Minutes from Hub meeting Feb 2025

Minutes accepted from last meeting

Smart meter - We cant have a smart meter due to connection/ so will not respond to EDF/SSE at this stage.

Garden - Cate and Jayne will complete the feedback report for Foundation Scotland. There is some money left and we could use this to buy seeds and/or a bird box camera. We agreed that some form of notices should be displayed around the garden areas, labelling plants/features. We agreed to do a ‘build a bug hotel’ competition and open this to schools also.

Events - Red Shank have agreed to come again to do a take-away service in The Hub car park on the 7th March between 5.30 and 8.00pm. We will have a plant sale from Abriachan nurseries on the 31st May to include coffee morning and Bug Hotel winners announcements. Christmas do - Redshank to be booked. We will run a games night on the Friday 21st March. John will run a dawn chorus walk on the 3rd May at 6.30am.

Finances - Currently stand at £137,843, not including any reserves. In discussions with FAGCC and ourselves, it was agreed that the finances that had been put aside from a grant given to us by FAGCC a few years ago (a grant given for refurbishment works in 2017), can now be spent on forthcoming infrastructure projects, such as the re-tarmacking of the car park. Cate is going to get  car park surfacing quotes. Tim will keep FAGCC updated on how much has been spent, and on what.

Caretaking - It was agreed by directors that we ask Mario to do some caretaking work for us on the basis of a few hours every fortnight on a self-employed basis. We will get him to do some basic jobs around the inside of the hub and some gardening/tidying jobs.

Hall works - The new billiard/poole & air hockey table is now fully functional and the pictures are also up. Tim has asked for clarification/feedback from the electrician before we go ahead and purchase the LED lights for fitting sometime soon. This will then complete the hall refurb works.

Meters - There appears to be 2 meters feeding the old school house. The current resident is using the meter in the house to make readings but it was agreed that when and if the current resident moves out, we will look at just having one meter for the property to prevent any issues that may arise as both currently have different readings.

AOB

Cooker - it was agreed that the electrician would look at this when he fits the LED lights

Burial ground - Heather was asking who maintains the burial ground and who to ask info about it. It was agreed that she should speak to the community council about this as it was run/maintained by the HC

Stewart from the HC access office is recording all locked gates around the area, particularly but not excluding the south side of the Glen around Dalchreichart. He will then approach the estates they concern to get these made accessible. 

Next meeting Weds 12th March

Meeting December 2024

Minutes accepted by directors from Novembers meeting. 

Tim to contact and remind Sarah that her meter is in the hub and can have access when she wishes. 

Finances all good and shared with members at the AGM. Accounts are now on the website. 

Garden Project - Bird box competition complete and plants to go in early spring. We will require more money beyond grants for seeds. PLant sale to be organised for coffee morning on 27th April or end of May. Garden to open officially later in the Spring/early Summer.

Hall Decor update - We will now start to look at the possibility of new furniture for the room and Tim will ask the electrician to come and finish the LED lighting in the new year.

Xmas do - We will leave tables out and have 2 rows in order to get everyone accomodated. Redshank is coming early and Cate will let them in. Directors will arrive an hour before to make sure everything is ready. They are not using the kitchen. 

Other events - Andy and Cate will be away in January. We will do a mini quiz at the Xmas do and Bob has organised a big quiz for the second Sat in Jan. Coffee morning will take place on the last Sat in December and Sue has agreed to take on the craft club to be on a Thursday once a month.

AOB - Mario will be asked to sort out the bins and people have mixed all the rubbish. Jayne has agreed to start looking at potential money streams and applications for funding for the re-surfacing of the car park to start at some point before the Summer of 2025. Date of next meeting Feb 12th 2025

AGM November 2024

Present, 18 members (names available on request)

Previous years AGM minutes were approved by Rob Ungless and seconded by Sue Reed. There were no objections.

Chairs report - Andy Hugens reported on the events and works that have been carried out during the last year and looking forward, where the directors might be focussing the forthcoming year. He talked about various events including plant and table top sales, barbecue, Oktoberfest and Christmas meal. He also talked about the usual clubs that take place every 2 weeks and the garden and hall projects as well as completion of works towards resilience planning.

Directors elections - There were no directors due to stand down and no directors wanting to stand down so the 6 directors were maintained. No one expressed an interest in becoming a director. We thanked Warren and Stephanie for being directors last year.

