CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT
2020 – 2021
Due to Covid epidemic restrictions, the hall has remained closed from 13th March 2020 and is still closed at the time of this AGM (24th May 2021) having only been used for public voting on 6th May 2021 under the governance of the Breckland Council.
However, during the year we have been able to carry out several improvement to the hall’s structure.
Ceiling. The ceiling tiles have been completely replaced including the stage area.
Lighting. Al the fluorescent lights in the main hall have been removed and replaced with flush fitting LED lighting. This will reduce the annual electricity consumption considerably.
Cladding. The tin cladding to the exterior of the hall has been replaced with Hardiplank cladding to match the exterior finish fitted in the previous upgrade of Foyer, toilets and kitchen sections of the hall. The brick footings have been refurbished and painted to complete the smart new look.
Insulation. Insulation has been fitted in all the cavity wall spaces with a view to reducing energy consumption and better maintaining space heat levels.
Emergency Exit Doors. New state of the art double emergency exit doors have replaced the old timber doors.
Notice Boards. Both exterior notice boards have been renewed for use by Parish Council and the village Hall which are lockable.
Wooden Bench. The wooden bench donated by Christine Brown in memory of Peter and refurbished by John and Dawn Hill, has been fitted free of charge by Chris Lane who has carried out other small jobs free of charge,
Towel Dispensers. As a requirement of a Covid directive from Breckland Council, the hot air hand dryers have been temporarily removed from service and paper towel dispensers fitted in all toilets and the kitchen.
Personnel Sadly, one of our committee, Chris Riddell, has decided to resign in order to concentrate of family commitments but has indicated that he is prepared to assist in any specific help the hall may require and that he will continue to monitor the First Aid Box. We are very grateful for the important contribution Chris has made during his tenure. Earlier in the year the committee lost the services of Brenda Southgate who had served the Village Hall for many years and we are very grateful for her input and contribution.
One of our trustees, Stephen Hendrie, has indicated that he and his family are leaving the district. Whilst he will still remain a trustee, he may, in time, resign the position to make way for a new local trustee. Stephen has given great assistance to the hall over the years.
Finance Our treasurer David Leach has taken on the roll in a professional manner and his professional oversight of our finances is greatly appreciated. Our fund raiser John Hill has continued to work hard during the lockdown to secure funding for the hall projects and arranged for a clothes bank to be sited at the hall which provides a steady income for the hall. We have fortunately received several government backed grants from Breckland which have greatly helped us to keep financially viable despite the loss of our regular sources of income.
Summary
The community has greatly missed the activities of the hall particularly the weekly Friday “Drop In”. It is hoped that the hall will shortly be able to reopen and resume serving the Caston and surrounding communities in the near future.
I am continually grateful for the support given from our office bearers, committee and trustees in providing a great social facility for our community. My thanks to them all and I look forward to their continued ideas and support as we endeavour to return the hall to full use following the Covid epidemic lockdowns.
David Blincow
Chairman
Caston Village Hall Charitable Trust
Registered Charity Number 1164836