Community Association Committee

Minutes of meeting - 9th October, 2002 at 7.30pm

Apologies
Apologies were accepted on behalf of Sian Burton and Stephen Renton.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
After discussion the Minutes of the previous meeting were approved on the motion of John Reid and seconded by Liz Canning.

Treasurer's Report
As Finlay was not in attendance there was no Treasurer's Report. Caroline asked if there was any questions for the Treasurer. Liz asked about the purchase of a new Christmas Tree. She said the old one had been thrown out. The committee agreed that a new tree would be purchased.

Secretary's Report
George reported that the locking pins in the new shutter were causing a problem. Stephen Renton had e-mailed him regarding this. The nursery cleaner was also having trouble with them. The Secretary said he had contacted Ian Dyer about the problem and Ian had said he would get Abel to have the problem attended to. Another problem discussed was the absence of an external light at the front door. All the user groups had complained about this. It was decided that we get a quote for a vandal-proof light to be installed on a separate circuit to the other exterior lights. The Secretary also reported that he had tried to get an update from Willie Wilson on the new children's play areas. However Willie was inviewing all day when he 'phoned, so he was unavailable.

George read an e-mail he had received from John Reid, secretary of Ardgowan Football Development. This indicated that the football section were interested in purchasing one of the 'storage containers' that had been discussed earlier. They also made a £100 donation to the Association in recognition of the support they had received. This money could either be used as the 'start of next year's Gala Day fund' or put towards the cost of the work proposed for the grass area at the Centre.

The Council had been in touch with Kirsty regarding the use of the hall on December 6th. This was the date for switching on of the Christmas tree lights. The Secretary said he would tell the Judo Club that they would have to have a night off that evening. George suggested it might be a good idea for the 'Gala Queen' to switch on the lights. Kirsty said she would contact her to ask if she would do it.

A discussion took place regarding the hall decoration, this would have to be carried out prior to Friday, 6th December. Also discussed was the possibility of adding to the Council's catering on the evening of 6th December, with the Association providing mulled wine and perhaps some music. Any other ideas would be discussed at our next meeting.

Letting Report
Kirsty reported that bookings for 'Bouncy Castle Parties' were coming in 'fast and furious'. Disco parties had tailed off a bit, but she felt they were beginning to pick up again. The school PTA had enquired about the use of the bouncy castle to help with fund raising. This was to try to purchase a 'White Board' for the school. The committee were informed that most schools now had a 'White Board' facility which cost around £2,000, the PTA were trying to raise this sum. After discussion it was agreed that the Association should make a donation of £100 to this cause. Caroline explained the Insurance cover regarding the bouncy castle, and each 'hirer' had to sign the insurance disclaimer form. Kirsty explained that she had started to ask those who were having the parties if they could arrange for a couple of adults to help put the castle away after use.

Caroline raised the subject of non-commercial user groups, such as the Guides and the Brownies. She asked Alison some relevant questions regarding the financial running of these groups. Alison explained that the Guides did from time to time depend on fundraising events and if these were not too successful they could find they had a shortfall. The Committee discussed this subject at length and it was unanimously agreed that the Association was run for the good of the whole community and these groups were an important part of the community. The football section and the judo group had been helped in the past. Caroline suggested that if any user group was struggling to meet their commitments, they should let the committee know and we would endeavour to help out. Alison said she would speak to the other relevant group leaders. Caroline praised the commitment of the various youth leaders and said hopefully this discussion would help to alleviate any worry or financial stress that may affect any of these groups.

Bouncy Castle
Caroline announced that the insurance for the equipment was now in place. George said it was important that more people got involved with using the castle. Since we had learned how to extract the air it was a lot quicker and easier to take down and put away. He suggested having an instruction night the following Wednesday evening for anyone interested.

Computer Installation and Usage
The Computer had now been installed, Caroline reckoned it would be available for use from next week for any user group. Her husband Mark would train her son Christopher in the rules and make sure the manning systems are in place. Christopher would then become the contact for any problems that may occur in the use of the equipment. A discussion followed regarding the security of the equipment and also the possibility of acquiring a printer for the system.

Gala Day
A general discussion took place regarding the format of the day. Everyone agreed that the family ceilidh had been a success. Anne-Marie, head of the Gala Committee, asked about sponsorship for the day. George explained he had tried for a Council Grant last year and had been informed we had left it too late. Caroline was of the opinion that any application for a grant would have to be submitted before the end of the year. The secretary agreed to send in an application as soon as possible. Caroline suggested to Anne-Marie, she might be able to get quotes for the marquees from other companies. George said he would let Anne-Marie have any relevant addresses and 'phone numbers that he had regarding sponsors, the hospital radio etc. Caroline suggested we might want to look at having the evening event on the Friday. Most agreed this was worth consideration. The downside of this may well be the cost involved, security for an extra night and it would probably mean extra expense with the marquee company. Caroline agreed to do the catering again for the ceilidh, however she did need more assistance. She also felt a change of menu should be considered, otherwise it becomes a bit boring. Liz suggested each user group be asked to try and sell family ceilidh tickets. The date for the 'Gala Weekend' was finally decided as Friday, 13th June.

Any other business
The December meeting was discussed. Caroline explained she was raising this subject now as she would not be able to attend the November meeting as she would be attending a course. We could either go out to Inverkip Hotel or somewhere else local, or if the committee wanted they could have it in Dunloe. Kirsty suggested we come to the Centre on Wednesday, 4th December, at 7.30 p.m., put up the decorations and have our meeting, and then go down to Dunloe.

Date of next meeting
After discussion in was agreed the date of the next meeting would be Wednesday, 6th November, at 7.30 p.m.

George Anderson,
Secretary