Pomeroy War Memorial Hall Committee Meeting
At The Duke of York Pomeroy
Wednesday 18th September 2024, 8pm.
Attendees: Representing:
John Beardmore ( J Be) T4 Sustainability -Alternative Energy Systems
Jean Brown (JB) Vice Chair of Committee
Jenny Cooper ( JC ) Committee Member
Ian Webster (IW) Committee Member
Philip Wheeldon (PW) Chair of Committee
Ben Wilson (BW) Committee Member
Sarah Wilson (SW) Committee Member
01/09/24 Welcome and Introduction
Summary of Discussion:
PW welcomed all to the meeting and introductions were made.
02/09/24 Apologies and Expressions of Interest
Summary of Discussion
Apologies from Rebecca Dicken (RD), Jessica O’Dwyer (JOD) and Lloyd Melland (LM) were received and
accepted.
03/09/24 Minutes of Previous Meeting/ AGM dated 12th June 2024
Summary of Discussion:
The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed as accurate.
04/09/24 Matters Arising
Summary of Discussion:
Memorial Plaque – Various quotes have been obtained. However, it was agreed to put the plaque purchase
on hold. The work we have done with the companies involved can be saved, but the price will not be held.
Other Actions not on the Agenda
HMRC and VAT
JOD had found becoming VAT registered at this point wasn’t thought to be helpful. Having a scheme from
the Charity Commission does not make us VAT exempt.
However, “Recognition for your charity” does give us the same tax status with HMRC as a registered charity
JOD has completed the process regarding this.
Gambling licence – RD still looking into this.
However JC said there was an article in the Parish News and Views about Hartington Community Hub who
now have a hub gambling licence which charity fundraisers can use provided the Community hub was given
as the Promoter. ( JC to investigate further)
05/09/24 Bank Account
Summary of Discussion:
The opening balance was £ 2261.46
LM – acting as Treasurer for JOD had sent an update on the Bank Account.
Money had been paid in from the Treasure Hunt in June £105 and the DDDC Local Funding for £250.
The only money paid out was for the Trustee liability Insurance. £112.
The balance is now £2366.46.
06/09/24 Funding
Summary of Discussion:
No further funding has been applied for.
07/09/24 Fundraising
Summary of Discussion:
No fundraising events since June.
The last fundraising sub-group meeting was held on 28
th August.
Christmas Raffle to be planned.
The Pomeroy Trust to have stalls at other Christmas fairs.
An event to draw the Christmas raffle to be planned at the next fundraising meeting (JB to organise)
Other events next year: Spring Fair, at Flagg Village Hall 5th April 2025.
08/09/24 Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD )
Summary of Discussion:
A “Vision and Strategy Questionnaire” designed by Rona Rawson ( RAD) and Neil Moulden (
DDCVA ) was discussed
‘To get us to consider what we want to do, how we are going to do it, things we need to consider, how we
are going to move forwards and how to get more people interested. This will help us to show funders what
we are about, and it can be the basis of a proper business plan for us’.
Once the questionnaire is completed, Rona will arrange for her and Neil Moulden from DDCVS to come and
meet us to do the next steps.
Emphasis was placed on gathering individual opinions without external influence. (Remaining
Committee to complete questionnaire).
Community Use of Facilities
The committee discussed the potential return of facilities to community use. Concerns were raised
about feasibility due to utility issues such as electricity, water, and toilet facilities.
09/06/24 T4 Sustainability
Summary of Discussion:
Utilities Discussion
Water Supply
There were issues with dampness, and potential repairs were discussed. Consideration of
rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses was suggested.
Electricity Supply –
The need for a main supply versus renewable options was debated. It depends on what we need
power for.
Costs and logistics for grid connection were considered, including potential issues with existing
infrastructure.
Heating Options:
Heat pumps versus traditional methods like wood burners were considered.
Renewable Energy Options:
Solar panels and wind turbines were discussed as potential renewable energy sources. Planning
permissions and community acceptance were noted as considerations.
Building Maintenance:
Decision to remove the existing chimney due to its poor condition. Gutter repairs were highlighted
as a necessary maintenance task.
Future Steps:
Further clarification was needed on grid connection specifics and costs. Contestable and
Non-Contestable work. Exploration of independent providers for potentially cheaper utility
solutions.
Consideration of engaging an architectural technician for building assessments.
Detailed Discussions:
Electricity Supply Challenges:
The committee discussed the possibility of connecting to the grid versus using renewable energy
sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. The cost of grid connection was estimated at
£30,588, including VAT, but there were ambiguities regarding excavation responsibilities around
gas mains[1]. JB To contact National Grid Distribution, for clarification regarding
contestables and the quote.
Water Supply Solutions
Rainwater harvesting was considered for flushing toilets, but concerns about the cost and
maintenance of making rainwater potable were raised[1].
Heating Considerations
The feasibility of using heat pumps was discussed, with considerations on whether a grid
connection would be necessary. Alternative heating methods like wood burners were also
considered[1].
Building Maintenance Priorities:
Removal of the chimney was prioritised due to its deteriorating condition, which included cracked
bricks and missing mortar. Gutter repairs were also deemed necessary to prevent further
damage[1]. ( PW to arrange with BW and SW).
10/09/24 Groundwork
Summary of Discussion
PW – The stop tap had been located but there were concerns about turning it as it was stiff and
may break. To contact Severn Trent Water about the stop tap and if necessary have a full Severn
Trent estimate for having the water restored. This may help with the electricity if they share a duct.
(JB to contact Severn Trent)
Electricity – John Beardmore suggested we establish what exactly was meant by contestable and
non contestable work.( JB to follow this up from the electricity supply quotes and investigate
alternative providers.)
The committee will further investigate renewable energy options, considering planning
permissions.(All)
Due to the condition of the chimney and guttering, arrangements were to be made for removal of
the chimney and gutter repairs to be carried out. PW to organise with the help of BW and SW.)
11/06/24 Website
Summary of Discussion:
‘What three words’ now actioned on the Website, for locating the Hall.
12/09/24 Correspondence
Summary of Discussion:
Nil
13/09/24 Any Other Business
Summary of Discussion:
A Frame – PW to complete
Second key – PW has had a second key cut and the original key returned to JC . We now have 2 keys.
14/09/24 Date and Time of Next Meeting
Summary of Discussion:
Wed 27
th November 8pm at the Duke of York Pomeroy.
The next fundraising meeting to be confirmed.
Post meeting note. John Beardmore was present from the beginning of the meeting. The meeting was then
taken out of order with items 8. and 9. being discussed after introductions and apologies. Mr Beardmore then
left the meeting before continuing with the agenda
Meeting finished 10.05pm