Village Hall AGM

Post date: Jun 25, 2017 4:29:05 PM

This was held on 14th June and was followed by some very nice cheese and wine.

Below is the Chairman's report which Andy Dean presented to the meeting.

Greetings one and all.  Thank you for coming.   Golly don’t the years just fly past – it’s hard to believe that it’s only a year since the last AGM.

The main challenge for the committee is to try and run a mix of varied social events which will appeal to different tastes and also to vary the programme so that interest doesn’t wane. Whilst the quizzes remain popular we have reduced their frequency to avoid any ennui and also because it’s increasingly difficult for the quizmaster to find questions. The Christmas cracker remains popular  and I’m grateful to all those who support it on the day and provide raffle prizes and donations for the various stalls.

This year we were able to hold a couple of new events. The Paxford Picnic with Blockley Brass Band was blighted by appalling weather but that didn’t stop some hardy folk from sheltering under the gazebos to enjoy the music and each other’s company. We hope that the Paxford Pops later in the year enjoys better weather! The Poetry and Poppadums night was great fun and thanks to Adrian for this suggestion. We could have listened to Dennis Boxall all night ….and nearly did. We will be repeating this later in the year so start looking for new material.

However, it is increasingly hard to think of new ideas but we’ll rise to the challenge. Some ideas fail such as the Race Night and Whist evening but some succeed like the Poetry and Poppadums. All suggestions greatly received. Don’t forget the strawberry tea this Saturday – donations of cakes welcome! Have a word with Lesley if you can help.

Financially as we will come onto the year has been a success and over the last few years we have been able to significantly strengthen our reserves whilst investing in the hall – the latest projects being running HW in the loo and the porch light. Still there’s much to be done – the kitchen is looking tired and the outside needs a lick of paint.

Finally the success of the committee relies on the hard work of a number of people. Naming names is always tricky as you inevitably omit someone – but I’ll risk it. Thanks to all the committee, - Robert, Adrian, Paul, Lesley, Mike and Cheryl - who all in their unique ways bring something to the committee and gel so well. If nothing else we always have a laugh at our meetings. Thanks too to Zoe who has helped enormously over the last year and thanks to Peter who quietly (except when he’s mowing) braves the bees and looks after the hall grounds.  Thanks too to you all for supporting the events and to those who provide cakes or curries and who always seem to end up in the kitchen to help with the washing up. Thanks also to Dave and Andy who have helped improve the fabric of the building

Regrettably though we say goodbye to 2 people who have contributed enormously to Paxford. Firstly Lesley Clifford resigned from Blockley Parish Council earlier in the year. Despite living in Blockley Lesley took her role as Paxford rep extremely seriously, attending our committee meetings, providing wise counsel and leading on the litter pick. We will miss her warm personality too. Finally I turn to Mike Sessarego who leaves the village next week. Since he retired Mike has thrown himself into village activities with great vigour and it’s difficult to think of any aspect of Paxford life that hasn’t been touched and improved by Mike – the walking group and the village email mailing list are just 2 of his legacies. From a committee perspective Mike has of course been our Treasurer for a number of years and presided over a significant improvement in our finances. We all owe Mike a huge debt. Unfortunately Mike can’t be here tonight to receive our thanks and some small token of our regard but please be assured we will be making separate arrangements to show our appreciation. We wish Mike and Rosie every happiness in their new life in Ledbury.

Finally there are a few new arrivals in the village over recent months and a few more expected over the next few weeks. So let’s make them feel welcome and drag them along to village events.  Only by doing this will we ensure that the sense of community within Paxford continues.

Thank you all.