LANGHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
held on 25th May 2023 at Langham Community Centre

Thirteen people attended the AGM including three members of the public.

Apologies for Absence
Denise Hobday, Sue Thorpe, Charlotte Parker, James Puxley, Mark Kleingeld.

Review of the Minutes of the AGM held on 30th June 2022
Alan Cadman, Chairman, welcomed everyone and asked whether those present were happy with the Minutes from last year’s AGM which had been circulated to the meeting. Sallie West proposed and Martin Bottwood seconded that they be accepted as a true record. All were in favour and Alan signed the minutes.

Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.

Managing Trustees’ Report - Chairman’s Review of the Year
Alan expanded on the written Report to say that it had been another difficult year financially, particularly with the huge rise in the cost of electricity and inflation. An updated insurance valuation of the premises had led to an increased premium.
We had been forced to raise hire charges at the beginning of May and hires had been slow to pick up after Covid. We had lost the care company who had been our biggest regular business hirer. However, it was gratifying that most of our income at present comes from local groups and the facilities were used in conjunction with successful celebrations on the recreation ground for the Platinum Jubilee and Bonfire Night.
There had been a mercifully brief visit from travellers on the field in July.
The hall had been improved with a hearing loop and a large television available to hirers. We are hoping to make further improvements in the coming months with help from Section 106 funding.
Alan thanked all the Trustees and staff for their support over the year and said he had enjoyed working with Sue Armstrong for the past thirteen years and was glad to welcome Carol Lloyd as her replacement.

In response to this report, Cliff Jones asked that no commitment should be made to undertake improvements using the S.106 funding until the money had actually been received. He was assured by the Committee that this would be the case.

Liz Schofield proposed a vote of thanks to Alan for all his hard work over the past eighteen years of his Chairmanship, much of which went unnoticed. Alan received a round of applause.

Treasurer’s Report
Maureen explained the figures for the year 2022/23, referring to them in conjunction with her report, both of which had been circulated. There was a loss over the year of £8,843.77 and we have had to use some of our reserves. This situation cannot continue and there needs to be a marketing plan to raise more money from hires and fundraising.
Maureen raised the possibility of reducing the amount of money kept in reserve, which is at present 12 months’ running costs estimated at £60,000, but this was felt to be risky. A proposal from Cliff Jones that a reduction should only be made with the consent of the full Trustee body was supported by Carol Lloyd and Rob Clark and agreed by all those present.

Liz Winter proposed a vote of thanks to Maureen for all her hard work as Treasurer and producing the monthly balance sheets. This was seconded by Alan Cadman and everyone present.

Election of non-appointed Members to the Management Committee
Alan Cadman had agreed to continue as Chairman and Maureen Shouksmith as Treasurer. There had been no other candidates. Liz Schofield proposed and Sallie West seconded that they be re-elected. The meeting agreed unanimously.
No-one had come forward to take on the role of Secretary.

Appointed Members to the Management Committee
Cliff Jones, Sue Thorpe and James Puxley were resigning from their position as Trustee and were thanked for their support. James hopes to remain involved for the Scouts but is unable to attend meetings.

The following Members had been appointed as representatives of their organisations for the year 2023/4:

Martin Bottwood Parish Council
Bob Schofield Recreation Ground
Rosie Helliwell Langham Bridge Club
none Parochial Church Council
Liz Winter Langham Ladies
Charlotte Parker Community Shop
Sallie West Pre-School
Denise Hobday Scouts
Rob Clark Bowls Club
Mark Kleingeld Tennis Club

Co-option of Elizabeth Schofield to the Management Committee
Liz Schofield’s knowledge of the village of Langham and the history of the village hall was an invaluable resource and she had agreed to serve for another year as a co-opted member. Sallie West proposed and Sue Armstrong seconded that she be co-opted onto the Management Committee. All were in favour.

Independent Examiner
Liz Schofield proposed and Rob Clark seconded that George Pearce be approached to act as independent examiner of the LCC accounts for the year 2022/23. Carried unanimously.

There was no other business and the meeting was declared closed at 8.15 pm.
.