“A hall for all ….and all occasions….”
Registered Charity No 1021891
BUSINESS PLAN 2014-15
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 THE BACK GROUND ...... 3 QUALITY / HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 4 THE NEED FOR A VILLAGE HALL ...... 4 THE CHALLENGE ...... 5 FURTHER WORK ...... 5 OTHER FACILITIES WITHIN THE VILLAGE ...... 6 USE OF THORNER VICTORY HALL ...... 6 PAYING FOR THE WORK ...... 6 FINANCE...... 7 ISSUES ...... 8 LETTING RATES ...... 9 DDA COMPLIANCE ...... 9 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ...... 11 APPENDIX A - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY ...... 12 APPENDIX B - ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT ...... 13 APPENDIX D - FUND RAISING POLICY ...... 15 APPENDIX E - HALL LETTINGS POLICY ...... 16 APPENDIX F - ARE WE MEETING COMMUNITY NEED ?...... 17
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN (revised March 2015)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Thorner’s Victory Hall has served the village well for 90 years. Feedback from the community indicates that the Victory Hall is a valued community resource
An ambitious phased refurbishment programme is now nearing completion. This has rectified deficiencies in the fabric of the building as well as making improvements that better meet the needs of users..
The refurbishment has reversed the terminal decline of the building, so that it is now used by a wider range of activities than for many years, and is attracting more volunteer support.
The Victory hall complements other community facilities in the village, offering a venue meeting the needs for wide ranging use by both younger and older residents.
The Hall is supported by a skilled Management Committee and a growing network of enthusiastic volunteers.
The Management Committee has achieved Level 3 of the Hallmark Quality Award, and awaits assessment at Level 3. Further endorsement of quality came in the winning of the Biffaward Award in the Community Buildings Category in 2011
Lettings income is increasing following an interruption during refurbishment works. Weekday evening slots are largely filled by regular users, there is growing use of by weekend bookings, a marketing strategy is in place to further promote the Hall as a venue , and priority is being given to extending the use of weekday day time slot
As usage develops and a steady state of operation is reached it will be important to: -
-Continue to consult with residents to identify any unmet demands for activities
-Review and monitor routine income and expenditure so that financial sustainability can be assured
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 2 (Revised March 2015)
1 THE BACKGROUND
History of the Victory Hall and Institute
One hundred years ago the residents of Thorner raised money to build the Thorner Victory Hall and Institute as a symbol of the village’s gratitude to those who served, and particularly to those who died, in the Great War
The hall was built upon land given by Lord Mexborough and was opened on 26th April 1924 by Mr Joseph ‘Sam’ Watson of Scarcroft.
The cost of building and furnishing the Victory Hall was met by: Donations of £1,322 Fundraising events raising £1,909 Bank loan of £1,497
The Hall is owned and managed by a Charitable Trust with the objectives
“To provide and maintain a parish hall for the use of the inhabitants of Thorner “
Within the terms of the Trust Deed all residents of the Parish over the age of 18 are members of the organisation.
Management of the Victory Hall
Trustees Brian Peter Schofield, Shirley Berrow, David Michael Stainthorpe
Management Committee (as at Nov 2014)
Terry Smith (Chairman) Peter Schofield (Vice Chair), Ros Ramsey (Bookings Secretary), John Brear (Treasurer), John Calvert , Chris Furminger, David Miller, Paul Oldfield, Moyra Player, Rob Staines, David Wignall, Sally Dixon Members of the Management Committee bring together professional skills and experience from a solicitor, accountant, teachers and managers in both private and public sectors.
The Management Committee is also assisted by a network of volunteers who assist with ongoing hall maintenance and fund raising and events. In 2014 the Committee created three subsidiary Committees dealing with:
Finance, Governance, Licensing
Housekeeping, Maintenance, Health & Safety
Marketing and Fund Raising
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 3 (Revised March 2015)
It is intended that these sub groups will be assisted by input from volunteers who do not wish to have full Committee involvement, that they will be allocated a budget spend where appropriate, and that the frequency of full management committee meetings will reduce. This new system is now bedding down, and will be further refined during 2015. A part –time cleaner/caretaker is employed by the committee. Responsibility for minute taking is rotated.
Under the terms of the constitution a public Annual General Meeting is held in May held to review the operation of the Hall and elect officers.
