FoLPH Reporting for November 2024

Since our last report in the October issue, there has been considerable change in the Parish Hall project.

First, the Parish Council has set up a Parish Hall Development Advisory Group with members drawn from the Parish Council, Hall users, the Grants Action Group, and FoLPH. The Group has started meeting, and the final Terms of Reference will, we hope, be agreed at the November Parish Council meeting.

Second, the Council will draw up Terms of Reference for the Parish Hall Committee. It will be a Committee of the Council so there are legal things that need to be covered. It will then call the first meeting of the Committee. It is looking for volunteers to join, too. Can you offer to help?

Third, the Development Advisory Group has decided the highest priority is to make the Hall watertight and weatherproof, and is getting advice on carrying out repairs from roofing contractors in the area. Cherwell District Council has confirmed that the £25,000 matched grant can be used for such repairs: it must be used by the end of the financial year.

Finally, the plan is to submit a new application to the National Lottery for the project, at the same time as working on the logistics of breaking the project into self-contained phases as a plan B. The Group is also working on a revised Business Plan for the project.

And the new external door to the kitchen has been fitted and now just awaits painting in the bright Oxford Blue used on the front doors.

Open Meeting on Thursday 21 November

Our next FoLPH Open Meeting will be in Launton Parish Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 21 November. Come along and find out more about our events and more about the plans for the Parish Hall. FoLPH meetings are open: just turn up.

Future events

Saturday 23 November

An evening with the Boogie Woogie Bellas

This wonderful group of local singers will be entertaining us again with a variety of songs, all presented in the musical style of the 1940s.The last time they appeared for us the Hall was full, and the tickets were sold out. So book yours early: see page 48 (back cover) for more details and a photo of the Bellas.

They may even offer a few Christmas songs towards the end! There will be wine and nibbles as well as soft drinks all available at a bar.

We look forward to seeing you at our meetings and events, and huge thanks to all who support our events and help us raise funds for Launton Parish Hall.

Robert Cornford