Treasurers report - The Hub is in good financial health with an increase in our surplus this year. Thanks were given to Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston Community Company in particular, for its annual sum to support day to day running of the Hub and grants from TFL, FERN, SSEN and some smaller ones from various local Hydro projects which were utilised for the Generator,  solar panels and kitchen refurb in the last financial year. Funds stand at a total of £120. 562 and unrestricted funds of £48, 773.

AOB - Nick raised issue with lack of grit bins on the private road off the main Dalchreichart road. he was referred to the Community Council. Bob talked about the issues with the road not draining in places and was referred to the council.

Meeting 06 November 2024

Apologies: Tim Perkins, Jayne Malley

Present: John Malley, Sue Reed, Cate Lilley, Andy Hugens.

1 Sign off minutes from the last meeting.

2 Treasury Report: Special thanks go to Rob for all the work he is doing as Treasurer. Greatly appreciated.

Photo competition:

The directors agreed on last months photo and as the year is now completed JM is going to go to press with the calendars.

Events:

The table top sale had poor attendance. A suggestion was that maybe it was held at the wrong time of year as the last one in spring was very successful. The film night had a very poor attendance, again a suggestion was that maybe January/February would be a better time.

Christmas music/ video on the screen would be played on the Christmas meal evening. The usual quiz is scheduled for the following Saturday. No other events are planned for December and January, but the January coffee morning will continue as normal.

Eco Garden:

The final payment has to be made with £88.00 left in the fund. A bird box with camera still has to be purchased. The house gates , and fence were also funded from this project although they were not included in the grant. Seeds still have to be purchased and will need sowing in Spring but the ground will need to be weed free before then. Information boards have to be designed and fabricated. JM is looking into possibilities.

Ness News:

A discussion was had about the title of the Facebook page and whether we promote the hub Dalchreichart or West Glenmoriston Community Company WGCC. It was decided to leave the situation as it is. CL can not write the Ness News for the next 2 quarters. JM suggested that maybe Jayne could fill in.

Christmas Decoration:

More baubles are needed for the Christmas tree. CL is to obtain.

JM is going to donate the Christmas tree,

Hall Refurbishment:

The painter is starting work on Monday 11th December. The radiator covers are going to be delivered this week. The directors discussed the sound absorption and visual problems with the hall. We agree to get more advice and find out prices for ceiling mounted baffles and maybe wall absorption panels.

https://www.soundproofingstore.co.uk/acoustic-ceiling-baffles

AOB

After discussions with SSEN mention was made of two community grants that maybe available, a small value one and one from £40,000 to large: £200,000. Our car park was mentioned. Tim met Karen a while ago and commented that Karen indicated that FAGCC may fund the car park project (subject obviously to application process).  Tim clarify the position further please, looking toward a possible application in the early party of 2025.

The seating arrangement for the AGM was discussed and comment made that the committee positioning should be in front of the blank wall (Where the screen currently is) due to the visual effect.

Minutes for Hub meeting Oct 2024

1, Minutes agreed from last meeting

2, Finances report looked over and agreed

3, Garden project - Ground works complete. TFL has come and donated as well as planted some shrubs. The carving of the tree at the rear of the hub is yet to be completed. We will purchase some bat/bird/insect boxes and will rum a competition to design/build bird boxes.We agreed to source someone locally who may like to manage the grounds on a self employed invoicing basis.

3, Events - The hog roast was really successful. Next up after the quiz is the table top sale and coffee morning at the end of October, followed by the film night early November and the Xmas meal in December. We agreed to get advertising out as soon as possible to get people to buy tickets. We need to sell 32 tickets (excluding directors) Redshank have given us the 3 course menu. We are not planning an Xmas eve do this year.

4, Questions were asked by the directors about the levels of equity where Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston community Company caretaking is concerned. The caretakers do a lot of work in Fort and Invermoriston but nothing in Dalchreichart. Tim volunteered to approach FACC to ask them to attend the next meeting.

5, Hall Decor - Painting and radiator covers to be completed before electrician comes back to sort out the led lights. It was agreed that we would source radiator covers through a joiner and to make the skirting on the side walls line up with the end walls by means of using the same colour

rather than putting in new skirting. Andy has agreed to source radiator covers and Tim has approached Ged to potentially start the painting works and the end of October so that it will be done by Christmas. John and Jayne will also look at some ideas for increasing the sound reverb reduction with additional acoustic panelling, probably on the ceiling.

6, Pool table - We had sourced a new pool table but this is proving difficult to buy through expensive delivery costs. One solution is to try sending it to another postcode and collecting it. The table tennis table has been damaged, New castors and net clamps will need to be sourced.

