Minutes - 19 November
Minutes for St Andrews Management Committee
Wednesday 19th November at 7pm
Present: David C, Angela, Debbie, Dave H, Frances
Apologies: Maureen, Ray & Doreen
Approval of previous minutes: Approved
Treasurer’s report: David reported that we have final balance of £2,533.00. This is approximately £500 above our normal operating target and therefore we are in good shape. Having paid out £350 on oil just recently, we had an income of £151, raised from the recent Halloween Quiz night and a very kind donation from Jessica Tarver.
Items to be discussed:
1. Condition of the chairs. Repair/Replace
Some of the chairs require attention due to missing screws either from the backs or the seats. Before a final decision is made on whether or not to take action on replacing with all new chairs, the refurbishment till take place first simply by trying to fix those that we have
2. Smoke alarm for the foyer
Both smoke alarms in the hall, one in the foyer and one in the hall are to be replaced and will be dealt with by committee members
3. Some curtain and rails need maintenance
It was determined that the curtains we have already, remain in good shape. The rails on which the curtains slide may need some attention and one curtain requires hooking back into place. This will be dealt with by committee members
4. Update on the phone box
Discussions with various parties in regard to taking ownership of the phone box are still ongoing and this item will be carried forward to the next meeting
5. Hall cleaning
The schedule and responsibilities of the hall cleaner were brought up and a discussion will be had with the cleaner to rectify the current situation
6. Fly situation in the hall
The infestation of flies seen over the last few months does need attention. Various local companies have been approached with a view to locating the source of the problem and how to deal with them each year. As no-one has replied to our requests, a member of the committee will offer a solution as a first step to eradicating them where the committee will review the problem as and when the flies return next year.
7. Addition of our Committee minutes to the website, similar to Parish Council details.
The Witham on the Hill Parish website is now complete and contains useful information, upcoming events and village news. It was agreed that all Parish Hall agendas and minutes should be published alongside those of the Parish Council’s. To view the website, either Google witham on the hill parish council or visit the link at: https://witham-hill.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
8. Race night
The committee agreed on a date for the next race night to take place. This will be on Saturday 14th February. Between now and then, the committee will speak to Charlie in regard to the hardware required and determine if any new items need to be purchased
9. Kitchen update
A rough quote has been received for the upgrade of the kitchen area. This is for approximately £6000, depending on other requirements in the final plan. A further two quotes are being sought from Wren and Magnet. As this figure is too high for the Management Committee to absorb, other avenues will be explored and a request will therefore be made to SKDC, using their Community Grant Scheme. At the same time, the cost of the upgrade will be raised at the next meeting of the Trustees in March 2026 with the hope of some assistance from them.
This item will be carried forward until the next meeting.
10. Pétanque pitch upgrade, replacement?
Given there will be little use of the pitch between now and the Summer, this item is again put on hold, with a view replacing some of the sleepers and the sand/grit base at some point in the new year. For now, a committee member will continue to keep the weeds at bay by regular spraying to allow the pitch to be used if need be.
11. Pudding Club date? Was on April 13th last year
Due to last year’s successful Pudding Club event, the committee have finalised a date for the next event to be held on Sunday 19th April 2026. More details will follow nearer the time.
How was it?
1. Halloween Quiz
This was deemed to be a successful event and will again be repeated next year. A few changes to the format will be made along with making this a fully Bring Your Own Drink experience. More details nearer the time
Any other business
1. Big Breakfast
Due to successful events in the past, the Big Breakfast will be returning on Saturday 13th December, starting at 8.30am. This will be published on the website as well as on the village WhatsApp group. The Committee will be offering a Full English breakfast with tea, coffee and orange juice.
2. Lights Switch-on
To mark the first advent calendar window being illuminated, the switching on of the Christmas tree will take place on Sunday 30th November at 5pm. There will be Mulled wine, soft drinks, Hot dogs and mince pies provided. This will be published on the website as well as on the village WhatsApp group. Angela and David have kindly agreed to look after the purchasing and preparation of the food and drink.
3. Safari Supper – The committee agreed this was an event that was well attended in the past and would be a worthwhile event for the future. More details nearer the time but this has been pencilled in for some time in June 2026.
4. There is a faulty PIR above the entrance to the hall making it difficult for visitors to see the whole path leading out onto the road. The committee agreed to replace the PIR with a new one to the cost of £15
With nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 20:15
Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 21st Jan at 7pm