Farnham Masonic Hall Co. Ltd.
Chairman.
Geoffrey Swann PAGSuptWks, PProvDepGSec.
1, Southern Way, Farnham,
Surrey. GU9 8DF
E- geoffreyswann@btinternet.com Tel.01252-716496
Dear Bro. Secretary,
It is my intention, as the new Chairman of the Farnham Masonic Hall Co. Ltd (FMHCL), to send to you an update of the main aspects discussed at each Board Meeting. These are NOT minutes of the meeting but an update in the hope that you will consider passing this information, either electronically, or verbally during the 3rd Risings, on to the members of your Lodge or side degree.
The Board met on Saturday 5th December 2009 at 9am.
The Agenda had 16 items. Some of these eg the Minutes of the last Board Meeting and Apologies given are not relevant to this update.
Agenda item 6-Hall Managers Report. (W.Bro. Michael Barnes of Castle Lodge)
The Hall Manager detailed the many problems which are becoming apparent under and around the perimeter of the Masonic Hall. He showed a video taken by “Drain & Sewer Services” which detailed the problems. In view of the high costs of the remedial work quoted, the Board agreed to get another quote before proceeding with remedial work.
Agenda item 7-Management Structure of the Company. (Bro. Chairman)
Bro. Chairman said that the Board will set up 5 sub-committee’s of 3 or 4 Brethren under an appointed Chairman. These committees will meet on at least one occasion between Board meetings and the Chairman will report back to the Board at each of its meetings.. These sub-committees are, in no order of priority:
1). Finance-Chairman Tony Horton Board Treasurer.Gordon Clements & Geoff Swann.Committee will suggest financial projects to the Board.
2). Events & Projects-Chairman Alan Burke, Stephen Davids, Richard Graham to co-opt Ian Goolding & Bryan. Cttee will manage “Annual Open Day’s”, “Widow’s Luncheons”, Recruitment days, “Centre Xmas Raffle”, “250 Club” etc, etc .etc.
3). IT & Communications-Chairman co-opted M. D. Barnes, Stephen Davids, Geoff Swann. Committee to arrange further enhancement of Centre website at masonichallfarnham.co.uk Place a Quarterly Board Update on the website & details of ongoing events.
4). Technical/Buildings-Chairman M.J.Barnes Hall Manager, Gordon Clements, John Whittaker. To manage improvements and repairs to our Centre.
5). Catering/Bar-Chairman Roger Backett, Cliff Foster, Barrie Selway. To liase with caterer and manage improvement.
Their will also be an “Emergency Team” consisting of Board Chairman, Board Deputy Chairman, Board Treasurer and Board Secretary which will take any “Urgent” decisions required.
Agenda item 8-Frequency of Board Meetings. (Bro. Chairman)
The Board will now meet on a bi-monthly basis throughout the Masonic
season.
Agenda item 9-Widows Luncheons. (Bro. Chairman)
Bro. Chairman stated that he had hosted his 1st Widows Luncheon. He was impressed by the obvious pleasure derived from the occasion by Lodge Widows. He was not impressed by the cost of these occasions to the Board. The last one cost a total of £753.16. Widows Luncheons are held twice a year. As Chairman he had liased with Sarah our caterer and arranged the following concessions which are appropriate to Widows Luncheon events only. Sarah will not charge the £25 to man the bar at Widows Luncheons. For widow’s only she will not charge the extra £2. After discussion the Board agreed the following measures.
Widows will be sent one free drink voucher to use on arrival. All, other than widows, will pay £12.50 for their meal. The bar will be a pay bar. It is hoped that each Lodge in order of age will sponsor the wine for a widows luncheon. St.Andrew’s Lodge have agreed to sponsor the wine for the next one in April. (Approx cost £100, no more)
Agenda item 10-Charity Luncheon April 25th. (Richard Graham)
Richard told the Board that this is a Charity Sunday Lunch on April 25th at 12 for 12.30pm at the Centre. Each Lodge has been asked to donate £150 to the event. The money will be donated to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice who will send a representative to give a short talk. Farnham Town Mayor Ms Lucinda Fleming has agreed to attend the event and present the cheque on behalf of All Farnham Freemasons. So far Fearnhamme Lodge, Castle Lodge, Royal Ark and Mark have not commented on their support or otherwise.
Agenda item 12-Open Day 2010 (Bro. Deputy Chairman)
We will again open the Centre for visitors and non-masons on June 26th which is Farnham Carnival Day.
Agenda item 13-Chairmans Travelling Gavel (Bro. Chairman)
Agenda item 15-Catering & Bar matters (Roger Backett)
In view of the increase in VAT due in January there will be a small rise in the price of imported wines from Jan. 1st 2010.
Agenda item 16-Access for persons with a disability (Alan Smith)
There is an obvious requirement to facilitate access for frail & disabled Brethren. The Board will investigate “new” technology chairlifts with a view to installing one.
A Notice Board will be placed over the signing in station. This will be for the use of the Board ONLY. Other items placed on this Board will be removed.
Geoffrey Swann
Chairman Farnham Masonic Hall Co. Ltd.
