Community Association Committee

Minutes of meeting - 3rd September, 2003 at 7.30pm

Welcome
Kirsty in her opening remarks welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Attendees and Apologies
Attending the meeting were 12 committee members. Apologies for non-attendance were received and accepted on behalf of Secretary George Anderson who was on holiday and John Reid.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting were adopted on the motion of Ann Marie Cockburn and seconded by Liz Canning.

Treasurer's Report
Finlay in his report apologised for the annual accounts not being completed. This had been because the independent auditor Jon Goldwater had not returned the accounts to him yet. Finlay reckoned he had them for about 10 days, and they should be available for the next meeting. On looking at the Association rules the Treasurer said the Accounts and the review of the year should be available at the same time namely the Annual General Meeting.

In his review of the figures for the Gala Weekend Finlay mentioned the generosity of the security firm who had again supplied their staff at half price for the event, he thought we should thank him for his excellent contribution. The subject of Ann Marie's missing fire extinguisher was discussed and it was unanimously agreed that this should be replaced. This would probably cost around £200. The simple way of calculating the final figures for the Gala was what we had put in the bank after the event which was £2,324. this was still an approximate figure as there was 'still money floating about' which still had to taken into account. The Balloon Race and the Treasure Hunt were still to be finalised. Replacing the fire extinguisher - £200, plus the prize money for the Balloon Race, would leave a Gala surplus around $2,084. The general feeling of the Committee was that we were not doing the Gala to try and make a lot of money. However the 'User Groups' were more than happy with what they made for their groups at the event.

Finlay next went on to give a comprehensive report regarding the updating of the Computer System, which hopefully will include a new Alarm system. He also highlighted that there was now an new standard required for the alarm system. This subject was discussed at length, Finlay stated that to install an new alarm panel capable of the extra sensors etc., would cost somewhere in the region of £l,500. The new panel could also be used to install a more efficient fire alarm system. After further discussion the committee agreed that the new alarm panel be installed on the motion of lain Buchan and seconded by Liz Canning.

The subject of the computer use was discussed and it was agreed this subject would be followed up at the next meeting.

The Treasurer reported a slight reduction in the Association's income - this was because of the loss of a couple of user groups. He also mentioned the local Community Council had recently held its last meeting. The area would now be represented in the new Ward 20 Council. Finlay said the old Council's final act was to donate their remaining funds to the Community Association.

Letting Report
Kirsty in her report mentioned that Claire Colvin had finished up because of low numbers. The Brownies would only be meeting on a Wednesday night and that the Alpha Group were finishing on 21st of September. Fiona Marks had been offered a pastor's appointment in Glasgow and they were selling their house and moving to Glasgow. Kirsty announced that the Bouncy Castle was now back, fully serviced and she had a couple of bookings for parties.

Liz Canning mentioned she was having problems with the 10-14 club because of the age difference. What she was proposing to do was continue with the 14-19 group on a Monday night from 8pm to 11pm, start a 1st and 2nd year club on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30pm and on Thursday evenings have a club from 7 to 9pm for Primary 4 to Primary 7 children.

Gala Report
Ann Marie opened the discussion on next year's Gala. Everyone agreed the success of this year's event was mainly due to the weather and the financial donations we had received. It was decided to try and get the same ceilidh Band and to hire Stuart Macpherson to do his MC/disc jockey again. The ceilidh buffet was discussed and it was suggested fish suppers might be the answer. Ann Marie said she would again be looking for a Gala Committee and appealing for as many helpers as we could get for the event. Ken Roberts agreed to get details about hiring a mobile climbing wall. It was also agreed we needed someone to give us advice regarding electricity for the event.

Any Other Business
Kirsty raised the subject of the sudden illness of Phyllis MacLeod. On discussing this the Committee asked that flowers and a card from the Association be sent to Phyllis with our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Kirsty agreed to attend to this. She also thanked Ken and Eila Roberts for taking over the running of the Village News.

The subject of some of the Nursery equipment having to be stored in the hall was discussed and also the storage container for the football section. Finlay said initially the Planning Department had objected to the container, however as it was a temporary structure we could possibly get the necessary permission.

Letting Report
Kirsty reported that there were still plenty of lets coming in, mainly for the bouncy castle. She also reported that the Alpha Group were interested in running a class on Wednesday nights. This was however for a limited period. This may mean that for a couple of months the Committee may have to meet in the back room. Iain Buchan enquired if it would be possible to have a more stable wall erected between the two rear rooms. This would enable the football section to hang their goals on the wall, creating more space. Kirsty wanted to know when the bouncy castle would be going for its service. George said he had been in touch with the company and they had yet to get back to him with a date. He thought that it would be sometime in July.

Date of next meeting
The Committee agreed that the next meeting be held on Wednesday, 1st October, at 7.30pm. To be held in the Inverkip Hotel because of the new youth club which would be using the Centre on a Wednesday night.

George Anderson, Secretary

(Minutes edited appropriately for publishing on web site)