We will also look at a new dartboard and surround too.

AOB

Cleaning - Tim to liaise with Jane re cleaning

TFL have booked the hall for the 15th October

AGM has been put down for the 30th November (Rob to inform Sarah from Nevis Accountancy)

Hub minutes Sept 2024

1, Previous meetings minutes agreed

2, Wall heater for corridor between 2 rooms still to be sourced/ask when electrician comes to do final stages of hall wiring/lighting fix

3, Treasurers report - £57,277.87 in unreserved funds, Expenditure £34,742.70

4, Hall Decor - Tim to ask Gerard the decorator to show the directors what type of radiator covers he is intending to use. Painting to be done over the next few weeks. Budget will not cover additional decor items as well as electrician. Directors agreed that we will fund the additional approx £400 with our own budget. Chairs and tables to decide after this.

5, Garden project - all on task… Boule court taking shape and planting to begin towards the end of September. Electric cabling to be reseated underground on the 23rd Sept. TFL will pride some trees and people to help plant. John and Cate will go to Abriachan to choose plants. Outdoor chairs and tables to put up soon and brushes as well s stain purchased for the outdoor furniture.

6, Directors have selected 5ogb sim for the Hub at a cost of £12/month

7, Events - Quiz prize sorted for Sat night. Coffee morning last Saturday in Sept. Hog Roast on the 5th Oct. Directors will arrive earlier in the day on Sat 5th to set up. Band and Hog roast booked. Coffee morning and table top sale 26th Oct. Nov 2nd Film night. Dec 7th Christmas do with Redshank doing the food.

8, Snooker table - bring ideas to next meeting for decision

AOB

TFL - Can someone make use of a sculptor/dyker from 18th to 23rd Nov? Directors to come back with possible ideas

MPLC - Directors agreed it would be better to apply for the umbrella TV/film license for the year. Blue ray player to be sourced.

Photo comp - Directors looked at the pics. We also looked at possible pictures for the newly decorated Hub hall. We agreed on the ones that cate showed us.

Hub/community walks - John has agreed to do another walk involving photography to create the cover for the calendar.

Next meeting on the 9th October

Hub Meeting July 3rd 2024

Apologies – none

Minutes accepted from last month

Treasury report – Given out to all directors. Andy has agreed to meet with Rob to decide who does what from end of July. Andy agreed to chase Mathesons from the double invoice issue. We currently have £48,073.63 of unrestricted funds.

Eco Garden – Will be completed by beginning of sept. Solar panels have been moved onto their new site (Jaynes son I law will look at them when he’s up as he is trained in dealing with this tech). The wood carver will work on the trees later in the month.

Hall Refurb – There have been some issues with the panelling, effecting people with b=focal glasses. The TV will be placed half way down the room for quizzes. It was agreed that the acoustics are much better in the room. We agreed to discuss and decide on colours for the hall in next meeting. Andy will arrange to meet with preferred decorator to discuss potential filling in after electrician before starting work. The staging will be removed. Andy will deconstruct as there is good wood that can be used here. We also looked at possible Ikea tables and chairs.

Events – Hog roast quote seems ok… subsidised cost to residents of £10… total cost approx. £25/head. Music has been decided… on a 3-piece band playing folk music/starting at 7.00pm 5th October. November film night agreed/no food other than perhaps popcorn and ice-cream.

AOB 

• Tim will put a mirror in the gent’s toilet. 
• First aid course – James has agreed in principle to go on a first aid course. We need to decide where and what type of course and get it booked in. Action for next meeting.
• Craft club – no change to funding, agreed
• Agreed to get rid of pool table and purchase a new one. Action to decide on which in next meeting

Meeting minutes June 2024

Apologies John Malley

Minutes form last meeting - agreed

Finances – Robert provided a breakdown of our current finances for the Hub. Andy to set up a meeting with Rob to ascertain roles etc re finances. Ask rob to look at duplicated invoices from Mathesons. Rob thinks we have double paid. £30 was paid in for hall hire.

Eco Garden – Map for comments sent out by Cate. Everyone was happy with these and the Boule pitch will be 10 x 2.5m Planting will commence in August with Abriachan Nurseries as the main provider.

Hall refurb Update – Joiner coming in on the 19th June to fit architrave and acoustic panelling. Everyone advised by Tim to look at the Trent Furniture website do decide on tables and chairs, as the sample ones initially purchased were not deemed by directors to be suitable. Once Joiner finished, we will be able to get LED lighting done. Solar batteries not working – ongoing issues. Tim to consult with electrician the next time he is in, along with the oven.