2 QUALITY / HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Management Committee has met the requirements of Level 3 of the “Hall mark” Quality Standard for Village Halls. The rigorous assessment for this award checks that the Hall Management Committee’s policies and practice meet requirements of the Charity commission and all relevant legislation. We were the first Hall in Yorkshire to reach this level, and we must ensure that we are maintaining standards in our preparations for a re-inspection in 2015 . The Committee have a written Health and Safety Policy that it reviews annually. This covers all aspects of Fire, Gas, Electrical safety checks and certificates. It also carries out the relevant Risk Assessments where applicable.
We have introduced schedules for regular maintenance work, and will keep under review the adequacy of cleaning provision bearing in mind the increasing usage.
3 THE NEED FOR A VILLAGE HALL
Feedback from residents in consultations for the Parish Plan indicated that improving Village facilities for meetings, entertainment events, activities and organisations was a high priority.
96% of respondents agreed that “A well-equipped Victory Hall and Parish Centre catering for a diversity of social and community groups was desirable for the village”
A questionnaire in 2005 to both individual households and to village organisations reinforced the view that the Victory Hall is valued as a community resource.
Based on feedback in our consultation the Management Committee has agreed that our priority in usage must be providing facilities for group activities aimed at young people from the village, and for the active elderly.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 4 (Revised March 2015)
4 THE CHALLENGE
In 2005, a Building survey identified a formidable list of basic defects in the Hall fabric. Though there was still regular use of the facilities by a range of groups from within and outside of the village, usage had declined mainly because of the state of the premises, and the suitability of its facilities.
An ambitious phased programme of refurbishment has rectified the faults identified in the survey, as well as improving aspects of layout of the Hall so as to make the facilities more flexible and offer better storage for regular users.
The refurbishment results in a hall with:-
A modern heating boiler and controls, insulated roof space and energy efficient lighting, so that utility costs are minimised (though the heating system is still an issue- see below.)
A more attractive, more comfortable hall making it attractive as a venue for a wide range of activities.
Vastly improved stage facilities with built in lighting and sound controls and a control gallery so as to facilitate theatrical productions
A Hall space than can seat up to 300 theatre style, or be divided into two areas for consecutive use thus increasing potential revenue from productions
Better and more accessible storage facilities for regular users
Improved visual impact and access from street level, with a surfaced access lane and improved parking facilities
5 FURTHER WORK
It is clear that replacement of the hall floor will be necessary in the next couple of years- at 90 years old it cannot be sanded further without revealing the tongues and grooves, and it is affected by damp which in turn has allowed wood boring weevil to weaken the timber. In addition we have found that the distribution pipework for the heating system is inefficient, and difficult to control. It makes sense to tackle these issues concurrently, and during 2015 we need to agree what heating system will be best meet our needs, so that installation of a new system can be done at the same time as floor replacement when funds are available. Once we have some funds raised to part finance this work we will be in a position to look at potential grant sources. Floor and heating system works will be our top priority in the next couple of years, but then we recognise that the bar and kitchen facilities are inadequate for the increasing use made of them, and our next priority will be their refurbishment.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 5 (Revised March 2015)
6 OTHER FACILITIES WITHIN THE VILLAGE
Thorner is well served by community facilities each offering different but complementary facilities:-
The Over Sixties Centre – “The Bungalow”- is owned by Leeds City Council , and provides a conveniently situated facility of a limited size, very suitable for small-scale events of a more sedentary nature, IT classes, handicrafts, cards, meetings, and a luncheon club. Membership is targeted at residents aged 60+. The Methodist Social Centre-owned and maintained by the Methodist Church and offers 2 rooms for smaller meetings. It is available for all, but is less suited to use by younger people because of space constraints. The Parish Centre is an historic landmark built in 1851. It is now managed by a Charitable trust, and is available for all to use, and has recently undergone an internal refurbishment. It is ideal for the more modest size of meeting or social function. The Victory Hall – Functions as a traditional village hall in an edge of village location, suitable for multiple uses , including for larger scale social & entertainment events and meetings
There is scope for concurrent joint activities where facilities jointly support village- wide events. We have participated with the Parish Centre in holding joint fund raising events, and this approach will continue.
