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Victoria Hall

Reg. Charity No. 301961

Annual Report & Accounts

2008

2008 has proved another successful year with the Hall’s facilities well used and the income which this generated enabling internal decoration and other improvements to be undertaken.

It has been good to welcome many of our long standing users as well as new groups and individuals. One loss, however, was the closure of the Sutton Scotney and Wonston Women’s Institute. Formed in 1917, it was the second branch to open in Hampshire and has used the Hall for its meetings throughout that period. Two clocks in the Hall were given by the group.

The work of the Trustees and other volunteers continues to enable the Hall to function as a much valued part of community life.

Lettings

Lettings have remained buoyant with income from letting fees of over £9000, slightly higher than in 2007. Charges have been maintained at the level set in 2005, the aim being to keep fees as low as possible, commensurate with ever rising costs and the ability to respond to emergencies as well as planned maintenance However, new charges have been agreed for 2009 as items such as the cost of oil have soared dramatically during the year.

The Management Committee

Membership for the year was:-

Chairman:                     George Gray                Wonston Parish Council

Treasurer                      Sandra Fishlock            Royal British Legion, Women's section

Secretary                      Sue Lane                       elected

Members:                     Margaret Attfield          Dever Art Group

                        Nicki Gort                    Parent & Toddlers' Group

                        Sharon Phillips              Junior Youth Club

                        Sue Richardson            Women's Institute

                        Gerald Sergeant            Royal British Legion

                        Janet Taplin                  elected

                        Christine Tynan (to July)           Sunshine Club

The Committee met quarterly during the year and dealt with the normal housekeeping items as well as monitoring capital works and organizing two fund raising events.

The Building

During the summer holidays internal decoration took place of all the major rooms and areas of the Hall. This has given a welcome uplift to the building which has seen heavy use since its re-opening after major alterations in 2001. Whilst this was a heavy financial outlay – undertaken from our own funds without grant help – the results are pleasing and are clearly important in attracting and retaining users of the building. Another capital project was the replacement of the oil tank, to meet environmental requirements, and the fencing of the new tank to provide both safety and security.

Caretaking and cleaning duties continued to be efficiently undertaken by Jerry Norris.

Finances

A copy of the Accounts for 2008 is attached to this report showing an end of year balance of some £2000.This is less than the previous year but much has been achieved during the past twelve months. Income is down on last year despite lettings income remaining high. Gifts, commission and fund raising are less than the previous year and no grants were received during this period.

Fund raising activities always serve a dual purpose of providing entertainment for the village as well adding to our finances. A performance of Beauty and the Beast in the early part of the year proved an enjoyable occasion but made a slight loss whilst the Christmas Fair raised over £200 for Hall funds as well as assisting a number of other charities and local crafts people.

The redecoration cost of £4,700 caused a short term cash flow problem which was resolved by means of an interest free loan, repaid by the end of the year. An early and unusually cold winter coinciding with high prices meant heavy expenditure on oil. Reserves were low at the end of December with an order given for a new delivery in the first week of the new year. Expenditure on heating is likely to prove as expensive in 2009 as 2008, if not more so. Increases in all other areas reveal that it now costs some £7,500 a year to run the Hall, almost a 50% increase from 2001. It will be important to budget for this and for any improvements to be planned in this light.

We are most grateful to Wally Taylor for once again kindly examining our accounts.

The Future

The adequacy and quality of the Car Park remains a concern. Reference was made in last year’s Annual Report to the need for action, with hopes for help in what will be a costly exercise  resting on the developer of two central village sites. However, the downturn in the economy has put such plans on hold and an alternative strategy will be needed to tackle what is becoming an increasingly urgent matter as potholes increase in size and number. Safety is clearly an important issue.

  President:  Lyla A yres