Forthcoming events – Events recorded/advertised in Ness News. After August events were discussed including a Hog Roast in October and Christmas event/meal with caterers.

29th June – Community council exhibition and community consultation in coffee morning.

AOB – Tim still looking for someone to service the generator and solar panels once they have been re-sighted.The Hub 

Minutes for meeting 1st May 2024

Apologies – Susan reed

Treasurers report – Currently we have £135,000 in funds -reserved funds = £45,000

Garden report – Fergusons is the main contractor for the ground works for the eco garden project. We are also paying for some of the remedial work for the perimeter wall, tree surgery and resetting of the solar panels form our own funds, separate to the grant money for the Eco garden.

Photo competition – ongoing/entries being emailed

Events update – Jayne and Susan are going to set up regular updates of events for Ness news

Quiz’s will continue each second Saturday in the month and games night as an additional night now and then.

Next Coffee morning – 25th May

Garden Nursery sale and Barbecue 1st June

Quiz night – 8th June

Main Hub room project - £8,600 budget – Electrician will start works soon and then the joiner, after which we will decide on colours for the walls before getting in the decorator and final second fix electrical works. Looking at possibility of ordering one chair and table to check out what they look like from Trent contract furniture.

Discussion was had about the Tomnakrasky wind farm and its environmental impact. John is considering a community meeting about this once we have all the info. There will also be a Millennium windfarm extension meeting on behalf of the developers on the 10th and 11th September. John will look into how much the community council are aware of this and who our community counsellor is for this area.

Storage – we agreed the stage was going to be removed from the large room at the Hub due to a lack of storage. When we get new furniture, we will also be getting rid of the fixed tables and blue hall chairs. The blue hall chairs have already been offered to local schools.

AOB

A university canoe club want to hire the hall for 3 nights staying overnight. Tim is going to look into the insurance side. We agreed that £500 was a fair price for sole use of the hall for the 3 days/nights and a £1000 deposit.AA batteries are required for the clocks in the hall

Minutes – Hub Meeting, 3rd April 2024

Apologies – John Malley

Minutes from last meeting accepted

Treasurers report – Currently we have £115,862.63 of total funds in account. Minus reserved figures, the balance currently stands at £42,862.63. 

Current repairs/maintenance and The School House/let – Tim to speak to current letting agents to get name of people they use to repair ovens and service the generator and solar panels for the Hub. Andy to speak to previous letting agents regarding previous tenants outstanding council tax bill. Tim to update the council tax bill with tenants leave date and the fact its currently empty. The new tenant is moving in on the 23rd/24thApril and the lady has 2 children. Susan has approached the painter re outside walls and is expecting to complete this work in mid-April.

Noticeboard – It was agreed that this would be put up at the front of the hub on the right as you go in, once eco garden works have been completed.

Windfarm – The new extension is going to planning soon and Cate consulted with them as to whether some of the funding from this could come directly to the area around Dalchrerichart. The company involved has not ruled this out a s a possibility. We will talk to them again if planning has been granted.

Garden project – Cate is in discussions with the preferred contractors to carry out ground works, Fergusons. Some other work will need to be done around the grounds before the Eco garden project can take place, following the success of our grant application for this work. The stone walls will need repairs, the solar panels properly installed and moved forwards to accommodate deer fencing, and some trees need removing. Estimated costs for this work are about £5,000. Jayne will look into possible funding for these preliminary works to be funded by FACC. As it stands, the ground works including preliminary work is £13,832 plus VAT.

Members – Susan is going to update and maintain the members list as this is a requirement with or for some grant funds. Susan has also agreed to chase up and try and get some younger members signed up.

Website/Publicity – It was agreed that the main items to be put on the website were the newsletter, google calendar, minutes form meetings and any legal docs, such as supporting legislative requirements and some event images from time to time. It was agreed that Facebook would be the main conduit for events and event images. Cate has also offered to liaise with Deirdre to get events and newsletters into the Ness News.

Next Events

Plant Sale and BBQ – It was agreed that this should take place on Sat 1st June and a small charge to be made for BBQ food, to be advertised on Ness News (Cate) and on Facebook (Susan). Abriachan Nurseries and Highland Lilliums will be in attendance.

