St. Andrews Management Committee Minutes - 2026

 

Apologies: Maureen, Ray & Doreen

 

Approval of previous minutes: Approved 

 

Treasurer’s report: David reported that we have final balance of £2,412.00.  The only item of expenditure will be additional fuel to cover us for the Winter months, estimated to be £400.00.  Overall, we’re in good shape. 

 

 

1. Condition of the chairs. Repair/Replace

Some of the chairs required attention due to missing screws either from the backs or the seats. A refurbishment of these chairs took place and all are now in good shape. 

Both smoke alarms have had replacement batteries inserted. The dates have also been checked to ensure they are within their operating life cycle. Both were tested and are functioning correctly. 

Those curtains and rails which were identified as needing attention have been made good. Some rails had become loose and therefore, curtains weren’t drawing freely.  This has now been rectified.

Discussions are still ongoing but some headway has been made with the appropriate documentation having been sent off to BT in order to move to the next step in the PCC acquiring the village green phone box.

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, ensuring a more robust cleaning schedule is implemented. 

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. One company has been identified and will be engaged to begin the first step into permanently eradicating the flies from the hall. 

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 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/ 

The committee agreed on a date for the next race night to take place. This will be on Saturday 14th February. In order to remove the obligation of others providing the necessary hardware for such events, the committee have now purchased a Hitachi Projector and a Panasonic Soundbar. Both items were pre-owned and were acquired at a very reasonable price. Debbie will continue to encourage village members to come along and will also provide assistance on the night. Setting up of the hall will begin at approximately 5:15 where a buffet table will be made available for those bringing items of food for sharing

9. Safari Supper – A date has been suggested for Saturday 13th June. Frances will announce details of this on the village whatsapp group to determine the level of interest, as well as having it available on the website (https://witham-hill.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/events/event/16/safari-supper). More details will be made available nearer the time.

10. Faulty PIR and Door Closers on Hall bathrooms – The outside PIR has been replaced, with the faulty unit having been disposed of. This greatly improves the lighting of the path leading from the road into the hall. Both WC’s in the hall have had door closers installed that now ensures both doors default to the closed position. 

11. Big Breakfast – The PCC have agreed that due to the continued success of this event, the next Big Breakfast will take place on Saturday 7th March, starting at 08:30. Details on the website at https://witham-hill.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/events/event/17/big-breakfast 

3 quotes have been received for the upgrade of the kitchen area and the prices are all approximately £6k to £7k, 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. This will be investigated by DH. 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.

13. Carol Singing at the Six Bells - Christmas 2026 – The committee felt it would be a nicer event for village members if it were held at the Six Bells next Christmas. The event would allow for a better atmosphere and a larger gathering of those wishing to join in. Discussions are under way with the Six Bells management team and if successful, a date, more than likely Sunday 20th December, will be considered. The committee will provide mince pies and mulled wine for those coming along. 

14. Pudding Club date?  Due to last year’s successful Pudding Club event, the committee agreed that this year, it will again take place on April 19th. More details will follow nearer the time. 

 

 

1. Christmas lights switch on and advent windows  

This was deemed to be a successful event and will again be repeated next year. If anyone in the village would like to take part, please contact Frances Plummer. 

2. Big Breakfast – This was as popular as ever and the PCC agreed to host another event in March, in aid of Christian Aid

 

 

With no other business to be discussed, the meeting was brought to a close at 20:25

 

Date of next Meeting:   Wednesday 8th April at 7pm