7 USE OF THORNER VICTORY HALL
The table in Appendix 3 shows a summary of Hall usage in recent years. There has been unavoidable disruption to bookings because of the spells of refurbishment work, but these are now a thing of the past. Whilst most of the users are from Thorner or neighbouring villages there is usage from a wider area - individuals and organisations based in Leeds or West Yorkshire who book the Hall for specific events or attend regular sessions. Our priority in making facilities available are younger people and the active elderly
8 PAYING FOR THE WORK
Over the last 8 years Fund Raising under the “Raise the Roof” banner has enabled the Management Committee to set aside over £220,000 dedicated to refurbishment. Events have included annual Comedy and Beer Festivals, The Comedy Festival has been a significant contributor thanks to generous support from Festival Republic in securing high calibre performers that have helped raise the profile of the event. Donations from village residents plus Gift Aid Tax refunds have added £20k to this figure THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 6 (Revised March 2015)
We also have the support from the following funding sources:-
Thorner Parish Council £60k (includes a £10k loan) Biffaward (Landfill Tax Community Fund) £50k Grantscape (Caird Barden Landfill Tax Community Fund) £20400 Festival Republic £40k Thorner Community Fund £36k Leeds City Council £18k Big Lottery Awards for all ( sound proof partition door) £7.8k The Mexborough Estate ( contribution to drainage works) Leeds ENE Homes £5k Garfield Weston foundation £5k Wetherby lions (Chairs/Scaffold tower) £2500 Yorkshire Bank Charitable Foundation £0.5k
We have in addition taken a loan of £20k to be repaid over 8 years (by 2017) through ACRE (Action for Communities in Rural England) .
9 FINANCE
Our annual accounting period runs January to December and audited accounts for the preceding year are usually available in the second half of the year.
The table below provides a summary of “routine” income and expenditure. This has excluded the income generated from fund raising initiatives and grants received, so as to paint a picture of the underlying state of finances.
This is difficult though because:- Some of the work under the “repairs” heading has been due to the overall refurbishment programme (e.g. an increase in repair costs in 2006 was due to remedial work to flooring and internal painting to improve appearances) Utility unit costs have increased dramatically over the last 2 years, though we have a now negotiated a fixed price deal until 2016, which will help us with controlling budgets
The latest phase of external works has wiped out our reserves and contingency funds, and a continued programme of fund raising is important in the coming year to restore these and allow us to continue the improvement programme,
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 7 (Revised March 2015)
ROUTINE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SUMMARY 2005-13
Notes * Wages costs in 2013 elevated due to coverage of sick leave 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Wages 2151 2356 2380 2269 2788 2333 2371 2645 4878* 3615
Repairs 2057 6126 6020 741 1118 1147 4263 3147 3044 4611
Running 6130 7416 8940 6793 10157 10199 10567 12515 12882 12819 costs
TOTAL EXP 10338 15928 17340 9803 14063 13679 17201 18307 20804 21049
Lettings 7377 7852 6257 6635 9431 5115 12410 14268 16216 20148 income**
Sundry 717 468 687 212 1620 1328 2142 1739 183 1056 income
TOTAL 8094 8320 6944 6847 11051 6443 14542 16007 16399 16399 INCOME
Deficit - -2244 -7608 -7396 -2956 -3012 -7236 -2659 -2300 -4405 +155 Surplus+
** Figures for lettings income do not include notional charges that could be applied to Victory Hall Fundraisers. These are incorporated in to the accounts as fund raising income.
10 ISSUES
We are hopefully entering a year or two of stability without the disruption of major structural works. Financial experience in this period will give a clearer picture of our sustainability.
We ought to aim for a situation where lettings income more than meets routine running costs, so that proceeds of fund raising can be applied to further development work, and maybe in time will be able to contribute some proceeds to other charitable causes.
Increased activity present an onerous task for our voluntary bookings secretary, and it would be fair to move towards a situation where this post receives remuneration in the form of expenses, an honorarium or a salary.
First priority though is to restore our contingency reserves, and then build up fund raising proceeds to tackle floor replacement and heating improvements.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 8 (Revised March 2015)
11 LETTING RATES
These rates were revised in 2014, and further changes come into effect from January 2015. We have enedeavoured to protect our priority user groups (activities for young people and older residents – see Section 3) whilst increasing the rates for profit making users and the events to reflect the market rates for suitable premises ( wedding receptions, parties).