Quiz night – Saturday 13th April – Normal Quiz night

Coffee Morning – Saturday 26th April – Normal Coffee Morning

Quiz Night May 11th – Quiz and Pub night – Try out selling wine and beer (quiz curry night in July or August)

AOB

Water exemption form filled in by Andy and sent in, for the Hub

Looking into booster options to allow better internet coverage throughout all rooms in the hub

Next meeting Wednesday May 1st 2024

The Hub Meeting  Minutes.       06/03/24

An EGM was carried out with 19 members in total, in attendance. Jayne and John Malley were voted on as permanent Directors and Tim Perkins was changed from co-opted to permanent director, with unanimous votes. This means we now have 6 main directors, as Stephanie and Warren resigned, and have capacity to elect up to 4 co-opted directors through the year. The permanent secretaries and roles are:

Andy Hugens – Chair Tim Perkins – Secretary

Catherine Lilley – Events Susan Reed – Events

Jayne Malley – Grants John Malley – TBD

Treasurers report – Outwith reserves, the treasurer reported that we have £43,950 as a bank balance currently. 

Treasurer election (Stephanie has resigned) Robert Ungless (member) has agreed to do the books on behalf of the directors. The directors agreed unanimously to direct Robert to carry out this work on behalf of the directors. Susan will become a second signatory and Andy has agreed to go with Robert to the bank to get permissions sorted on the 19th March (subject to apt). Gleaner roil bill to be paid by Andy.

House – Tim Perkins is arranging the letting agency and collecting potential residents. This should be sorted in a couple of weeks and has arranged for Jane to do a deep clean before the new resident is in place. Tim will also look at some other letting agents as we have concerns over the current one.

Waste contract – Andy agreed to accept the highland council’s proposal and action this.

Cates Garden project – Grant has been successful and will liaise with some directors in terms of setting about the start of this project. Funders were looking favourably about applying for further funds next year for re-paving the car park. Fencing was agreed in terms of where we place it.

Outside of property – Cate was asking to get the sign fixed and John/Jayne agreed to take it to Inverness to be altered. Susan will chase decorator to get outside walls painted.

Events coming up

March coffee morning March 30th – To include table top sale and Easter Bonnet competition with prizes.

The Angry Seagull Fish and Chips van has been booked for Saturday 23rd March from 4.30pm-7.00pm

Games night – This Saturday from 7.00pm

Garden produce sale – May 25th  or following Saturday (TBA), with Highland Lilliums and Abriachan Nurseries coming, plus barbecue

Other Hub stuff

Discussion was had around having Community Tuesday at the Hub. It was agreed that we should get the oven and paint work done before this can go ahead.

Photo competition on going

Grants

Jayne spoke about the Fern grant we have put in to improve the aesthetics and sound reverb in the large Hub room. This has gone in and awaiting electrics quote which Tim is chasing up.

AOB – Date of next meeting 3rd April at 7.00pm – all members welcome

EGM Notice (extraordinary general meeting)  - Meeting to elect 2 new directors (Jayne and John Malley) and change 3 from co-opted directors to full directors. This will be on Wednesday 6th March at 7.00pm. All members welcome. If any other members wish to be considered as a director, they must let the secretary, Tim Perkins, know by Tuesday 6th Feb.

The Hub Meeting 10/01/24

Present: Susan, Cate, Andy, Tim, Stephanie and Warren

1, Minutes from last meeting agreed

2, House: Current tenant leaving on the 13th Jan. Agreed that the new tenant would pay £480/calendar month rent. We agreed we would advertise locally. Tim agreed to contact the agent to check the correct wording for advert. Tim to email last meter reading to current tenant on Saturday 13th.

3, New directors: Jayne wishes to join us as a director. This means we will need to have an extraordinary meeting in order to allow Jayne on as a co-opted director. It was agreed that we would have an extraordinary meeting to elect Jayne and move some directors from co-opted to permanent members on Weds 6th March, just before the meeting commences.

4, Grants: There is a grant available from FACC which might help us to ad sound proofing to the main hall and better furniture. Cate has agreed to ask Jayne to investigate this further. We also received £8,000 grant from CARES (energy saving) relating to some of the projects for making the Hub more able to provide locals with a refuge in bad weather/power cut situations.

5, Treasurers report: Balance stands at £118,086.15/reserves stand at £73,000, so monies available stand at £45,086.15

6, Photographic competition: pictures to go on Facebook, winners will be published for each month for a calendar in Dalchreichart for next Christmas.

7, Events: The Redshank are happy to our Christmas meal next year in December and will also be bringing their mobile catering van up in Feb/March as it was so popular last year.

Games night/Quiz: It was agreed that we would have games night and quiz nights on alternate months.

