Community Association Committee

Minutes of meeting - 8th January, 2003 at 7.30pm

Welcome
Caroline opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to the first meeting of the new year.

Apologies
Apologies were accepted on behalf of Fiona Marks, Anne-Marie Cockburn and Stephen Renton. Caroline asked about a representative for the Sunday School.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
After a short discussion, the adoption of the previous minutes was moved by Sian Burton and seconded by Allison Battley.

Treasurer's Report
Finlay reported that the accounts were showing that we were just under £16,000 in credit. We also had quite a lot of money still to come in for lets. He also mentioned that the Nursery were about to start an extension of their hours, namely three mornings a week on top of their current hours. George said the morning nursery classes were starting on Friday the 10th of January. He had received a request that the heating be on from 7a.m., as the teachers and the new cleaner would be coming in at 8.30a.m.

The Treasurer further reported that the annual insurance premium had gone up. It was now £746 for a full year's cover this was including the bouncy castle.

Finlay also mentioned Phyllis had brought in a lot of extra advertising for the Wemyss Bay News.There was quite a lot of revenue still to come in for this. He reckoned there was approximately around £300 of payments outstanding.

Secretary's Report
George reported the new chairs for the hall had been ordered. He explained he had to wait for a new catalogue for the current pricing. The total cost including delivery would be £1,620. This was for 80 chairs plus two trollies and included VAT. The expected delivery would be two to three weeks. On the subject of the old chairs, Phyllis suggested that the Wemyss Bay Hotel may be interested in them. She said she would make enquiries.

The Secretary again highlighted the problem of the urinal in the gent's toilet. Every user group had to check this before locking up. The hall had been badly flooded, after the tree lights evening.

Letting Report
Kirsty reported that she had a bouncy castle party booked for Saturday, 18th of January and another one for the 1st of February. She also said that someone was looking for an evening let, however the only evening available was a Wednesday. This was only probably one Wednesday a month, as our own meeting took up one Wednesday and the Community Council and the Woodlands Group also met on Wednesday evenings. George mentioned that the Judo Club were also interested in another let.

The Future of the Community Centre
The Secretary explained this subject had been on the Agenda of the December meeting and he had left it on the Agenda for this meeting in case there had been any developments. Most of the Committee felt it would be a couple of months before we could expect any decision on this matter.

Gala Day
Anne-Marie, the Gala Day Convener, being unable to attend the meeting had asked Kirsty to try to get 'phone numbers for the kiddies attractions like the 'Cups and Saucers etc'. Caroline produced a leaflet with the appropriate number displayed on it. John enquired if Anne-Marie still had the brochure with the 'blow up' attractions. Kirsty said she would ask her. John and Ian mentioned the football club were thinking about having a 'Pie and Bovril' stand at the Gala. The committee agreed in general terms, that the more variety the better. Liz said she had intended to have pies at the 'Hamburger Stall', Caroline suggested the two stall holders should talk about it. George said he still hadn't received the grant application form from the Council. He had spoken to Janice Boyd the Grants Officer and had been told the forms were being sent out in the next week or so. Finlay said we still hadn't received the next £1,000 from the Council, he would inquire about it. A general discussion took place regarding the marquees. They were being erected on the Friday, in time for the ceilidh and would be taken down on Monday morning. It was suggested that a disco could be arranged for the Saturday. A talent competition was also mentioned. It was unanimously agreed that a 'Gala Meeting' be held to try and harness the views of the whole community and perhaps also get willing helpers to assist in working in the bar etc. Liz mentioned that the disco equipment was again giving problems. After discussion it was agreed we get a price for replacing the equipment. John and Ian felt the football section would probably make use of the marquees on the Sunday, when they intended to hold an 'Old Crocks' match.

Caroline brought up the subject of the 'Easter Fun Day'.The day had been introduced several years ago to help foster the sense of community spirit in Wemyss Bay. The general opinion was it had served its purpose and could now be dispensed with. Perhaps one or two of the events normally held on this day, such as the 'Treasure Hunt,' could be incorporated into the Gala Day.

Any Other Business
Phyllis said she thought some sort of effort should be made to have a better display of Christmas Lights. Perhaps an approach could be made to the local retailers. Finlay thought we should discuss the subject with the Council. Mention was made regarding the beautiful display in Port Glasgow, while Wemyss Bay only merited 'a tree with a handful of coloured bulbs'. Phyllis agreed to raise the subject with the Council and also speak to the local retailers.

Sian mentioned the need for a light at the front door. George said he had had a quote for this from Kinnaird the electricians, who wanted £285 to supply and fit the light. The committee felt perhaps an appeal in the Village News for an electrician living in the community, might be able to help out. Phyllis asked the committee if we had ever thought about installing security cameras at the centre.

Finlay was of the opinion if we were not of a mind to take action on what was revealed on the tape there was no point in having them.

Ian asked again about keys for the centre's computer. Caroline said these would be available within a few days.

Date of next meeting
It was agreed the next Committee Meeting should be held on Wednesday, 5th February at 7.30p.m.

George Anderson, Secretary