Rate from 1st Jan 2015 General bookings Main hall £20.00ph(£9.50 concessionary) Small Hall £13.00ph ((£7.50 concessionary) Both Hall £33 ph (£17.0 concessionary) Dances & private parties Both halls-£150.00 /£200 Use of Hall liquor licence £25 Technical equipment by negotiation Committee room £10.00ph Children’s parties £60.00 Friday/Saturday evening £150/200 depending on setting functions (parties, up/clearance times charity fund raisers etc) Brownies/cubs e £200.00 per weekend Wedding receptions From£550( Fri pm- Sun am)
Room sizes offer the following:-
Room Size-sq metres Seating capacity Large Hall 135 220 Capable of being used Small Hall 72 80 as one large hall, or 2 spaces simultaneously Meeting Room 18 20 Stage 32 - Kitchen Bar
12 DDA COMPLIANCE
Phase 2 of the refurbishment programme completely re-vamped the toilet layout, and gave the opportunity to provide a disabled toilet and shower provision. We had planned to install a wheelchair/pushchair access ramp with the rebuilding of the access steps. However our failure to get a further grant from Grantscape and high tender prices meant that we had to omit this item from the final specification. Rectifying this will be a priority for the final phases of refurbishment.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 9 (Revised March 2015)
13 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
In 2011 we installed a bottle recycling bank, emptied regularly by the local authority. This ensures that waste bottles are not mixed in with general waste and thus recycled rather than going to landfill, but it also removes the need for car journeys by Committee members to local recycling sites.
We had a period of waste removal that required sorting of waste by users, but this proved an impossible task without close supervision. We now have waste removed by a contractor who has facilities for sorting out paper card and plastics thus reducing landfill.
Lighting systems installed during the refurbishment programme are designed for make use of low energy consumption units.
14 PROMOTING THE HALL
The upgraded Hall provides excellent facilities for a wide range of activities, and is promoted as a venue for:-
. Stage entertainment productions, . Recreational activities in day time and evening for older and younger residents (badminton, keep fit, yoga, pilates, karate, judo, film club, dance etc.) . Wedding receptions and parties . Holiday sports coaching and children’s play projects . Brownie/cub residential weekends
If we are to be able to maintain our preferential rates for activities for younger and older people we need to ensure frequent usage by activities that can pay a more “commercial” level of letting rate – parties, weddings, entertainment productions, conferences, and our pricing structure reflects this.
We now promote the facilities of the Hall and its fund raising activities through our own website, and this is increasingly producing inquiries for lettings. Fund raising events are promoted through two e mailing lists, one targeted at local residents, the other going further afield. We also rely on the Parish Newsletter, which is produced quarterly and goes to all homes in the village. Details of events are also published in the Parish Magazine, and we have good links with the local newspapers, Wetherby News and the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Early in 2011 we used a village-wide questionnaire to get feedback on what new or additional activities people wanted to see. This led to increased Zumba provision, Pilates, Yoga, Table Tennis and Tai Chi, and Spanish Classes. There is scope for trailing possible new activities with the offering of taster sessions, and our lettings policy allows for this (app E).
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 10 (Revised March 2015)
15 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
In building upon the interest generated by the newly refurbished Hall it is important that we understand and respond to the needs of the local community and hall users. Appendix F describes the key questions we need to be able answer. Following are the activities we will be undertaking as part of our Management.
In 2011 sought feedback from village residents to identify what further regular activities they wanted to see introduced or expanded in the newly refurbished Hall, and it will be helpful to repeat this exercise maybe in 2015.
We need to ensure that the views of principal Hall users continue to be reflected in Management committee decisions. Engaging with a truly representative user group is proving difficult and we will re-visit the issue of user membership of the committee or the introduction of an email forum to seek their input.
We have no system at present to accurately monitor the number and characteristics of Hall users. We have introduced a User Feedback form to measure the number and type of users. This information could be be helpful in monitoring changes in usage and directing marketing activity. Indications are that we need to create a better line of communication with organisers if they are to support us in supplying this information.
We continue to the feedback on Hall issues to the Community through the village website, our own website and updates in Parish Newsletters, notice boards, displays and exhibitions at the refurbished premises, and the annual meeting.
