Document Date
02/12/2025
Created by
Parish Clerk
Category
Meetings
Wollaston Parish Council
Wollaston Parish Council
Document Date
02/12/2025
Created by
Parish Clerk
Category
Meetings
WOLLASTON VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING
6.30pm, Tuesday 2nd December 2025
Oasis Lounge, Wollaston
Present: Cllr Mike Goldsmith (Chair), Cllr Greg Carter, Maureen Green, Mary Burbidge (Treasurer), Fran Woods (Studio 52 Dance), Penny Morten (Busy Bees), and Suzanne Grant (Clerk).
Apologies: Jaza Babar (Caretaker/Cleaner), Kathryn Betts, Sian Nichols (Busy Bees Chair).
Mike welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies given as above.
The minutes of the meeting which took place on 4th November were agreed and signed.
None from the previous meeting.
NNC have confirmed that they are confident recommending the new proposal with Wollaston and Strixton preschool to the Executive, to release the S106 monies. The next steps are to organise a meeting with the Architect with the preschool Manager for adjustments and submit a business plan that must align with the S106 agreement, demonstrate best purpose and avoid conflicts of interest. The pre-application report will need to be re-visited and a Community Consultation prior to planning permission. Funding options will need to be explored to raise the balance. The question was raised whether the requirement for such a large building with additional floor is now needed now that the Wollaston & Strixton preschool will be using the building for 0-2 years, however the Village Hall is now over 70 years old and in need of significant development to make it a suitable community facility for the next 70 years and beyond.
The closing bank balance as of November 30th is £25,890.93. Sink repairs due to damage at a party was funded by the hirer (£97.80). Further damage to the men’s toilets (currently out of order so should not have been entered) was caused at another party resulting in additional cleaning costs, unfortunately the deposit was returned, dispute ongoing with the hirer.
E-on supply to finish on December 7th then moving to Octopus energy which will result in lower costs for gas and electricity which have been extremely high in November (see Accounts for details). Water bills are moving to actual quarterly bills. LED lights should be considered going forward to reduce costs. Mary confirmed that the Village Hall is unable to claim back VAT as Charities are treated like businesses, hence if we registered for VAT, it would mean we would have to charge VAT. Greg and Mary to look at a Booking system and the Charity Commission in the New Year.
The bookings have been steady for the last few months, which has been positive for the most part. There might be a potential new regular user who wants to do a fitness class. I will get more details and bring them to the next meeting for approval.
A notice for regular users of the Oasis; please make sure bathroom taps are off before leaving, they have been left on 3 times over the past few weeks, despite the notice that has been left on the door. Penny to look into the possibility of swopping to “push” taps to prevent this issue going forward.
The guttering and roof of the oasis is still yet to be fixed, the Comapny doing it has a waiting list but I am hoping it will be done before Christmas. I am concerned that the wet patch on the path will become icy with the recent weather so I might need to look at getting some grit salt which would be good to have for the path down the side of the building anyway if that is possible? Yes, there is some winter salt available in the shed.
There is currently no hot water in the main hall bathrooms so I will be in contact with a plumber to get that fixed asap. Will send a quote to Mary and Greg before going ahead.
The parking issue has seemed to improve, no issues yet. I have put Suzanne’s letter in the front window.
No issues to report on the Cleaning.
Numbers are improving with three new starters within the past two weeks. Swimming lessons at Scott Bader are a huge success. Many successful fund-raising events are being held. Additional funding is pending for a couple of children, and the staff are still working on reduced pay. Busy Bees are currently paying a lower rate of rent than other users and not paying for their extended hours. Greg to speak to Busy Bees Chair. It is the current plan for the Busy Bees to remain in the Village Hall until the building works commence.
No issues, numbers have dropped and children are not taking as many classes. Studio 52 will finish for Christmas on Saturday 6th December.
No reports.
Tuesday January 6th, 2026, 6.30pm Village Hall Lounge.