2nd Open afternoon report

With my 'green field' camping permit interview taking place yesterday evening, something had to give and that was reporting on the open day. Yes, I have been recommended for my green field permit, but the interrogation was thorough and testing. I don't think the interview was unfair, because (at the end of the day) I will be approved to take young people (read other peoples children) on overnight events that need to be competently planned and executed.

The second open afternoon was a social and political success. Frankly, we were swamped by visitors, with a queue for teas and cream teas regularly stretching across the hall... The tables were full of villagers, some who hadnt seen each other in many years, - despite only living a street apart.

Positive comments and glowing praise for what we have done are evidenced by the entries in the comments book. Most entries urge the Parish Council and the Village Hall trust to financially support us.

The Veveri managed to take some photo's of the gathering (I was was so busy on both open afternoons, I simply didnt get a chance).


It was great to meet people from the village who have so many memories and ideas associated with the hall. Based on discussions with these people, I have asked the Father Roger to explore who might operate a youth dance session in the hall and I need to explore daytime dance and 'drop in' sessions for older people.

Significant attendees were Cllr Walton, Chair of the Parish Council, a number of Parish Councillors, Father Roger (and family), plus a Group from the British legion and (significantly) Mrs Pointer MBE.

We collected donations of nearly £70 and this has been handed to our Treasurer.

A sea change appears to be underway and it feels like we have the Chiseldon 'establishment' moving to back the project. There is still discussion to be had regarding conditions of supporting the project, but I feel these are no longer insurmountable. Politically things have changed so much that I agreed that a Cllr could remove one of our briefing cards. The card was not incorrect, but it did fail to acknowledge the positive movement we have seen between open days.

The clear up was carried out in record time, with tables and chairs stowed, rubbish removed by a number of the Scout Group and table cloths passed to the next victim to take home and clean / iron (thanks to Jan, Leo and now Jo). For me, this self help is at the heart of the cost effective operation of the hall and is hard to convey to those who ask why we do not plan to employ a cleaner... Speaking as one who has used a tooth brush on the urinals, - I would like to see others stepping forward to share the joy.

It is interesting that the negative debate points from naysayers has moved from 'they wont be able to open the hall' (we have), to it wont last a year (it will). More interesting is the fact that these points have never been shared with me directly. We do have a business plan and we need to make that work, plus we do have the will to move from refurbishment to effective operation. A key task is now to establish a management committee. This will report to the Scout Executive and we will offer positions on the committee to villagers / parents and Scouters. In order to benefit from experience we have offered a seat to Mrs Pointer MBE, as she has experience of operating the Church Hall. I do hope she accepts.

Our first village booking is this evening. Keep fit starts at 6:30pm.

My next hall task is to make the heating happen (to bring it to life) in the next elapsed month, so by 7th Oct, we need the heating working... watch this space.

Akela