We still have daytime slots unoccupied for letting, and we must work to identify suitable activities that could be popular
Continued fund raising stimulated by the vastly improved appearance and facilities will help fund further development work. This will enable the Victory Hall to continue to provide a valuable focal point in supporting and sustaining the Thorner community as well as attracting users drawn from further afield for many years to come.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 11 (Revised March 2015)
APPENDIX A - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
Thorner Victory Hall is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities in all its activities for people irrespective of disability, gender or sexual orientation, religion, race or ethnic origin, age, or geographical location.
Our Trustees, Management Committee and volunteers will take the initiative to improve equal opportunities in the facilities offered, to remedy omissions pointed out by others, and to ensure that users of the Hall, both as organisations and individuals, also apply our Equal Opportunity principles.
As the provider of a key community facility serving the village and surrounding areas we recognise the diversity of the communities served and will strive to ensure that provision reflects the needs and demands of all groups as far as is possible.
As an employer, the Management Committee will ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and otherwise treated solely on the basis of their relevant aptitudes, skills and abilities. This means that recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion procedures result in no job applicant, employee r volunteer receiving less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or beliefs, disability, trade union membership or non-membership, sex, sexual orientation or marital status, caring responsibilities, age or being a part-time or fixed term worker.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 12 (Revised March 2015)
APPENDIX B - ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT
Thorner Victory Hall’s mission is described in our Trust Deed:-
“To provide and maintain a parish hall for the use of the inhabitants of Thorner“
In maintaining and developing the Victory Hall the Trustees and Management Committee recognise that our activities, and those of our users, impact upon the environment.
Consequently, we embrace the principles of sustainable living and are committed to environmental improvement and pollution prevention. We undertake to comply with environmental laws and seek to promote sound environmental practice in our activities.
We aim to:-
Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements
Promote awareness of our environmental policy to Hall users
Minimise waste through re-use and recycling
Minimise energy and water consumption and promote the efficient use of resources
We will achieve this by:-
Minimising and Conserving We will make every effort to reduce the resources we consume, including energy and water, and to minimise the amount of waste we produce.
Recycling and Reusing Where practicable and affordable, we will reuse materials, recycle waste and procure recycled products.
Measuring and Monitoring The Management committee will review this policy annually.
Informing and Communicating We will make our Environmental Policy publicly available and will promote recycling and reuse with our paid staff and volunteers as well as with Hall users through Hall Booking Terms and conditions.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 13 (Revised March 2015)
APPENDIX C – Analysis of usage over last 6 years, 2009-2014
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Pilates 41 - 33 96 125 135 10/20 Theatre Group Rehearsals 44 22 8 - - - Marie Arts Stage School 35 - - - - - Badminton 32 8 41 38 39 45 Karate 13 12 46 99 101 99 Art club (whilst Parish centre unavailable) 6 - - - - - Slimming World 41 - - - - - French /Spanish Classes - 12 30 15 26 21 Beavers /Cubs/Scouts - 30 76 82 67 31 Guides - - - 35 34 34
Wkly Singing - - - 7 - - Street Dance/Kids2Dance - 8 13 - - 22 Youth Club - 9 48 48 43 43 Yoga - - - 48 58 45 Zumba - - - 38 19 25 Keep Fit - - - - 42 87 Tai Chi - - - 40 40 44 Body Blitz Circuit Training - - - - 7 2 Pickle Ball 42 Historical society 2 2 2 1 2 2 Film Club 11 11 9 11 11 10 Beer Festival *(fund raising) 1 1 1 1 1 1 Summer Ball /Dinner/ Family Dance 4 5 1 8 - - Brownie/Cub/Guide Residential Weekend 1 2 2 1 2 1 Bonfire and Firework Display (fund raising) 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pre School Christmas Fayre /Nativity - - 1 - - - Band rehearsal - 4 3 2 - - Charity fund Raisers 2 Various fund raising social events 5 - 3 2 6 2 Comedy Festival* (fund raising) 2 2 2 2 2 2 Children’s Parties 5 8 30 31 42 34
All age family parties 8 7 14 14 17 14 Produce Show 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cycle Race HQ - - 1 1 - - Leeds Festival Ticket Registration/Distribution - - - 2 1 1 Wedding receptions 3 2 2 4 4 4
Mthly/ Annual / Ad hoc Various Meetings 26 13 2 11 14 12 Tennis coaching indoor facilities 14 5 17 29 - 3 Drama Rehearsals - - 1 6 10 9 Theatre Performance 2 1 - 7 12 15 Dance Exams - - 1 - - - Exhibitions/Fairs/Commercial letting - - - - 3 1 Sports Events - 2 - - 10 3 Pantomime 1 1 One off events 5 [JC1]
Note:-
Bookings were curtailed in 2010 due to building works.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 14 (Revised March 2015)
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APPENDIX D - FUND RAISING POLICY
At Thorner Victory Hall we undertake fund raising activities primarily as a way of adding to Hall income but also as a way of boosting the image and reputation of the facility and adding to community events.
