We are pleased to report that the Hall’s finances are in a great position thanks to all who book rooms and come along to fundraising events. Not to mention the great work by the Managing Trustees who have tapped in to numerous sources of external grant funding.
It’s not quite the Forth Road Bridge but the cycle of repairs and renewals is ongoing as we fulfil our commitment to keeping the Hall a warm and welcoming space for local residents to enjoy.
Over the last couple of years we have: replaced the oil storage tank, upgraded security and fire alarm systems and equipment, installed a huge solar panel array, repaired, renewed and repainted rotting wood on large and small windows and exterior doors as well as repainting the meeting rooms and hallway. The fire exit rail was replaced courtesy of Gavin Christie. We have installed booster fan heaters and fitted smart thermostatic radiator valves in the meeting rooms in order to use energy more efficiently. Numerous other smaller “odd jobs” being done by the Trustees themselves.
Whilst absolutely necessary, many of the works carried out so far have been almost invisible to regular users. This year we wanted to make some more visible enhancements, so coming up we will see: in August, acoustic sound absorbing panels to deaden the echo in the Main Hall (thanks to Cllr Thorne from his Local Improvement Schemes budget); in October, new flooring for the hallway and large meeting room; and later in the year we hope to repaint the main hall and renew some of the chair stock.
We are also planning ahead for future “big ticket” spends. The big windows will need replacing at some point and the heating boiler is nearing the end of its useful life. Being prudent as ever we are building cash reserves to cover these costs in the event that external funding is not available as and when we need it. The wish list is long and we would also like to replace the kitchen at some point in the future as well as expanding storage facilities.
The Small Meeting Room is now up and running, with all the accessories needed. It will seat six comfortably and has free access to high speed Wi-Fi and tea / coffee making facilities (see photo). It’s ideal for small committee or business meetings and presentations. This room is dedicated to the memory of John Munroe with a lovely plaque on the door for all to see.
This latest addition to facilities available compliments the large meeting and activities room as well as the main hall. All available to book, with local resident and regular usage discounts available on most occasions. If you want to book the small room, or any others, just have a look at the “Facilities” and “Booking” headings on this website.
If there’s anything else you would like to see going on at the Hall don’t forget that every Tuesday we have an open to all “Cuppa & Company” event from 10 to 12 where there is always a Trustee present to listen and pass views back to the Managing Committee. Also, please check out our “Events” listing on this website.
(First published in Fram News, Aug/Sep issue 101)