also for financially supporting the Coronation event.   A special thanks too to Carol Hall for pushing the Hal on social media, resulting in more one off and regular bookings.

Over the course of the year we have managed to keep up with the expenses, that have risen sharply due to big changes in gas, electricity and water bills.  Costs are expected to be higher still during the coming year but it is hoped with the extra income from existing and new bookings we will be able to keep pace.  We have been and will be reliant on grants to reach a break even point.

We are very fortunate to have new members to the committee, with special mention to our Treasurer, Janet Twist for keeping the books in order and to Alex Rowe for his exceptional hard work in supporting events.

 For the coming year we really hope to extend the reach of the village hall well into Gittisham Vale and Hayne Farm and put on events for the whole parish.  

As chair I would like to extend my thanks to all of those on the committee, those who helped when called upon outside the committee and those who have recently left. It is your support, enthusiasm and dedication that makes our village hall such a desirable and friendly place to get people together.  We must aspire to more private booking and parish events.

We really need and would welcome more members to grow the number and range of events that we put – to allow us to keep the important community assets running.  This is a hall for the whole parish.

Hamish Hall  July 2023