The AGM of the Wickham Institute took take place in Binsted Village Hall at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 13th May 2015.
Chairman’s report:
I will try to keep this report as short as possible as most of you are already aware of the main events of the year in the Institute.
We have held events both in and out of the hall to help support our finances, as follows:
Open Garden drinks followed by Open Garden afternoon with teas available at Binsted Place.
A very successful Curry Night with the Binsted Slides, which we intend to show again to those who were unable to attend.
Easter Craft Fair
Following a successful application to the Big Lottery Fund we were finally able to re-fit the kitchen and install a commercial dishwasher and new cooker which actually works. We were given the generous amount of £10k which paid for the lion’s share of the work, but not for the equipment. However we have also received generous donations from the Fete and Flower Show Committee and the Parish Council which have helped to make up the difference. Andrew will be putting you in the picture vis a vis the actual figures in his report.
We have had a couple of major drains on our reserves over the last year: the swarms of bees which infested the flat roof over the loos had first to be dealt with by capturing as many as possible and then, once winter had set in, removed entirely by the bee specialist which involved making holes in ceilings, removal of colonies and making good. All of which was expensive.
We also had an expensive electrical repair to put right in order for the hall to be useable over the winter .
We are in desperate need of regular hirers to provide regular income and would ask that all the Trustees, Committee Members and friends of the Institute please put it about that our delightful hall would welcome new users who want to start classes or clubs and that hire fees are negotiable to regular users. We are attempting to grow closer links with the School, but it has financial issues of its own as far as being able to afford to use the building is concerned. We do give them specially agreed rates for events which they hold here. Following discussions on the village questionnaire, which you will all have seen, I personally note with some concern the Church’s expressed wish to open their building as a public space when they can find finance to do so and also to install cloakroom and kitchen facilities. It seems we are unable to use the space we have enough to justify creating more, but that is a personal view which others may not share.
There seem to be many more younger families living in this village than in years gone by and it is to be hoped that interest can be generated through the questionnaire in starting some new activities which will be interested in using this excellent facility.
Now that we have our excellent new kitchen, I can tell you that at tonight’s Management Committee meeting we shall discuss further improvements to decorations which we hope to be able to finance in the medium term. You will all have seen how very much nicer the garden area behind the hall is looking and we do now have a useable outdoor space for private hirers to use in warm weather. Let us hope that we can attract some new business.
We shall also be discussing future fundraising /social events and would welcome any ideas you may have during Any Other Business.
Thank you very much for attending tonight and for your continued support of the Wickham Institute.
