MINUTES OF WESTLEIGH VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday 9 July 2025 At 7.00 pm
PRESENT
Terry Blazye, Chairman
Nicky Bennington, Secretary
Sara Cheesman, Hall Letting Secretary
Heather Etting
Colin Frajbis
Dave Boswell
Patricia Martin
2 Parishioners
APOLOGIES - none
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING 11 JUNE 2025
Agreed and signed by the Chairman
MATTERS ARISING
Lighthouse Planning Application - Roger Levick, Parish Clerk has been advised that a planning application was submitted for validation by North Devon District Council and failed on two counts of ecology requirements. They will be obtaining this documentation and resubmitting. Roger was told that the only alteration was that the proposed entrance to the site would not be through the gate to the field. It will be further down the road so that there would be no disturbance to the village hall. It is likely the application will appear on the planning site around 6 August 2025.
The parish council will call an extraordinary meeting to which lighthouse will be invited and all parishioners once the application has been submitted. The village hall committee will also be present because we feel any development would be detrimental to the hall letting.
It was felt that we should arrange a pre-meeting of all villagers to help with grounds for objection. The timescale is short and during periods of holiday.
CORRESPONDENCE - Bank statement.
TREASURERS’S REPORT
To be attached.
We have failed to find a replacement for Alistair who has moved from the village. We can’t pay any bills, nor function without this post filled. Terry’s computer is being fixed so he can’t counter-sign any payments. However, nothing is due at the moment. Sara has registered as a trustee. Heather suggested we post on community websites asking for a volunteer. Worst case is that we have to suspend letting the hall. Heather suggested we take away some of the admin from the treasurers. Nicky and Dave already liaise with M&E Alarms, and Devon Fire. They could take on the Insurance liaison.
FUTURE FUNCTIONS
BBQ 12 July - low take up by the village. We have sold 24 tickets and 4 band members. We will buy 40 burgers, 50 sausages and a vegetarian option. Beer for the band and free food as they are performing free. First set 6.15 for approximately 45 minutes and then at 7.15. Hall set up 2 pm 12 July.
Cider and Pastie Walk 9 August 2025 - Heather intends to reverse the first walk through Tapley.
FILM NIGHTS - low turn out recently so suspended until October.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Weeding around the hall to be carried out 10 August by Caron. Cost £25.00.
Building Survey for Insurance - Steve Clements carried out the survey on 8 July. He has submitted 3 samples for asbestos testing. Full report in about 10 days as he is away on holiday. General findings are good, but we do need to weed kill around the hall and replace rotten cladding and wall board. The hall needs restaining before the winter.
Planned working party 6 September at 12 pm.
Floor Treatment - Terry has obtained 2 quotes one for £1500 and the second for £3500. He has spoken to the local Fremington ward councillor and we can apply for £500 towards the cost. Nicky and Heather felt this should be on hold until we find out what remedial actions and costs will be for the external work.
GRANTS - potential to apply to Bideford Bridge Trust, Fremington Ward Councillor Frank and there will be money available from the Bulworthy Solar Farm contract. The solar farm affects 5 parish councils so it is not certain we would get any money.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Wednesday 6 August 2025 at 7.00 pm