Annual Report presented by the Secretary to the AGM held on Tuesday 15th May 2007.
Annual Report May 2006 - May 2007.
This report runs from May 2006 to May 2007.
Staffing:-
The year started on a low point with staffing difficulties. The current steward (A.S.) needed to take compassionate leave and after a couple of months it became clear that he would be unable to return to the job.
The groups all continue to function and the snooker hall was kept open with reduced hours for most of the time due to the voluntary help. Both men having full-time jobs were not able to continue indefinitely and eventually the snooker hall had to be closed whilst a permanent member of staff was found.
The search for permanent staff was intended to produce 2 people to share the post enabling flexibility and cover for holidays. We were pleased to be able to welcome back Barry Elwell for 2 nights per week and another member of staff for 3 nights per week. Although 2 people were appointed at the last minute one of the proposed members of staff withdrew. Barry in his usual supportive and enthusiastic style agreed to cover both positions and at short notice we were still able to open the snooker hall again as intended. Barry continues to work on 5 nights a week and we are grateful that he is able to do this.
There were also some difficulties with the other member of staff, the cleaner, this was resolved after some time.
Snooker:-
The inconsistency over the preceding months meant that when we eventually re-opened, members were slow in coming back. Over more recent months this has changed and now increased use has gradually built back up.
Two snooker tables have recently been recovered and the other tables have all been serviced. A snooker tournament was run again which proved to be popular. The snooker hall has been kept open for reduced hours when the steward has been on annual leave, thanks to voluntary help.
Maintenance:-
Much time , as usual, has been spent not only on maintenance to keep the facilities in good order but also on improving them and making them more practical for a variety of uses and a nice environment to be in.
There has been a problem with young people accessing the flat roof and some damage happened. Actions were taken to avoid this being repeated, and at least for the present, it is now not a problem.
The front room has been both improved with pipes boxed, new storage provided and redecorated.
Middle room:-
This room is now almost complete and is now booked for regular use by various groups including both Hinckley College and the Adult Learning Services as well as sub-committees of the Town Council. We have hosted a local event for the LeicesterHerDay Trust as the additional space made this possible.
Groups:-
Montessori, Tae Kwon Do, Senior Snooker, Exercise and the Town Council continue to meet regularly. The Lighthouse Christian Centre have changed their provision however they continue to use the facilities.
Coming & Going:-
There is now a gaming group that meets on each Friday night and a table-tennis group that meets each month on a Wednesday. The Youth Club after more than 15 years has now ceased to meet; this is in part due to funding being re-directed.
Website:-
The website continues to be a source of information about the Stute, its activities and its history. It also has a newsflash section on the home page for up to date information. Brannon Cope, volunteer, has continued to run the website, many of the pages have been updated; this is a periodic process in order that the site remains interesting and accurate.
Future:-
We have achieved a lot however there are many outstanding needs in order to continue to improve the facilities. With a small group of dedicated committee members any progress will continue albeit slowly. Additional help and support would be not only be most welcome but with numbers of Committee members dwindling over the past few years we are fast approaching at time of crisis. I would urge any members of the village who would like to see the Stute continue to grow to get in touch, any help no matter how small would be of assistance.
Thanks:-
There is always the danger of missing someone out or a specific task that was provided being missed, but it would be wrong to miss out the thanks because of this…..so here goes…..in no particular order.
Thanks to Paul Statham in his role as Hon. Treasurer, keeping a close eye on finances and completing the many tasks associated with this important role.
Thanks to Paul Goldsberry, John Iddon and Geoff Smith who have helped to keep the snooker hall open when there has been staffing difficulties.
Thanks also to John for organising and running a snooker tournament as well as the other help he gives to the Stute and its members
Thanks must go to Barry for his help and support through difficult times and for help in rebuilding the use of the snooker hall. His commitment and reliability are much appreciated.
Thanks also go to Barry’s wife Lis who has used some of her many talents including:-designing new posters, updating the information booklets and taking photos.
Thanks go to Brannon Cope for all his work on the website. He has been active with taking photos, updating, including new information and paying for the continuation of the site. If anyone has not yet visited the site please go to www.thestute.co.uk where you will find a host of information.
Thanks to the senior members that help keep the Tuesday and Thursday groups running including Vic, Tom and Tony.
Thanks to Margaret Goodwin for continuing to type the up the minutes.
Thanks to Paul Pittham who has been helping by doing odd jobs.
Thanks go to Rachel and Shirley at Community House, Earl Shilton, for including information on the Stute in their newsletter.
I wish there was someone else other than me to give thanks to the Committee. We meet each month throughout the year; we try to make good decisions that affect the members and the community. In the last few years we have achieved a lot within the building, member and users are noticing the improvements which include:-
· Disabled access into the building
· The windows have now been replaced, with designs similar to the original ones to stay in keeping with the age of the building.
· Disabled access internally on the ground floor
· New kitchen
· The addition of a disabled toilet
· The addition of a ladies toilet on the ground floor.
· The complete refurbishment of a meetings room.
We have kept the use within the aims of the constitution
“To be of benefit to the inhabitants of the village of Earl Shilton and surrounding area”.
We have a healthy bank balance,
We have many activities and groups of benefit to the community
So I would like to finish by saying a big thanks to all the Committee for their time and commitment.
Hon Sec - Julia Pittham May 2007
At the elections after the yearly reports the Committee were all re-elected and consists of 5 volunteers:- Mr. A Amos, Mr. G Smith, Mr. P Statham, Mrs J Pittham and Mr J Iddon.