Shalfleet Village Hall

Shalfleet PCC Hall Subcommittee Annual Report 2022

The year saw a transformation in the governance of Hall matters. Whilst there is very little change in operational responsibilities and activities, a proposal to create a ‘subcommittee’ of the PCC, was mutually agreed and finalised in May. New Standing Orders replace the Constitution, and the previous ‘Hall Management Committee’ have been renamed as above. My thanks go to Michael Beavis, for tirelessly taking us through the legalities that led to the change. We hope that from the ‘outside’ it has been seen as business as usual, and we are pleased to report on another successful year.

The Shalfleet PCC Hall Subcommittee welcomed the return to meeting in person, and did so on six occasions, as planned, throughout the year. We were delighted to welcome Hilary Waitt as a returning member. Meetings are always lively and well-attended. Approved notes of the meetings are shared with the PCC and published on the website.

We have seen a growth in a post-pandemic activity, and a return to regular and ad hoc bookings (for family parties and other events). Activities are listed in the Village News, and on the website. New this year, we have supported the setting up of a toddler group ‘Stay and Play’ which meet on a Friday morning in term times. We have also welcomed the return (under new leadership) of a Craft Group and the very popular lunch club. The monthly Tuesday teas introduced last year continue to be popular.

Of special note, is the Deanery Lunch hosted in the Hall on 29th March for Bishop Jonathan and clergy from across the Island. We were also delighted by the brilliant success of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tea Party on 5th June, so ably organised by Sue Sleight and Clare Wharf, and supported by a team of volunteers. I am sure we speak on behalf of all those (160) who attended, despite the heavy rain, to say what an enjoyable and memorable event this was for the Shalfleet community.

On August Bank Holiday 29th August we held the Annual Village Fete. This was a resounding success, with numbers, and surplus income, exceeding those previously recorded. We also held two Christmas Fayres, one hosted by the Committee and one by an independent organisation. The year ended with a very enjoyable Christmas party for fete volunteers past and present. A surplus at year-end enabled us to transfer £9000 to the PCC account.

The hall continues to be well-maintained, with reinvestment in fixtures and fittings. Given the increase in use, a decision was made to employ a paid cleaner for two to two and a half hours per week. This has helped to reduce the burden on volunteers, who work hard to promote and develop ‘outreach’ activities for the community in this lovely venue. During the Autumn our efforts to fund and secure a ‘brown sign’ began to come to fruition, with agreement on wording and icon. We have also made some progress on plans for a Village Map, with a first draft shared with the subcommittee and Parish Council. These projects will help to reflect the Church and its hall as central to the community.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank the subcommittee members and others who support the hall and activities, for their valued contributions during the year. I would also like to thank the PCC for their support.

Catherine Powell Chair