Busy weekend in the hall

This morning saw father Roger make use of the (ex Ridgeway Bell) 'Risograph'.  This was a freebie that I was a little sceptical about. Having read the manuals, I was worried we wouldnt be able to use the thing.  In any case, Father Roger fired up the 'printer' and proceeded to show me how to use it.  I was impressed and think that when we have a printing run bigger than (say) 50 pages, I will be using the Risograph. The Risograph is an example of a technology bridge that sits between the old band (messy) machines and  modern day photo-copier.

Goodness knows how many parties we have had in the hall, but this afternoon saw one more, - complete with bouncy castle, music, wine for the adults and loads of Chiseldon young people (very young indeed).  The party looked a great sucess and it underlines the fact that we do have an operational success on our hands.

Tomorrow sees another birthday party ~ I think its for an eleven year old and on Monday we are hosting a reception post a funeral.

Seizing a gap in the weather, the diamond cut slot we cut into the path at the rear of the hall, was filled with mortar.  Combined with some tidying up and the back of the hall is looking much better.

I noticed some paint is peeling off in the hallway (entrance) to the hall.  This may be due to condensation, so an inspection of the wall will be carried out in the next few days.  You never know, I may even paint the wall again!

Polling Station?

This morning we were visited by a member of the election team.  She had a look at the hall (and kitchen) and was very keen to take us up on the offer of using the hall as a polling station.  She took some photo's of the inside and outside of the hall and should be in contact with us in a few days. 

Beavers and Scouts have already been warned that they can't use the hall on an election day... when that might be is anyones guess, - my money is on Thursday 6th May!

Bar and tank

We have a new hot water urn in the hall.  The last one decided to die after too many 'boil dry' events.

The tank was topped up yesterday.  Should be good for six months (subject to a thermostat being fitted).

The bar has been stowed and the kitchen surfaces are once more availabel for use by kitchen users.

Tomorrow is founder day, so the kitchen will be busy as birthday cake is cut, plus burgers and coffee are made.

Tank dipped

Having had 'dip the tank' on my todo list this week, I finally managed to do so and hastily followed this up by ordering more oil...  good job the income is covering running costs!
 

Bar in the hall

Yesterday saw the fitting of a bar into the hall.  By its very nature and anticipated low utilisation, the bar has to be removable.  At the moment its very ugly, but some attention should make the kitchen surface available, the visual impact reduced and setting up of the bar low effort.  We also plan optics to be fitted in the kitchen.

I spent last night worrying about the mess the bar makes of the kitchen, but I have to be patient and let this mini project work through... 

I stress that we do not plan to keep beer, gas or spirits in the hall, as this is simply too much of a 'magnet'.  Six pints of beer were poured yesterday (to set flow rates etc).and the barrell returned to its rightful owner.

Hall operating income ~ viability

With five months of hall operating experience and income under our belts it is increasingly clear that we have firm foundations in place for ongoing operation of the hall.  We opened the hall on 1st Sept 2009.

Income figures so far (GBP):
Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec   Jan
245   155  210    210   240

The average income is £212 per month and this projects to an annual income of over £2500. Hall operating costs should be covered by this, but we have yet to hear about Council tax and water still needs to be split from the Club.

The income figures are in excess of the amounts predicted in the business plan.  For February 10 we already have a provisional income figure of £140. As with any concern, we need to keep our eye on the ball, contain costs but in our case we must stay true to the vision of a community hub that is accessible to all in the village and that (through the cycle) we do not make a profit when operating the hall.

Akela met with Community First (last week) and took advice regarding establishment of a management committee.  Objective must be to draw this meeting into life in the next month.