Attendance: Steve Walmsley (SW) (Chair), Anne Morse Jones (AMJ) (Vice Chair), Roger Button (RB), Steve Campbell Kelly, James Beynon, Selina Taylor (ST) Clerk.  Residents: Sarah Walmsley, John Furneaux, Jo Higgins, Rob Symberlist, Mary Beynon, Doreen Leighton, Pauline Bevan, Jenny Venables, Dai Cann, Sue Newbury.

1.        Apologies: Gordon and Beryl Howe, Jo Eagle, Judith Harry, Vicki James, Sian Jones (NT)

2.        Minutes of the last meeting: Minutes of the AGM 24/04/08 were approved at the meting 01/07/08 and the minutes of the AGM on 01/07/08 were approved at the meeting 12/08/08.

3.        Matters arising.  None.

4.        Election to posts: SW has been re-elected as Chair, AMJ as Vice-Chair, SW will be the rep. on the hall committee, SCK will act as Treasurer.

5.        Chairman’s report.  SW reported that there have been changes to the make up of the Council.  RCC lost some very experienced people and gained some younger people.  SW said that it was good to see younger people taking an interest in the village.  Started financial year with £2K in bank, ended with £1K.  Bought 2 noticeboards and provided skips for community use.  Also RCC sold a small strip of land to the Swinnertons.  Planning remains controversial as ever.

6.        AOB from floor.  JF mentioned the hedge on approach to Margam Corner is dangerous.  He said if a branch falls on someone, liability stays with landowner.  Buses are taking over half the road as they come round the corner.  SW said that the landowner is going to be contacted, but if they don’t clear it, RCC will chase Highways.

7.        Chair closed APM at 7:40pm.

1.        Apologies: Peter Venables, Sam Shaw, Vicki James.

2.        Minutes of the last meeting.  Agreed.  Proposed SW, 2^nd RS.

3.        Matters arising: none

4.        Chairman’s report.  Very strong and dedicated committee working tirelessly to raise funds.  PB’s book has been very good fundraiser.  JF thanked her for all her work.  Building work coming to a close.  Dry and humidifying rooms are ready.  Patio will be laid within the next week.  Garden to be finished two weeks after that.  JF sincerely thanked Sarah and Steve for all their work with the housekeeping duties.  Jo Higgins has taken all the bookings in a paid position.  It has been a useful experience for the village and the hall, having a paid employee managing things and she has coordinated the younger people of village to do all meeting and greeting of guests.
VH committee now has three sub-committees.  Social Committee that organises events, Bunkhouse Administration Committee and Building Committee that looks after fabric and maintenance of building.  All 3 report to main committee.  Now main committee meeting times have been reduced as a result.  JF thanked all members for all their work during last 12 months.

5.        Treasurer’s report.  Project is coming to an end.  Culmination of 10 years work.    Gave proof that it is sustainable.  Income: Events £2.2K, book sale £3.5K, bunkhouse £28K net, hall hire £2.5K Total=£39,762.  Expenditure £32.226K on licenses, maintenance, staff, accountancy fees, insurance etc.  Surplus £7.5K.   Still have loan repayments.  Balance £17K in bank (but includes some money received after end of financial year).  Bookings in bunkhouse on par with last year.  RS showed graphical analysis of bookings and receipts etc. Running cost for 2008 excluding staff, £18K.  Overheads have increased because of what we offer e.g. utilities, cleaning.  SN entered the meeting.  Running costs have been kept as low as possible, but should be sustainable. 
Is it manageable?  All enquiries come through website, so that they can sign up to T’s and C’s.  Broadband installed in January 2008.  Jo Higgins appointed as Hall Administrator in May 2008.  Meeting and greeting (paid employment) by local students from June 2008.  Vacancies now for this summer.  This is now a community business.  Credit Card payments can be taken from December 2008.  Most people pay by BACS.  Bonds now taken for full, sole occupancy from January 2009 as three groups caused considerable damage.  Bond is usually about £300.  Survey reported most people are on group trip and would recommend us. 
Prospects for 2009-10, RS thanked ST for advertising on Gower Holidays website.  VH website now includes online database for booking and availability. 
The development has rejuvenated the community, generated opportunities for local people, encouraged new community groups, and has enabled hall trustees to sponsor community events rather than fundraising, offer special rates of hire for local groups and have funds for maintenance and improvements.  VH committee has demonstrated proof of managing a project.  Have ordered new sign and will be fixed to front of building.  JF thanked RS for all the work that he does as treasurer.

6.        Nomination of committee members.
Church                           Jenny Venables                                    Chapel                    Mary Beynon
RCC                                Steve Walmsley                                   Youth Club            Vicki James
Keep Fit                         Sarah Walmsley                                   Wednesday Club Sam Shaw
WI                                  Gill Evans
Nominations from the floor:  John Furneaux, Helen Griffiths, Judith Harry, Rob Symberlist, Pauline Bevan, Jo Eagles, Sam Shaw, Lucy Rees.  Re-nominated en-masse.  
If anyone can suggest further volunteers, please ask them.
Clive Jones funeral Monday 18^th May in Church.
JH asked if we could not have the AGMs on Thursdays as Youth Club has to be cancelled.

7.        21^st June official opening of garden.  Youth Club collecting Tesco vouchers for clubs.

8.        Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and support over the past twelve months and closed the meeting at 20:19.