We hope to raise £5,000 this year and a lively Programme of events and entertainment are being organized. The car boot and table sales are continuing on the first Saturday of the month. Also in the pipeline are quizzes, an auction, a sponsored bike ride, an open-air concert, a craft fayre and local producers market, dances and Christmas parties.

Minutes of AGM Click here for a printable version

Present:  Dennis Kear, Malcolm Waters, David Harris, Ann Hibberd, John Hibberd, Iris Burgess, Kim Cobbold, Marie Fraser, Paul Brice, Jeremy Brunt, Pauline Gowar, Don Pugh.

Guests:  Mrs M Harris, Mrs J Baxter, Mrs A Jones.

Apologies: Ian Thomas, June Pugh, Jane James, Ian Hodgkinson.

Minutes of Last Meeting:  Proposed by Kim Cobbold and seconded by Iris Burgess it was agreed that the Chairman sign the minutes as a correct record.

Matters Arising:  There were no matters arising.

Treasurer’s Report:  Click here for a printable balance sheet.
The Treasurer circulated a very full report for the year January – December 2008, showing that even with all the maintenance and improvement works completed, the hall was running at a small profit.  The Treasurer had negotiated with the Water Company and expects a new bill showing a reduction.  There are new regulations regarding drainage that do not apply to the hall.  There is also a query on the bill for the Skatepark.  The inspection was done in January which was three months earlier than expected and carried out during a spell of bad weather when a proper inspection was very difficult.  David discussing with the company to ascertain the details of the contract.

The Chairman thanked David for a very full and detailed report.

Secretary’s Report: Click here for the full report.
The Secretary commented on the structure of the committee and the fact that the Forest of Dean Brass were now represented on the Committee.  Progress with the Gloucestershire Rural County Council Village Forum and objectives achieved throughout the year.  Overall a very successful and busy year.

Works Report: 
John Hibberd reported that our strategy to improve the marketability of the existing building until a rebuild has been mostly achieved.  Repairs to the Roof have been carried out and the building is now dry.  With the aid of a Grassroots Grant work has been done to provide fresh internal decoration, ceiling repairs, new light fittings and improved heating system have been completed, together with new furniture and new window blinds.  Thanks to Adrian Butler at Light Fantastic for his support throughout the year and to the Community Pay Back Scheme for it's help with redecoration.

Final work to upgrade the building electrics is now complete and a certificate of inspection been issued.  The total spend for the year on works related projects is £7,704.77.

Targets for next year:  External Roof repainting as a priority.  Replacement of windows and a completely refitted kitchen to enable more scope for private hire and internal catering events.   A policy review on the external recreation ground is required.  The skatepark sadly remains a drain on time and finances and a policy regarding its future funding needs to be discussed.  Maintenance of existing and possible provision of new play equipment is also in need of a review with inspections needed.  John wished to record his thanks, and those of the committee to Stan Baxter for his help with maintenance work on the hall.

Chairman’s Report: Malcolm Waters began his report by thanking members of the committee for 2008 for all their support, and for keeping “our heads above water”. 

The car boot sales throughout the year were becoming very popular and we intend to continue with these.  Unfortunately the first one in 2009 in February had to be cancelled because of adverse weather conditions but the March sale is already being booked.

A very successful Valentine’s Dance was held with Highway, and the Comic Relief Sports event was very successful.  The quizzes held by Stan and Joyce Baxter throughout the year, were greatly enjoyed and boosted our funds.  August saw the first Yorkley Festival which was our first very successful liaison with Forest of Dean Brass who performed at the Proms in the Park Event.  The Festival was very hard work but was extremely successful and Malcolm wished to record his thanks to all who planned and assisted.  We held a Halloween Disco Party for the children which although poorly attended was enjoyed by those who did.  The Remembrance Service was well attended, despite the weather, and our thanks go to Forest of Dean Brass and the Rev Tony Williams, from the Viney Hill Christian Adventure Centre for supporting our service.

The Evening of Carols with F.O.D Brass together with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies was well attended and enjoyed by all.  Malcolm, on behalf of the committee thanked David and Marjorie Harris for sponsoring the refreshments.  The final event of the year, the “Celebration of Christmas” with Dr Bob and Dr Chris Nancollas and the FOD Mummers was a wonderful conclusion to the year and Malcolm thanked everyone involved for such a busy and varied programme of events.

Upcoming events for this year start with a Quiz Night on 14^th March and a Dance on 18^th April with “Highway” and will be followed by further events to be publicised.

Finally, Malcolm wished to thank John for his work on the hall, and David for keeping us on financial track and everyone on the committee for their work throughout the year.

Election of Officers:   There being no other nominations, and with the agreement of the existing Officers, the Officers for 2009 are as follows:

Committee Members:       Jeremy Brunt, Iris Burgess, Kim Cobbold, Pauline Gowar, June Pugh, Paul Brice, Marie Fraser, Ian Hodgkinson, Mike Hinton.

What’s On:  Co-Editors, David Harris and Jeremy Brunt.  Malcolm thanked David and Jeremy for their work on the Newsletter throughout the year, and voiced concern that a replacement for Jeremy, who will stand down in August has still to be found. 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Ian Thomas had posed a question about the possibility of helping to relieve the parking problem connected with the next-door surgery.  This was discussed and whilst the Committee felt it would like to help, problems would arise regarding insurance and liabilities.  It was therefore decided that sadly we could not help on this occasion.

Donation:  A Memorial Football Match is held every Boxing Day by Yorkley AFC in memory of Mark Burgess and from the money raised this year, Iris, Mark’s Mother has made a donation of £520 to the village hall for a PA system to be bought in Mark’s Memory.  Malcolm on behalf of the Committee thanked Iris for her generosity.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
YORKLEY RECREATION CENTRE COMMITTEE – 2008

Overall a very successful year, with more to come in the future.