Our annual conference for village hall and community building members will be held at the lovely refurbished and extended village hall Fyfield, near Ongar on Saturday 12th October. Non members interested in any topic on the agenda, are welcome to attend.
This year, we welcome Chief Inspector Terry Balding, newly appointed to GTRET - Gypsy, Traveller and Rural Engagement Team - who will provide an overview of the work of the team and explain the changes made this year and increases to staffing. CI Balding is also attending as part of the Essex Police Rural Crime Week and this will be a great opportunity for delegates to raise any issues or concerns in their parish. We also welcome Stephen Armson-Smith from Essex Police who specialises in crime prevention so again, a great opportunity to raise any queries or concerns about safety in and around your building and how to keep workers and hirers safe.
We have been lucky to secure sponsorship for our Conference this year from Allied Westminster Insurance and the energy switching company, Utility Aid. Both organisations are sending representatives to give a talk on their particular subjects and an opportunity to raise any queries.
If your hall committee has a lease or is considering entering into a lease, then legal advice is essential and solicitor Mike Phelps will be on hand to answer any queries you may have. Mike is a specialist in property and land ownership and leases and we're looking forward to welcoming him to the event.
Funding opportunities are always popular to hear about and this year we welcome Mike Foster from the Charles S French Charitable Trust which gives grants only to applicants from the Essex and East London area. Mike will give a presentation about the work of the trust and how to make an application.
Keeping track of hirers and invoices can sometimes be a tricky business! The 'Hallmaster' booking system and invoicing software package helps you ensure invoices are sent promptly and keeps track of payments. Hirers can check availability online and make a provisional booking.
For those of you whose halls are off mains gas, Flogas can help you convert to LPG and can make regular deliveries of LPG cannisters and tankers.
The Conference runs from 9.30am to 3pm with lunch provided. An updated programme and the booking form can be downloaded below.