Chris is coming in to do a talk on fresh water muscles/tbc

March: Table top sale

April: Band Night/folk music tbc

May: Buy swap plant sale

Minutes from Hub Meeting – 

Wednesday 6th December 2023

Apologies – Stephanie and Warren Silverwood

1, Minutes from the AGM were discussed and voting for changes to the articles were checked and verified.

2, Director duties – duties were discussed and it was agreed that we would all come together at the next meeting with lists we can share and make a decision over who does what.

3, OSCR – Stephanie and Andy have updated the OSCR log in so that we can send accounts and update the system.

4, Secretary – Website has been updated with more information including our risk assessments and policies. Tim will complete an updated Legionnaires RA this month and contact Mathesons (Inverness) to get the boiler and oil/gas installations inspected.

5, Events – A music licence has been purchased by Susan and Andy will sort out a TV licence. We will also source a TV stand so that it can be used in either rooms/or stored, in the future. We chose the 200gb sim card for the internet with 1p mobile.

6, Xmas event 9/12/23 – Catering arriving at 3.30pm – eating at 7.45pm. Cate will meet and greet the caterers and lay out the tables with Susan. Xmas eve event – catering for approx. 30 people. Licence applied for to serve alcohol. Start at 4.00pm.

7, A discussion was had about events early next year and the following was agreed along with the normal cycle of coffee mornings, games nights and craft and chat:

• Book swap will take place when the Hub is open for events
• Red Shank to book in Feb
• Table top sale in March
• Buy and swap plant sale in April (possibly include Highland lilliums and Abriachan Nurseries)

8, Community Consultation for the Convent land agreed to have at next coffee morning

9, National Park status communication from Tomich Community Association – Agreed that consultation should be through Fort Augustus Community Council. Andy to communicate this to TCC. It affects Dalchreichart down to the river as proposals include the community in the National Park proposals.

AOB

• Jayne (M) would be happy to look at Grant applications on behalf of WGCC (The Hub)
• ‘A’ Board to be kept in use for upcoming events.
• Directors reminded that we currently have a quorate of 3 full directors and 3 co-opted members. We were reminded that if and of the three were absent from a meeting that no decision making could then take place.
• We received £352.00 towards the electric bill from Fern.

The hub AGM Minutes 2023 – 25th November 2023 at 12.00pm (Draft)

(corrected minutes as of 6/12/23, apologies for incorrect version published previously)

Directors

Chair – Andy Hugens

Treasurer – Stephanie Silverwood

Secretary – Tim Perkins

Events – Cate Hugens

Events & Health & Saftety – Susan Reed

Caretaker – Warren Silverwood

1, Meeting open by Chairs report:

The chair announced various events that took place this year and our gratitude to funders:

Fort Augustus Community Company

FERN community funds

Highland Community Energy Company

Trees for Life

National Lottery Community Fund

Who enabled projects around building a resilience centre, amongst other activities through 2022/23, including:

• A new floor in the kitchen
• New cupboards and building in of boiler in kitchen
• Making good and hygienic, the space to the rear of fridges and freezer
• Concrete floor to the rear of the building to improve safety and making good rear ramp access
• Installation and purchase of generator at rear of building
• Installation of solar panels at rear of building to save energy and become more energy efficient

Thanks, were expressed by the Chair for the work of Catriona, Bob and Stella as directors over the past year. They have made a huge contribution to the running of the hub on behalf of its members.

2, Treasurers report 

The treasurer reported to the members the years accounts and grants that had been awarded in the last financial year. She reported that all debts were paid and cleared. There was a healthy balance moving forward. The accounts will be on view on the hub website in due course, for transparency purposes. https://www.thehubdalchreichart.co.uk

3, Changes to articles

It was proposed by the directors to change article 4 

From:

The Company has been formed to benefit the community, defined as being those individuals who ordinarily reside in Glenmoriston, who live between the Dundreggan Dam and the Cluanie Dam on the River Moriston, as defined by the postcode units IV63 7YJ, IV63 7YL, IV63 7YN, IV63 7YW (“the Community”), with the Purposes listed in the sub-clauses hereto (“the Purposes”), to be exercised following the principles of sustainable development (where sustainable development means development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs), namely:

To:

The Company has been formed to benefit the community, defined as being those individuals who ordinarily reside in Glenmoriston, who live between the Dundreggan Dam and the Cluanie Dam on the River Moriston (“the Community”), with the Purposes listed in the sub-clauses hereto (“the Purposes”), to be exercised following the principles of sustainable development (where sustainable development means development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs), namely:

And to change article 8.1 

From:

Ordinary Members: those individuals aged 18 and over who:

(a)    are ordinarily resident in the Community; and

(b)    are entitled to vote at a local government election in a polling district that includes the Community or part of it; and

(c)    who support the Purposes;

To:

Ordinary Members: those individuals aged 18 and over who:

(a)    are homeowners or ordinarily resident in the Community

(c)    who support the Purposes;

Directors heard comments from members who rightly pointed out that changes to the articles might prevent future boards from applying for government right to buy schemes and this was acknowledged. It was pointed out by directors that any changes to future directions of the company can be resolved by changing these articles back to conform if necessary.

