HomeDiseworth Heritage Trust

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting  04-02-2008

Minutes of The Annual General Meeting of the Trust, which took place on Monday 4th February 2008 at 8.00 pm in the Committee Room at Diseworth Village Hall. 

The meeting was open to all residents of Diseworth and Long Whatton, both members and non-members.

Present: Martin Hening, Meg Galley-Taylor, Malcolm Mitchell, Janet Fletcher, Kevin Walker, Paul Taylor, Nikki Hening, David Cherry, Tony Griffin, Geoff Smith, Sheila and Shirley Blyth, Barry and Rosie Smith, Pat Guy, Victoria Britton and Sue Collins (Long Whatton School) who attended to give a short presentation on the work of the school children.

Presentation by Sue Collins from Long Whatton School

Prior to the meeting Sue Collins from Long Whatton School gave a presentation about the school activities that are planned to support the opening week for the Heritage Centre.  The work is primarily funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Service. Sue teaches 7 to 10 year olds and is trying to involve them in village history.  During History Week recently she has been using oral history - talking to older residents with stories.  She has produced a set of Lesson ideas and lesson plans and the War Memorial in LW is the basis for one and they have produced pictures based on poppies in support of this.  Other artwork around poppies has included designs for stained glass windows.  The children have talked about a 1951 wedding and how it would differ from weddings today.  Original greetings telegram have been used as the basis for modern designs on computers.  They are also doing session with pre-decimalisation money, weighing etc.  They will produce a display and a trail at the end of the work. Money is available from the MLA Service to produce resources to support this in the future. Martin reported that he is hoping that more schools will participate in the preparation of material for the opening week. The aim is to develop a practical interest in local history. We are very grateful to the local MLA Service for supporting this work.

MINUTES

  1. Apologies

    Pat Whitchurch, Tracy Morris, Val Stevens.

  2. Minutes of the AGM held on November 16th 2006. 

    These were signed as a correct record. You can read the previous AGM minutes     here

  3. Matters Arising 

    None that do not appear on the agenda.

  4. Chairman’s Report

    The Chairman's report can be read in full     here

Martin highlighted:
  • Receipt of the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £538,000 to buy and restore the Chapel, and to equip and furnish it as a Heritage Centre:

    • We need to match fund the grant by about 10% of this which we have done with some in hand,
    • We have done this by means of 9 other grants ranging from £30k from BIFFA and £20K from WREN to smaller grants. 
      They total over £60K.
    • With time committed and money raised in the 12 months prior to the start we have raised about £70k.

  • Thanks must be recorded to Nikki Hening for her success in getting 9 out 9 grants plus the HLF fund making it 10 out of 10.  Thanks on behalf of the DHT were recorded to Nikki for her efforts.

  • There has been a separate grant to the Retired Residents to install a bench in the sanctuary garden in the future.

  • Davey Irons from the MLA Service who must be thanked for his work in involving the schools.

  • Paul Taylor’s work on establishing the website (demo available next door).  This is a very good resource and has succeeded in attracted a life-member.

  • Tracy Morris and Malcolm Mitchell have done great work in raising money and Tracy has given money advice.  Although he has left the village Tracy is remaining as a Trustee for the time being as he is still visiting the area.

  • Thanks to David Thomas our auditor who has done a magnificent job.  From now on we will have to employ an auditor as the turnover is much greater.
  1. Financial Report

Janet Fletcher reported that at year-end we had £5300 in the account as the grant is paid against invoices.  We have purchased the chapel but only get money from HLF as we need it.  Copies of the accounts are available.  The Trust's accounts for 2006-2007 can be read here.

 Shirley Blyth proposed that the accounts be adopted.  The meeting was in favour of adopting them.
  1. Appointment of Trustees

The current Trustees are Martin Hening, Chair, Janet Fletcher (Treasurer),  Malcolm Mitchell, Tracy Morris, Kevin Walker and Pat Whitchurch.  Martin reported that every 2 or 3 years there is a rota of retirement but this year is not one of them but there are vacancies and anyone with particular skills to offer should put themselves forward.  Martin outlined the role of Trustees and Tony Griffin and David Cherry offered to join.  Nikki proposed Tony Griffin seconded by Janet Fletcher, Kevin proposed David Cherry and Malcolm Mitchell seconded this proposal.  This was fully supported by the meeting.Martin welcomed them both.
 
  1. Any Other Business

There was no AOB notified to the meeting but Paul Taylor asked about the issue of cash flow since we are only paid on submission of accounts.  Janet confirmed that there were potentially cash flow problems. Martin explained there was a monthly return to HLF with the claims and they try to turn them round in 15 days.  The Architects understand the problem but it will become harder with builders involved.  However, Pat Whitchurch is on top of things generally and submits in a timely fashion to avoid as many delays as possible.  Janet reported that as we now have an online account this will help to keep the cash-flow under control as we can see when money comes in and goes out.  Victoria Britton pointed out that with invoices up front it is possible to get money early.  Nikki said that some of the other sources do pay in advance or very quickly.

Martin reported that the current state for contractors is that tenders went out to four firms and one is showing great interest and has sent various sub-contractors out to look.  Malcolm asked for names but Martin did not have the names with him.  SECRETARY’S NOTE: The firms invited are Bax, Linfords and Midland Stone.  CEL have withdrawn and Midland Stone and Bax have both been given an extra week to complete - 22 February now. Tenders are due back by the middle of February and will be brought to the Trustees by the end of the month with a view to starting after Easter.  Completion will therefore be in the Autumn.

The trees next to the Chapel have been pruned to protect the roof and we now have approval to prune the yew trees by the entrance.  They will be reduce in height and bulk to one third.  Power was cut off for the tree pruning and will be reinstated underground in Lady Gate.  Minimising the impact on neighbours will be paramount.

Martin reported that on display during the AGM we have the website, the preferred museum designer tender, working drawings, schedule of works, and the new design of a logo done by a leading graphic designer.  The colours will need to be changed on this latter item as those currently used don ’t work in black and white.   

 Martin invited people to come forward with ideas for functions for the Centre. Paul also asked for material to go on the website.


The meeting was closed and the displays viewed.