AGM Kirkton Parish Hall

Report of the Kirkmahoe Parish Hall Committee presented to the Annual General Meeting on Friday 17^th January 2014

The run of successful and profitable years for the Hall continues, with receipts up by £500 over previous years, without any increase in hire charges. The number of events held over the year has also increased, with fund raising activities adding to finances and further protecting the hall from increased costs and unforeseen expenditure.

Here are some of the highlights:

Use of the Hall

Social Club/Coffee morning – These successful meetings have continued to be held every month, except the three summer months, with a band of regular attendees, listening to a variety of interesting speakers. The December meeting, as last year, was very well attended for a sing-along with local ‘superstars’ the ‘Old Geezers’.

Bingo, Quiz and Race nights – Throughout the year a number of these popular evenings have been held. Following a number of requests, a licensed bar has been available at most of these events.

Huggy Bear Dance – In August over 60 people enjoyed listening and dancing to local band ‘Huggy Bear’.

In addition to those mentioned above, the Pilates, Badminton, Tai Chi, Carpet Bowling and Old Time Dancing events have continued to take place.

As well as these the Hall has hosted successful events for the Community Council, such as a musical evening as part of the Kirkmahoe Gala Fete and a Senior Citizens party, the Heritage Group, and Kirkmahoe Concerts.

But the Hall can still accommodate more events and to get them up and running needs enthusiastic volunteers to work together with the Hall Committee to plan and organise them. So if you’ve got any ideas please get in touch.

Maintenance Programme

During the year the Committee has continued a programme of on-going maintenance to keep the Hall in good condition. This year, using grants from the Council Village Hall Improvement Scheme and SWEAT, the remaining windows on the alley side have been completely replaced and repainted.

The hall floor, which was sanded and re-varnished in 2012, is already in need of remedial work. This is planned for 2014, the Hall Committee having successfully obtained compensation to cover the costs of re-varnishing. A harder wearing product is to be used this time.

Improved facilities

Thanks must be given to Kirkmahoe Heritage Group, and Kirkmahoe Community Council, for enabling the hall to have 2 permanent speakers installed, which can be connected to the Community Council sound system to provide comprehensive audio facilities.

A projector kindly donated and installed by John Williams, also allows audio visual shows or presentations.

Thank you

A big thank you to all volunteers, both on the Hall Committee and in the local community who help us organise events in and around the Hall.

Please join me and the rest of the Hall Committee, in remembering Fiona, who passed away in May. Up to the end, she was attending our meetings, keeping us all in line, and touching us all with her enthusiasm and energy. She is very greatly missed.

Trevor Hayward – Chairman, Kirkmahoe Parish Hall Committee