The votes for both article changes were 12 in favour and 5 either against or abstained. This means that neither vote met the threshold for being carried. 

AOB

Members asked about various ongoing projects in the hub and directors responded, noting that all of these were ongoing and developing when weather and other factors would enable completion.

the hub Record of Meeting Minutes.

4th October 2023

Present: : A Hugens, C Lilley ,S Reed, S Barter, S Silverwood, T Perkins S Barter

Declaration Of Interest::None
General and submitted items:
Resume of the last meeting and minutes approved.

Security of the building and equipment was discussed. The opinion of the board was that adequate provisions were in place.
Care-taking was discussed and the annual calendar of checks has been obtained by TP. The generator has to be run once a month as are meter readings and oil tank monitoring. A volunteer is needed!

The date of the AGM was agreed as 12.00 noon on the 25th November 2023. The announcement of the meeting is to be circulated shortly to to allow the 4 week period to notify for the change of wording of the constitution.
A presentation for Bob was discussed and this is to be scheduled to coincided with the AGM.
The garden project is progressing and the grant fund has now been made available for applications. The decision was made to increase the scope of the application to include the land to the back (north) of the building. A suggestion was made to include for resurfacing the car park but was put on hold until the next time as the budget for the grant would be exceeded.
The grant for the broadband installation has been approved and we are awaiting on contractors to be in the area,
Planning for the Oktoberfest is progressing well, Banners and posters have be bought and beer in kegs is to be served along with wine by the glass.
A discussion was held about the volume of events in the pipeline and should we slow down on some. However after discussion it was decided to proceed with the current calendar.
The film night still to be run but the date changed to Friday 17th November 2023. A wall bracket for the new TV screen is to be purchased and some discussions about acoustic material for the walls. No decision was made.
The Christmas event menu was discussed and decided upon. The event to again be subsidised and estimates of 30 attendees was put forward with a maximum capacity of 40. The true cost and the subsidy to be stated in the newsletter so the community realise the quality of the event.

AOB:

Joyce Gilbert asked to borrow the notice boards. We agreed that all hub equipment to remain in the hub and not be loaned out.
SS suggested a Military Road exhibition in the hub which was well received and approved.

A games night rather than a quiz night was put forward. Agreement was reached that this was a good idea and the last quiz night to be in October and maybe resume spring 2024.
SS brought up a donation to the fresh water conservation group. This was declined but TP suggested they came to the hub and give a talk and maybe obtain greater support. A butterfly and biodiversity talk was also muted for the new year..

TP confirmed a license would have to be obtained if the Christmas Eve event with port, sherry and mince pies was to go ahead.
Charges for the hire of the hall were agreed and the application form stating prices published..

Virgin Monies again to be contacted regarding a secondary signatory to the online banking.
TP to take on secretary duties in November.

The next Directors meeting Thursday 2nd November 2023 7.00pm at the Hub

the hub  Record of Meeting Minutes.

8th August 2023

Present: : A Hugens, C Lilley ,S Reed, S Barter, S Silverwood, T Perkins

A pre directors meeting was held with Trees for Life  (TfL) to discuss the land that has been put on the market by the Turnbull’s. TfL are exploring the possibilities of a partnership with the community to purchase and manage the land which extends to some 160hectres with a guide price of £650,000.The uses for the land were discussed with TfL needing a compelling reason for the purchase. However the land is adjacent to their land so could be made an extension of their land. We agreed Tim Perkins is going to be the point of contact with TfL.

After the TfL representative Alan left the meeting the directors had a discussion about the level of the financial involvement required. We decide to leave the options open until we had further inter action with TfL.

The meeting was then started:

Declaration Of Interest::None

General and submitted items:

Resume of the last meeting.

Constitution: It was agreed that the post codes in the Articles of Association ( AofA) be deleted and to define the area generally and open all home owners within the area to be eligible for membership of the community hub.