In recent years we have established a calendar of events that have made a major contribution to our ambitious refurbishment programme:
Comedy Festival – February Beer Festival – April Bonfire and Fireworks - November Supper Dance Autumn/Summer
In addition we have smaller social and entertainment functions, and do this from time to time in conjunction with the Parish Centre. In developing events we need to be mindful of meeting the needs of all sectors of the Community that we serve.
Priorities in fund raising Our priorities for fund raising are:-
1. To cover any shortfall between Hall rental income and Hall running costs 2. To provide funds for unanticipated repair, maintenance or administration costs 3. To help establish a financial reserve to cover future improvements in Hall buildings or equipment 4. To contribute to other Charitable causes either within or outside of the village, national or international
Volunteers We acknowledge that the burden of fund raising must not rest solely with members of the management committee, and we therefore will continue to support develop and recognise a network of volunteers without whose support large-scale events would not be possible.
Source of participants We have learned that financial returns in proportion to the effort required to mount some events can only be achieved by attracting participants from outside of the village. We shall continue to encourage this. It is sound
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 15 (Revised March 2015) financially, but also has the advantage of promoting the Hall facilities to people who would not otherwise see us. We need to be mindful though of the impact this might have on the village at times eg parking, noise, limited ticket availability.
APPENDIX E - HALL LETTINGS POLICY
The purpose of the Victory Hall is to provide a facility that can be rented for use by groups and organisations.
As such it is not our intention to become a routine provider of activities and services.
However we acknowledge our role in:-
. Seeking to fill gaps in the lettings programme so as to maximise income . Seeking to provide activities in response to identified need, particularly for our priority groups (young people and the active elderly)
In order to stimulate use we will:-
. Be willing to negotiate a reduced rental rate for new providers to help them at least cover costs during an initial period when they are building up participants. (We are not laying down hard and fast parameters on this – any reduction will depend on the nature of the organisation, the speed with which numbers of participants build, and the effort organisers themselves put into recruiting participants.)
. Identify apparently unmet demand (based on type of activity or characteristics of participant) and seek to commission short-term “taster” sessions that, if they prove successful, can continue as provision using the hall, but independent in terms of routine management and operation.
. Promote all of the regular activities at the Hall through our signage, newsletters, e mails and press releases.
. In reviewing our lettings charges each years ensure that we acknowledge the importance of setting rates that will not disadvantage our priority groups.
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 16 (Revised March 2015)
APPENDIX F - ARE WE MEETING COMMUNITY NEED?
What questions do we Why do we need to How will we attempt to need to ask? know this? answer the question?
1 . Annual stock-take of time Do the regular activities at So that we get the balance apportionment between the Hall reflect the needs of of provision right types of activities our priority groups?
2 . Bi-annual return from Partly answers first What are the characteristics . regular users based on question of the users at the Hall in sample analysis of terms of:- . Useful background in membership/participants. applying for grants . Age . Figures from ad hoc . Disability . Helps to target users with estimated marketing . Ethnic Origins numbers/ages. . Helps in identifying Home location . unmet need
. Annual questionnaire through Parish 3 Need to know whether we Newsletter What do non users want are reaching all potential from the Victory Hall? . Advertise Annual meeting groups within the village. . Regular repeat of
question in publicity – “What do you want?”
. Invite regular comment from users. 4 Provide feedback on Are we meeting Important to ensure . what we’ve done as a participant/user group facilities meet user needs result needs as far as possible? as far as possible . User group meetings . Feedback from Tenant Association
THORNER VICTORY HALL BUSINESS PLAN 17 (Revised March 2015)