News

NAVACH produces a newsletter for members every other month which contains updates on legislation and funding, and general advice for village hall management committees. This news section contains only a précis of news items related to NAVACH and news from halls in Nottinghamshire.

NAVACH News

Membership Policy: charging system will now operate

A very important change to NAVACH membership was approved at the 2008 AGM with 27 votes for and one abstention. A membership charging policy will now come into effect, costing £25 per hall per annum, and ensuring the future sustainability of NAVACH.

Halls have until 31st December to pay their membership fee, after which time membership rights will be withdrawn, including access to the members section of this website. The membership period will run from the 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2009. Membership renewal for 2010 will be sought in October 2009. Halls may join as members at any time during the calendar year, but they will pay £25 regardless of the number of months left to run on the subscription.

NAVACH AGM

The very successful NAVACH AGM took place on 23rd September 2008 at Lowdham Women’s Institute Hall. 35 people attended, representing 18 halls, Nottinghamshire County Council Arts Department, NAVACH and RCAN. The evening was enjoyed by all, with the majority of delegates rating all aspects of the event as good or excellent. Positive feedback and useful suggestions for future meeting were generated, including:

· “First AGM I have been to but will certainly attend others. Thank You.”

· “A well organised interesting meeting. Lots of useful information for the benefit of our village hall committee and the local community we serve”.

· “In the initial information pack it would be useful/helpful to have a list of attendees with maybe e-mails/phone numbers. We could then reduce carbon footprints, car sharing to future meetings”.

“Village Halls: Greening by Example” and “Zero Carbon for Zero Cost?”

This year’s AGM presentations were centred on a “Gr££n” theme. Robert Crowder, Chief Executive of RCAN captivated the audience with his entertaining presentation on how village halls can bring communities together to become more “green”. The resounding message was that even small steps taken by the hall should be publicised within the communities they serve to raise awareness and promote the village hall as a leader by example. Mark Goodwill-Hodgson of Inclusive Design Ltd Architects then followed with his presentation on the complex, but well delivered subject, of what zero carbon means and which energy saving measures or renewable energy sources would provide the best investment. Presentations are available in the members' section.

“Guidelines and Best Practice for Managing Your Community Building”

This document was launched at this year’s AGM following a successful trial period by two village halls in Nottinghamshire. It aims to improve the management and maintenance of your community building and the Best Run Village Hall Competition criteria will be based on this document so it will give entrants a helping hand. The document is £10 with a 10% discount for members, and available for purchase from RCAN. To order your copy, download the publications form.

Best Run Village Hall Competition 2009

The competition to find the best run village hall in Nottinghamshire was launched at this year’s AGM. The competition runs biannually, with the exception of this year's which was deferred to coincide with the launch of the “Guidelines and Best Practice” document. It aims to recognise the hard work of the volunteer village hall management committee, and promote good practice. Halls who have previously entered have commented on the useful advice, support and feedback they have received from the process, and it is also a chance to have fun, gain recognition and assess how you measure up against other halls in Nottinghamshire. Visit our events page for further information.

 

Hall News

Booking Systems

Woodborough Village Hall are looking to improve their booking systems and use modern technology. Are you a small village hall that uses a computerised booking system or do you know anybody using an online booking system? 

Contact Roger Hawkins (clerk@woodboroughpc.org.uk or 0115 9830231) if you have any information which could help.

Can you hear me?

Fiskerton cum Morton have an acoustic problem with their new hall and could do with some advice on how to cure it. Does anyone have any top tips or know of anyone who can help?

Contact Bob Stretch (bob.stretch1@btconnect.com) if you have any information which could help.

Give glazing a second chance!