The Chairman reported a very successful year. We had celebrated the Centenary Year with a Weekend Centenary Exhibition, a Variety Show, a Quiz Night, and a Barn Dance. He thanked all those involved.
We had purchased sixty new chairs and will be adding a further sixty of similar design later in the year. He recorded his thanks to the Parish Council for their grant. New curtain tracking is to be installed soon, and we will be carrying out redecoration work this August to prolong the life span of the current décor which was last done in August 2007.
Letting Charges were last increased in September 2008 and the next review will take place in April 2011. Hall users will be notified of any increases well in advance and were thanked for their loyal support.
Richard Edwards reported the sad death of Kath Ray, recording his thanks for her long and loyal service on the committee. He thanked Graham Breen for his hard work as Booking Secretary and Moreen Wheeler for her dedication and diligence as Caretaker. He also thanked Len Forsythe who was retiring from the committee after 25 years of loyal service.
Tony Cornell, Treasurer, had circulated the accounts. He gave details for the drop in income namely, a reduced Parish Grant, less interest earned and no Chipperfield News donation in the year under review. He detailed the costs which in overall terms had remained similar to those of the previous year, thus showing a small profit. The General Fund was similar to last year, made up of fixed assets of £3,500 and net current assets, mainly cash of £28,000.
The Accounts were adopted and the Independent Examiner, Keith White, having agreed to continue in office, was thanked for his work and reappointed.
The Chairman reported Chipperfield News had had a very successful year to 31 October and the current year’s work was equally good. The Centenary Village Hall brochure had been donated by Chipperfield News while the computer equipment for the two editorial desks had been updated and a donation had been made to St. Paul’s School Building Charitable Appeal.
The AGM closed and the Chairman then welcomed the guest speaker, Sergeant Caroline McGougan from HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, who spoke to the gathering about the charity Help for Heroes. This charity was originally set up by Bryn & Emma Parry in October 2007 to provide funding for building a swimming pool at Headley Court, a Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey for injured servicemen and women returning from war.  Since its inception, the charity has raised sufficient monies to start the process of setting up regional rehabilitation centres in Edinburgh, Colchester, Tidworth, as well as at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, which will make it easier for patients to be nearer relatives during their treatment programmes. Funds from Help for Heroes can be used for the benefit of the Navy, including the Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, as well as the Army.  This meeting donated £600 to their cause.