Hello
This first day of February is one of considerable significance for Elgin Town Hall for the Community.
Not only is it 6 months since we took over the running of the Hall, it is also the day when the funding previously made available by Moray Council comes to an end (as planned).
This means that we now have to survive without receiving any public subsidy. As we are likely to have an income target in excess of £150,000 for the next 12 months, you will appreciate the challenge that lies ahead.
Our most importance source of funding comes from bookings and we cannot thank the Moray public enough for supporting so many events, with an increasing number being sell-outs.
As all Boards should, we recently took time out to reflect on our first six months and exchanged thoughts on our successes but also on where we need to improve.
Arising from this, we have agreed that we must do more to work with our Members and will be calling a meeting later this month. This will principally be to get Members’ thoughts on a possible Community Asset Transfer and the future of the Town Hall in the context of the Moray Growth Deal (Cultural Quarter).
We would still like to grow our membership base and you can become a Member by visiting our website and completing the short form supplied. There is no charge.
The Board also agreed to build up a reserve of volunteers to help take the pressure off our relatively small number of Board members and our two Hall Keepers. Look out for this initiative soon.
Please also look out for the launch of our “Friends of Elgin Town Hall” initiative which is being set up as part of our fundraising activities to supplement our income.
Finally, we realise that many venues provide their customers
with an “Events Programme” that allows for a perusal and forward planning and will be launching our own in March, covering a 6 month period. Something else to look out for!
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you’d like to pick up on any of the issues raised above or anything else.
Thanks and best wishes.
Mike Devenney
Chair
Elgin Town Hall for the Community
Moray’s thriving community venue is back with more community events than ever before!