Community Association Committee

Minutes of meeting - 5th February, 2003 at 7.30pm

Welcome
Caroline welcomed all present, and thanked everyone for attending.

Apologies
Apologies for non-attendance were accepted on behalf of Stephen Renton and Liz Canning who was unwell.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
After a brief discussion, the Committee approved the adoption of the previous minutes on the motion of Allison Battley and seconded by Ian Buchan.

Treasurer's Report
Finlay in his report explained how we stood financially to date. He highlighted our main income was currently from the nursery lets, which were about to increase because of the additional morning hours on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. We will know the amount of the increase after we received confirmation of the extra hours. George had been in negotiation with Robert Jamieson of the Education Authority on this matter.

The Treasurer further stated that basically the funds were sitting at around the £14,000 mark. This included the fact that we had paid for the new chairs and also paid the deposit on the marquees for the Gala Day. Kirsty raised the subject of the kitchen. She said that she was involved on a Thursday morning with the Tiny Tots and she didn't realise how grubby and basic the kitchen was until she was involved with trying to wash up approximately 40 mugs. The Committee in general agreed that the kitchen could do with a proper clean up. The purchase of a dishwasher was also discussed. Finlay expressed the view that we could afford the expense of such items, and raised the question about plumbing it in and water pressure. Kirsty was asked to discuss the kitchen's needs with Liz and Sian and other user groups. Sian mentioned that the number of cups had in her opinion decreased. It was agreed that the kitchen situation should be addressed.

Secretary's Report
George reported that the new chairs would be delivered next Wednesday or Thursday. He said the only interest that had been shown in the old chairs had come from the local surgery.

The Secretary mentioned that he had contacted Robert Jamieson regarding the nursery cleaner. The area under the chairs was not being cleaned properly. He had also highlighted that on at least two occasions in the last week the Centre had not been secured properly. Robert said he would look into these complaints. Sian mentioned that a bolt in one of the inner doors was hanging off. She also intimated that her husband had volunteered to fit an external light outside the front door providing there was an electrical supply in place.

George then referred to replies he had received regarding Caroline's letter from the Association on the subject of the proposed new primary school. He passed the correspondence around the committee for their perusal. The final decision on the school issue was likely to be made at a meeting on the 4th of March.

Letting Report
Kirsty reported that the lets were still coming in. She also referred to the disco party the previous Saturday, which had been a success. Kirsty asked Sarah Conway and Laura McDonagh who were present, if they would be willing to operate the equipment at future discos. Finlay asked them if they were quite happy setting up the disco equipment, running the disco and putting it away again.

Sarah and Laura both said they would be happy to help out in any way they could, however both were unhappy about the reliablity of the equipment. A general discussion then took place regarding the disco equipment. Finlay stated his brother was available to repair things when he could, however the equipment was getting on a bit in age and if you bought a new part there was the chance that this could blow another part of the system. Caroline suggested we should perhaps think of applying for a grant to replace the entire system. Ian said he would ask a person he knew to see if he would be prepared to look at the equipment and give us an idea on its general condition. It was also agreed that if we were going to purchase a new system, we would have to think about a proper storage cupboard where it could be securely locked away. Kirsty said while she has every confidence in the girls operating the disco she had very little confidence in the equipment. Finlay asked Sarah and Laura how serious they were about making a commitment on operating the equipment on a regular basis. They both said they enjoyed being involved in running the disco. It was agreed that we attempt to get some idea of the price of a new system.

Gala Day
Ann-Marie in her report said the deposit had been paid for the marquees. She had been assured that the marquees would be in place for the Friday night Family Ceilidh. They would be taken down again on the Monday morning. A general discussion took place regarding the programme of events for both the Saturday and Sunday. Ann-Marie said she was hoping the Hospital Radio DJ would run a disco on the Saturday. Uncle Billy a children's entertainer had been booked for the younger age group, she intended to make a small charge for this event, so that it would pay for itself. Allison agreed that the Guides would again do the Coffee Morning. Sian mentioned that the Brownies could possibly contribute again this year, however the schedule would have to be watched as some of the girls were also members of the dance class. The Balloon Race was also discussed and it was decided that it had been a success and should be repeated. The other children's attractions 'Cups and Saucers' and the Giant Slide etc., should also be included. George agreed to get the necessary forms for the Temporary Structure Licence and also the Drinks Licence. For the older kids an assault course was suggested plus a 'Buckin' Broncho'.

It was agreed that we should ask Stephen if he would organise the 'Beat the Goalie' again. Ann-Marie suggested a 'Talent Competition' and Finlay asked if there was any way we could have a live group competition. After discussion Sarah and Laura said they would make enquiries if there were enough groups interested to have a 'Battle of the Bands'. Caroline suggested each group do a 20 minute slot.

The Gala Queen, after a lengthy discussion it was agreed that Kirsty would ask Evelyn Ritchie if she would organise this year's 'Queen' through the school.

It was unanimously agreed, that a proper schedule of events would have to be drawn up for the Saturday, after it was confirmed who were definitely taking part.

Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed the next meeting would take place on Wedneday, 5th March, at 7.30p.m.

George Anderson, Secretary