BARBOUR MEMORIAL HALL SCIO

MINUTES   26.10.21.

PRESENT:  LIZ AND JOHN ANDERSON, LYNDA ANDERSON, B CRAIK, G DONNELLY, J DONNELLY, S DOUGLAS M LAURIE, R WILSON

PRESENT PART OF MEETING: C WARD, J WATSON

APOLOGIES: B CRAIK, G LINES, A WILSON

  1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: MATTERS ARISING

Thanks to Liz for her work on our energy contract. We have signed up to Scottish Power for three more years.

GD to meet ML regarding the website before the next meeting

Thanks to Robert for fixing the light.

  1. CREETOWN INITIATIVE DISCUSSION (CHRIS WARD, JULIAN WATSON)

JW provided a summary of his consultations with trustees and stakeholders. He divided our project into three areas: repair, improve, extend. The repair elements are clear: water ingress and damp, the annex. Improvements have yet to be finalised in our plans but things like the addition of windows, improving the entrance, a new heating system and work stations have been raised in discussions. Extension works may include rebuilding the annex as a new kitchen block. He also discussed what the hall had been used for in the past, the present and how it might be used in the future. Renovation will clearly attract greater usage.

JW highlighted the unique aspects of the hall: the largest south of Dumfries before Annan, its proximity to the town, the natural environment and the rich history of the area. In addition, he pointed out the key roll that the primary school might play and he cited an example where a school and hall had worked closely together for mutual benefit. The allotment makes up this golden triangle. How can we create and extend networks to ensure the hall is better used. Consultation with the local community will provide further details and the possibilities and potential of the hall as a centre for community leisure, education and life.  Several ideas emerged from further discussion including breakfast and after school clubs and baby yoga.

Thanks were extended to both Chris and Julian for their contribution to the meeting and Tuesday 7th December at 7.30 was set as the date for the next meeting at which the community questionnaire/consultation will be discussed.

  1. BOUNDARY

Our lawyers have suggested we get an up to date plan to lay over the existing title. CW suggested we engage a land agent to advise us around how much land we might need at the side of the hall to enable future maintenance eg the erection of scaffolding. Gated access will be needed for the allotments too.

  1. CHRISTMAS FAYRE/REOPENING FOR SOUP SOCIAL

It was agreed that it would not be safe to host a full-blown Christmas Fayre this year given the uncertainty that remains around Covid cases and transmission. However, it was agreed that we could hold a festive soup social for the elderly in the community. JA suggested we use this opportunity to inform and engage with the community regarding our plans. The sub group will consider this suggestion. JD, GL, BC and RW agreed to form a sub-group to progress plans for this. This group will meet at the hall next Tuesday at a time yet to be determined

  1. FINANCIAL UPDATE

Thanks to GL for the financial update which was circulated to all members.

The books have been audited by Julie Halliday and a £40 gift has been purchased as thanks. A donation of £20 was received from the Watson family for use of tables and chairs.

The financial position at time of audit (5.4.21.) was Current Account: £15,900.00; Reserve Account: £2500. As of 6.10.21. the current account balance was £10,590.77. LyA will follow up on the most recent funding we were awarded by the Council.

  1. DATES FOR SESSSION AHEAD/AGM

Meetings for the year ahead will be 6 weekly on a Tuesday night starting from Tuesday 18th January. It is likely other meetings will be needed given and anticipating the progress of our project. GD will draw up a calendar of meetings and send it out with the minutes.

  1. AOB
  • GL has thanked D Watson for his offer to spray the weeds with weedkiller and he accepted her explanation
  • LyA will contact Driftwood Cinema with regard to restarting our evening cinema programme.
  • ML asked that Resilience Plan was added as an agenda item to the next meeting.

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