Phone: 07741 284132
Email: LanghamCC@gmail.com
LANGHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of a Finance Committee Meeting
held on 17th June 2019 at 7.30pm.

Present Alan Cadman, Liz Winter, Maureen Shouksmith, Liz Schofield, Martin Bottwood, Sue Armstrong.

Minutes from meeting on 15th April 2019
These had been approved by those present and circulated to all Trustees.

Matters Arising
Signage – Sue had been too busy with more urgent matters but would have the signs made and erected asap. SA
Balcony painting – Terry had quoted to “Hammerite” the railings at £320. Within this price, he had also tightened the handrails to the stage. (Alan pointed out that they were very loose when he visited today and there was a pile of takeaway packaging left on the stage.) Sue would let Terry know. The committee agreed to accept Terry’s quote.
Anti-climb paint – There was only a small area on which to apply this and Sue asked to wait until the oil tank was removed, when requirements may change. Agreed.
Cameras – Ray had not yet erected the plinth to secure the damaged roof camera but all cameras are working.
Wheelie bin – This had not been overweight last week but a padlock had been removed and a broken gazebo left beside it this weekend by unknown persons. Sue was replacing the padlock. Sue also reported that Ringway Jacobs, who hired a room last week, had litter-picked the field and were willing to undertake some “voluntary” work for us like the Uni students do.
Kitchen blinds – Othello won’t give Sue a date and Blinds to Go won’t provide the requested samples. She may have to try elsewhere. SA
NS&I Bonds – The Parish Council have opened a new account in their name in which the monthly interest accruing to the bonds will be deposited by NS&I. The current total stands at £1,955.40. Funds can be transferred to us as necessary.
VAT – The Parish Council are looking into the current rules and will let us know the outcome.
Clocks – The outside clock is difficult to set as the hands become loose. Martin will inform the PC as this external clock is their responsibility. MB

Chairman’s Report
Heating consultant, John Barran, is unfortunately on holiday until the middle of next week. Alan will contact him asap thereafter. After Sue’s discussion with Chris from Future Electrical and Alan’s further consideration, it was decided that fan heaters for the Pre-School toilets are not necessary and that three very small (2 gallon) water heaters would supply sinks in the Pre-School kitchen/toilets and in the Shop. AC

Treasurer’s Report
Maureen had circulated full and simple profit and loss accounts for April and May. She pointed out that £937 needed to be taken out of May’s maintenance total of £3,571.14, as this cheque had paid for the Pre-School’s and our rates. She would amend the spreadsheets. MS
We had also paid half the cost of the floor refurb to be done in August and the music licence at £1,445.97. Santander had (once again) erroneously paid the Shop rent twice in May, so £40 may be taken back out of our account or a zero amount paid in June. As at this evening the current account held £4775.95 and the Saver £55,085.67.
A refund of £752.43 has been received from E-on as our contract changed to BGLite on 7th May 2019.
We do not appear to have received a bill from the contractors who marked out the car park.
Liz Winter pointed out that Maureen had given up her committee position on Langham Ladies to concentrate on her Treasurer’s role and the Finance team thanked her.

Marketing Manager’s Report
Sue had circulated her reports:
The Sunday hire South African family want to run their own bar this year. Sue has given them 6 of our remaining TEN (temporary event notice) licences. They would like to have the bar on the patio or field. Alan confirmed that his licence applied only within the building. Sue asked if the Parish Council would be prepared to let them use the field and Martin agreed to put it before the Recreation Ground committee later this week, when they would need to consider payment and insurance. He would try to give Sue an answer by the end of next week. MB
(Martin has since confirmed that the PC have agreed the group can apply for TENs licences to have a bar outside the rear of the hall for the other dates in July and August.)
Caravans continue to use the field but had a disappointing turn out over Easter.
Liz W would ask Jutta if she would help with the Toy Fair Café on 14th July as both Bob and Maureen were unavailable. EG
The committee accepted Future Electrical’s quote of £240 to replace the faulty PIR/fan in the extractor system from the toilets and showers and £120 for a new RCD for the outside socket.
Alan will get a quote from his contractor for removing the oil tanks and associated paraphernalia. The boiler room is beginning to smell because of the water leak in the Pre-School. It was agreed that Sue should switch off the pump, although this will leave the Pre-School without hot water. The damp should dry out over time and there are machines to hasten the process.
The floor scrubber machine purchased last year is due for a free service and Sue will request this.

Grant funding for heating system
Liz had acquired details from several possible grant givers, one of which required completion before 18th August. She had also spoken briefly to Rob Clark who obtained funding for our last project. Until John Barran’s written report is received and the question of VAT resolved, we cannot complete any applications. When Maureen takes our accounts to George Pearce, she will ask if he would be able to help complete grant applications.



Salaries Review
Alan, Maureen and Liz W had met briefly prior to the meeting and looked at the RPI which was 2.44%. They suggested a 3% increase to the meeting. After some discussion and taking into account that both employees worked extraordinarily hard and were always willing to be flexible and take on extra responsibilities, a 3% rise was approved.
Alan would write to Sue and Cheryl. He didn’t remember receiving their P60s from Asset and would check with Marilyn. AC

Electricity with BGLite
Sue was arranging an appointment with BGLite’s electricians for fitting the smart meter. (This has since been arranged for 2.30 pm on 31st July, the earliest possible date.) Liz W queried why VAT on our first bill was charged entirely at 20% whereas E-on charged part at 20% and part at 5%. It was agreed that she should look into this with BGLite, who can only be contacted by online webchat. EW

Any Other Business

1. Martin Bottwood asked about the Langham Community Council’s insurance, as he wondered about possible saving from combining our insurance with that of the Parish Council. Alan gave him details of our cover which includes:
Public Liability £10 million; Employer’s Liability £5m; Per Trustee Indemnity £0.5m; Product Liability £5m; Loss of earnings (up to 2 years) £150,000.
Hirers have to have their own public liability. Martin would report back to the PC.

2. The Scouts had asked for a reduction in their hire rate for their 60th anniversary fete on 6th July. They have hired the ground floor of the LCC which costs £165. Everyone wanted to help the scouts as a regular local hire working with youngsters. It was agreed to reduce the price to £120. Alan pointed out that he cannot sign off the bar if it is to be on the field or patio. They would have to apply for their own licence and time is getting short. Sue would contact Eve Oxley, who is running the bar. SA

Date of next meeting
The next Finance Meeting will be held on Monday 15th July at Alan’s at 7.30 pm


There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.07 pm.
How To Find Us
Langham Community Centre, School Rd, Langham, Colchester CO4 5PA
Get In Touch
07741 284132
LanghamCC@gmail.com
About Us
The Langham Community Centre was opened in June 1988 and has been serving local village residents and other commercial hirers ever since.

We are based at the heart of Langham Village, with easy access from the A12.
©  2024 Langham Community Centre. All Rights Reserved.