News....
Hookwood Memorial Hall Trust
Charity Number 271303
Chairman’s Annual Statement April 2023
The Year: April 2023
Last year, I said that we had struggled during the lock down and to repeat again, we suffered just like everyone else. Make no mistake, times were hard. We are now starting to make a very slow recovery. There are no guarantees, and there is lots of hard work ahead, from a unified and motivated staff.
Commercial hirers are still treading carefully. Ad-hoc bookings routinely keep coming in. It will take time before we reach the pre-pandemic levels of business.
Housekeeping and Caretaking have always played an important role, to maintain high standards and comply with legal requirements. It’s a clean and a very well-presented hall.
The year end September’22 accounts confirmed we made a “profit.” This was re- invested into our flagship asset, The Memorial Hall, for the benefit of future generations of residents, and our current hirers.
Yes, a “profit” despite the pandemic.
Quality is the constant buzz word we use on a regular basis, why? Quality in our venue. Quality in the facilities we offer. Quality in the way we get things done. Quality in our promotions. Quality in our dealings and approach to everybody.
To boast a little, we are certainly the best, Community Hall within a large catchment area will multiple “unique selling points”. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive, either. We supply a quality service and product.
We have implemented some new technologies to improve our efficiency, which include:-
· contact forms on the website.
· electronic booking forms and confirmation procedures.
· the introduction of an accounting system - “QuickBooks” – which allows hirers to pay their invoices at the touch of a button.
Projects to improve the hall inside and outside.
· Toilets and foyer redecorated.
· New temperature-controlled and automatic taps fitted.
· Electrical survey and replacement of our 20-year-old electric circuits.
· ‘Dollied’ up the entrance with some rose bushes and other plants.
· We had a bit of Christmas cheer, by having a Christmas tree in the foyer.
There is also a wish list of “wants and likes” which never fades!
The Trustees and the Support staff are the backbone of the Memorial Hall’s success. They are a multi-talented team.
In September ‘22, Mo Robinson joined us as the new Trust Administrator, and she brings with her a multitude of skill sets and business experience. Delighted to have her aboard.
I’m focused on the future, and we the team, have talked about the future and where we want things to go. We want everyone to feel comfortable and valued and ensure they are treated equally within HWMHT, because together we feel we have a recipe for success.
We are very EXTREMELY PROUD of what we have achieved, and we are delighted to share our achievements with you.
It is my pleasure to serve Hookwood Memorial Hall Trust.
Best wishesJames
James O’Neill…Chairman
Hookwood Memorial Hall Trust
www.hookwoodmemorialhall.co.uk 24th April 2022
"This hall can only be described as Hookwood's best kept secret." -- Richard, Norwood Hill, Surrey
"A Little Gem of a Hall." -- James, Charlwood, Surrey