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 Hookwood Memorial Hall Trust 

Charity Number 271303

Chairman’s Annual Statement April 2024


The Year: April 2024

What a year it has become! 

Trading conditions are still slow yet there is a hint of recovery.

Commercial/Regular hirers are treading cautiously. Ad-hoc bookings have also slowed. It will take time before we reach the pre-pandemic levels of business. The financial crisis has taken its toll, certainly. In addition, the social landscape is changing very rapidly.

Marketing we serve a large catchment area and advertise where-ever we can, we promote actively on social media most of our client are not from the Parish of  Charlwood.

Unlike all halls within the area, we do not benefit from an association with the local councils or church authorities, we are completely independent. Therefore totally self-funding.

Housekeeping and Caretaking have always played an important role, to help us maintain high standards. It’s a clean and a very well-presented hall.

The year end September’23 accounts, despite the gloom, 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 poor trading conditions.

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 with multiple “unique selling points”. We supply a quality service and product. 

You will understand, and hope you forgive us however, we like to boast and show off our magnificent facilities.

Projects to improve the hall inside and outside include.

·      New Toilets cisterns. Toilet roll holders, Soap dispensers. Extraction fans.

·      New PIR Lights covering the main gate lock.

·      New Grass cordless mover and strimmer.

There is also a wish list of “wants and likes” which never fades!

The Trustees and the Support staff are traditionally the backbone of the Memorial Hall’s success. Sadly, we have lost a few. 

November 23, Sadly George Chatwin, our much-loved Trustee and friend died peacefully in his sleep. He will be missed.

February 24, Mo Robinson, suffered a potential life changing, serious medical emergency incident whilst at her son’s farm. Making it impossible for her to carry on at the Hall. Mo brought many new innovations and skills. Maybe out of sight but not forgotten.

Alan our caretaker had lots to worry about for the last six months medical investigations and appointments. He is now back, cheerful as ever.

April 2024, Claudia Gardner joins us to lead the Sales and Booking programme. We all look forward to working with her.

We 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 have a recipe for success.

Its true to say, we are actively looking for new Trustee’s who will help us “Go Forward”, your reading this, do you have some skill sets help us, why not talk to us ?

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 wishes


James

James O’Neill…Chairman 

Hookwood Memorial Hall Trust 

www.hookwoodmemorialhall.co.uk                                                                                          24th April 2024                  

Testimonials

"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

Registered Charity No 271303