Brook Farm Residents Association

Neil & Debbie Thomson, Frank McGowan, Terry Barrow, Lorraine & Andy Rodway and Brenda Gibberd.

None received.

These were accepted.

Frank had prepared some preliminary figures for the Fun Day based on the information he has received so far. The biggest disappointment was the bar, which showed an estimated loss of £210.87. The BBQ was successful and showed an estimated profit of £154.58.  Allowing for the fact that about half the sweets were used as prizes for the children’s events, the sales of confectionery showed a profit of £43.06.  The overall loss for the day is estimated at £209.38.

Having paid out £920.73 during July, our current credit balance is £995.18 to which will be added any income from membership. We also owe Kurt £25.

Brenda confirmed the invoice to the White Hart for £85 for the keg of lager they provided for the New Year event has finally been sent off with an apology for the delay.

5.1

5.2

5.3

Fun Day

Terry advised that Bounce About failed to turn up at the Fun Day offering various excuses.  Neil said he would mention this fact on the web site so that it is recorded for anyone to see.

The day was quite successful and was well attended by such groups as SAVVY, Mills Meadow disabled people, the scouts and the mini tennis court.   We took only £15 for membership on the day.  It was felt that it is essential the membership drive start earlier next year so that we have funds in place before the summer event – mid May.

With regard to the losses from bar sales, it appears Adnams are charging us in excess of £100 per barrel although Frank was unable to be precise as it will be a week or so before he gets a breakdown of how their charge is made up.  Also beer sales were minimal this year whereas the lager sales went well. It was suggested that if we repeat the event next year we stock only lager.   The sale of Pimms went well also and we ran out before the end of the day.

The meeting agreed that we need to estimate how much we will need to pay for additional staff at all our future events and this needs to be agreed in advance.

There was a quantity of burgers and sausages over, including some which had been donated by Gary Feller.  Barry took took the surplus home with him and we will discuss with him later what should be done with them. Although we had originally expected rolls and baps to be provided at a discounted price by Waitrose, they very kindly donated them all free of charge.

The sweet stall did a very good trade and lots were given away as prizes for the children’s races.  There remains a stock of some £70 worth for Halloween which we will need to top up by about £20.

The man with the train did a roaring trade and gave us a donation of £5.  The committee felt this was a little disappointing and it was suggested that next year all bookings made have a written confirmation of the financial arrangements.

In general, the Fun Day was a moderate success and Neil asked Terry if he could put together a few words to that effect for the web site.  Terry confirmed he will try to manage this but could not promise as he if off on holiday at the end of this week.

Brenda confirmed that thank you letters and cheques (where appropriate) are being sent off to all those concerned.

Terry repeated what he had already advised by e-mail that he does not wish to be responsible for the Fun Day next year as he has been doing it for several years now and feels he can no longer devote so much of his personal time to this. He is, however, available to assist where he can. For this reason it is essential that we give very careful consideration, sooner rather than later, as to who does what for future events, particularly since the committee has become rather depleted.  New ideas are needed for what may be featured at next year’s Fun Day as it was thought we may have become a little ‘stale’.  Kurt will contact Town FM about the bouncy castle for next year and ask if they are covered by their own Public Liability Insurance,

Halloween

It was confirmed that we would once again run this event free of charge.  Confectionery has been sorted, the DJ booked, the school booked and the event will run from 5 to 7pm.

Music Night

Terry confirmed he is happy to supervise the running of this.  This year the raffle will be run by the Meadow Brook Play Centre. Don Tricker will be doing something for PASTEL on 5^th December.

TB

KN

This has now been distributed.  Neil said he plans to issue another newsletter at the end of the year, assuming he has sufficient material.  Flyers will be sent out for events in the meantime.

In view of the absence of Ian, no report was available.  So far Frank has banked £51 but it is believed Ian has additional funds to be paid in.

8.1

8.2

Storage

Ken Howe now has the storage unit at Samkins and Terry advised most of the  BFRA equipment is now stored there.   At this time no firm price had been agreed but Ken has suggested a cost of £15 per month as it is costing him £56 a month to rent it for his own equipment.  The committee thought this was very reasonable and it was agreed unanimously that Frank will contact Ken to get his bank details and set up a monthly standing order. Access to the storage unit will be via Ken or Samkins have a key available during opening hours.

Amy English of 9 Brights Close had offered her services to assist where she can, bearing in mind she has two small children.   The meeting agreed she be asked to help out at Halloween, when she would be able to take the children with her.

FM

Next committee meeting Tuesday, 26^th August at 8pm at The Bell.