Daviot Hall Project Committee - Minutes of Meeting on 10th January 2005
Apologies: Diane Scott, Mike Lloyd
Minutes of the meeting of 22nd November 2004 were read and approved. The Secretary pointed out that he had omitted to record that he had reported to committee that the Church of Scotland General trustees had agreed to the sale of part of the glebe.
The Chairman voiced his disappointment at the funding gap being so huge regarding the new build option. The meeting felt that it was regrettable that Walter Taylor had been unable to attend any meeting prior to 22nd November 2004. If we had been aware of the arithmetic earlier we could have been saved unnecessary time and effort.
Norman Masson suggested that it would be worth approaching North East Enterprise Trust in regard to grant funding. Action: Secretary.
Colin MacBain reported conversations he had held with Architect Douglas Forrest who indicated a new build cost of £900,000 plus £60,000 for professional fees. In addition it was felt that the extend/refurbish option had been too highly priced.
Some discussion followed on general points about the state of the existing hall, both internally and externally. The meeting was reminded that we had not heard from Steve Bruce regarding his investigations on improving acoustics. However it was felt that new curtains and the provision of upholstered chairs would go a long way to solving the problem.
Prompted by Ken Gordon the committee went on to discuss writing a letter to Aberdeenshire Council to find out if we would be able to sell part or all of the Community Land. It was ultimately agreed to address our letter to the Chief Executive. Action: Chairman and Secretary.
Norman Masson invited all members of the Project Committee to attend the forthcoming Hall Management Committee meeting on Tuesday 18th January 2005 at 8.00 pm. and reminded the meeting of the Burns Supper on 28th January.
Duncan asked Norman about the Hall Committee’s decision regarding meeting the costs of a valuation survey of the glebe land. Norman reported that the decision was not to meet the survey costs involved. Les asked if the Hall Committee would consider buying land now for the future and was advised that such a step would not be taken without a massive change in circumstances.
Les Anderson pointed out that he was still receiving nothing for the website and requested everyone to give some thought to this aspect of communication and hopefully come up with some contributions. Action: All.
Duncan reported that he had received a written resignation from Mark Jones.
Ken asked about the User Group questionnaires. Diane to be asked to bring details to the meeting on 18th January. Action: Diane.
The meeting closed at 8.30 pm.