Geoff Boudreau chaired the AGM of the Rye Community Centre Association on Monday December 5, as he has been doing for many years past, possibly 21, he thinks. He reported that bookings were up on the previous year, and expenses had been held in check, with little major cost of building maintenance during the year. The kitchen area had been refurbished with a welcome grant from the Little Cheyne Windfarm Fund. A significant reduction in insurance costs had been achieved, thanks to the efforts of Nicky Lockett, who took office as Secretary last April, replacing Dawn Avery who had served for many years.
Regular hirers had proved loyal and it was good to see the Rye Society of Artists back again, already with a firm booking for 2017. Plays, the pantomime, public exhibitions and town meetings, even the occasional referendum took place this year in the main hall. Upstairs, the dance studio continues to book space, as it has done for the past 40 years.
The major priority next year for building maintenance would be the renovation or replacement of the windows in the upstairs dance studio.
Geoff paid tribute to John Izod, who died earlier this year. He had been a staunch supporter of the Community Centre, as also of the Film Club, and had always been willing to lend a hand when needed. It was planned to install a bench outside the lobby in his memory and for that area to be remodelled to feature a small low-maintenance flower bed.
He thanked his colleagues on the committee for their support. Treasurer Roy Fletcher presented the accounts, which showed a surplus of £352 for the year ended August 31, 2016 as against a deficit of £4,071 for the corresponding period the previous year. Lettings income had increased by £2,700 and the overall finances were in sound order.
photo: Kenneth Bird