A suggestion was that we bring the Annual General Meeting (AGM) forward to the end of October to allow enough time for the statutory notice period  for an amendment to the A of A.

The Cares grant for the PV work is currently awaiting the building warrant approval. As soon as this is approved the grant will be released to the Hub.

The bank balance was discussed and agreement reached that we had an adequate safety margin for all contingencies.

E mails are apparently being sent to the old secretaries email. AH to obtain the password from Bob and re route all future mail.

AH will order the Internet antenna which qualifies for a grant. The engineers are based in Glasgow and will apply for the grant and install when they are in the area.

A table tennis table is to be purchased in time for the games night 23rd September.

A projector was discussed for the future intended film nights and a suggestion was put forward that a big screen television would be a better proposition.

The Oktoberfest and Hog Roast  21st October was discussed and it was agreed that this would be a subsidised event. The total cost works out at just under £40.00 per head for 30 people.

A subsidy of £20.00 per head would be applied. Discussions about beer and wine concluded that 5 drinks would be around £10.00 and 10 drinks would be around £20.00. Tickets for the event would be printed and sold in advance.

The Christmas party night was set as the 9th December with a meal being booked and the maximum ticket sales of 40, to suit the hall capacity. Again this event to be subsidised. Ticket sales to be order online and will be available for purchase/collection at the opening times of the weekly book borrowing.

Any other business:

Comments were made about the low numbers of footfall at the book borrowing and the low uptake of the music club. Agreement was reached that both events would be continued to establish consistency with the hope that the community takes up the opportunity.

The exterior painting of the building has been delayed due to weather. SR is to monitor the situation.

TP suggested the wall surfaces of the hall be lined out to improve the poor acoustics within the hall. Highland Soap retail was put forward as an example of a tasteful interior scheme..

A lean to building at the back of the building was suggested for storage.

Acoustic canvas pictures for the hall were discussed.

Levelling cost are to be obtained by CL for the rear land.

SR has been contacted by someone who would remove the large pile of stone on the rear land. TP suggested that if the enquirer is a commercial venture then a small charge should be made. If the individual is private for their own use then is should be free.

SR offered to cut down the trees blocking the light from the PC panels

The next Directors meeting  13th September 2023 7.00pm at the Hub

the hub  Record of Meeting Minutes.

20th June 202326/05/2023

Present: : A Hugens, C Lilley ,S Reed, S Barter, S Silverwood, W Silverwood.

               T Perkins

Declaration Of Interest:: None

General and submitted items:

Resume of the last meeting.

We agreed on bi monthly meetings  with the next dierctors meeting being 8th August 2023  .7.00pm

CL was nominated as events Director.

TP to liase with Bob Slattery concerning the website , with TP agreeing to be in charge of IT.

SR to continue to post the notices on Facebook.

TP to contact letting agent to confirm the current situation with the rented house. We decided to keep the rental house situation on a formal basis.

TP to contact Angus Robertson from Fern concerning the funding of the PV system.

Discussion about if Quick books system is necessary.

We agreed we are happy to allow the Zero Waste Food Larder on the property. Temperature control, rodents and maintaining the produce were discussed

The July news letter is to be produced quickly and distributed. This is the last paper distribution and email address were invited to receive an on line copy. The news letter to be produced quarterly.

The decorators are due Thursday/Friday, or after the BBQ Sunday. The notice board has been taken down.

Bank access has now been transferred.

All the food for the BBQ has been ordered and an early morning Saturday clean has been organises by SS.

A grant has been made available for an ecological garden. This can be applied for after 7th July.

Discussions were had about: skittle, boules after the polytunnel frames are removed. Events for the year were suggested: Carboot sale, Excess produce sale, Food around the world theme night, Curry night, films, games night .

The timetable was agreed:

September Games Night

October  Beerfest

November Film Night

December Christmas meal and Party.

January Burns Night was suggested

February Cocktail night was suggested

Any other business:

SB suggested a Christmas function to involve the community. We agreed a Christmas Eve Carol singalong with festive fare commencing 3.30pm (dark nights)

The Christmas function was discussed with the date options being the 1st/2nd Saturday in December. The 2nd Saurday is the preferred date. Subsidies of £10 or £20 were discusses dependent upon the cost price of the meal.

Exterior signage and notice board were discussed.

The Mowi situation was agreed that we wait and see what, if anything, develops.

St Patrick day celebrations were discussed along with some sort of presentation for Bob Slatery long service to the Hub.

The hub calendar was agreed and printed on the news letter.

The next Directors meeting  8th August 2023 7.00pm at the Hub