living Advent Calendar - 1-24 December

ITS OFFICIAL! - The news we have all been waiting for! We now have a new lease for the Village Hall until 2038 securing this fantastic community hub. We signed the lease last night at the LVVH committee AGM and we were privileged to have Sharon Watkinson witness our signatures. I want to say a huge thank you to all involved, Maria FOrme included 👍🏻, Let’s use this fantastic asset and make sure we continue our village community spirt, it’s very rare these days to live in a village like ours where we can all get together and celebrate special occasions.  Many Thanks Sean and the LVVH committee 🙏🏻🥂🍾 — at Langley Vale Village Hall

2 documents needed to be signed, the first revoking the previous lease and the second establishing the new lease, so whereas the Trustees, Sean Porter, Chis Ball and Russell Goodyear only had to sign twice each Sharon had to witness each signature and print her name 6 times! The new lease is effective from this December and runs for 10 years with a 5 year renewal. With it in place it will be possible for us to apply for grants to help with major refurbishment projects to help keep the hall running as the valuable community space it has always been.

After the signing, the AGM commenced although the turnout was heavy on Committee members with only a few others joining us. 

Firstly came reports from the Chairman and Committee members on the work they’d carried out including thanks for the efforts of many in helping the Village Hall to have a successful year. This has ended in the accounts showing an increase over the previous year despite outlays on  a replacement boiler, electrical works and various other repairs and projects. Apart from various cost saving improvements this was due in no small part to Helen Sage‘s excellent work in increasing the daily use of the hall for regular sessions and one-off bookings. 

All the existing Committee, some of whom had been co-opted during the year to help with keeping the Village Hall running: Sean Porter, Chairman; Chris Ball, Treasurer; Juliette Guale, Secretary;  Russell Goodyear, Supporters Club Chairman; Helen Sage, Events Secretary; Tracey Bensley, Assistant Events; Secretary; Tom Pope Assistant Clerk of Works; Debbie Turner, Website Co-Ordinator; Nicky Kibble, Pre-School Manager; Frances Suttonwood, Church Liaison; agreed to stand for another year apart from Malcolm Dunne , Clerk of Works. Malcolm requested to resign in favour of Tom Pope, saying he felt that he had contributed as much as he could and it needed the younger man to take things forward. He promised he would still be contributing to the life of the Hall. Malcolm was thanked for his valuable contribution to getting the hall into  much better shape for the future. Matthew Sage was invited on to the Committee to add more young blood and as Assistant Treasurer to take over the daily finances. He was proposed by Sean Porter and seconded by Chris Ball. No-one else volunteered to help..

Any other business discussed a mid-evening noise complaint which had been made directly to a user rather than informing anyone on the Committee. This will be addressed by asking all users to make sure the outer doors are closed when music is playing and to remind participants to respect the neighbours when leaving. Other questions referred to the Defibrillator. Is it still running? Yes, and the company who supplied it is responsible for its regular servicing to ensure this. Has it been used? Not known but Sean will enquire of the company whether we would be notified as Rosie Goodyear reported that the paddles would have to be replaced if that occurred. Also whether we will be liable if  it is used and it fails? It was thought the company would be held responsible if it was at fault but Sean will double-check. 

The meeting closed in good humour with everyone positive that the hall will continue to be well cared for, used and supported in the future.