FoLPH Reporting for December 2024

Since our last report in the November issue, there has been considerable change and progress with the Parish Hall project.

The Parish Hall Development Advisory Group set up by the Parish Council (PC) with members drawn from the Parish Council, Hall users, the Grants Action Group, and FoLPH had its Terms of Reference agreed at the November PC meeting. The Group has been meeting every week, looking into options for a replacement roof (it has decided that the original zinc is too expensive so has been looking into alternatives).

The Development Advisory Group has also been doing research on sources of funding.

• Section 106 funds from local developments, available through Cherwell District Council where we have talked with people from the District Council

• The National Lottery, where we have had a Teams meeting with a contact to find out about their future priorities which should be announced in detail by spring 2025.

• Contacting and agreeing to join OCVA (Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action) who provide fundraising research and advice

• FCC funding (waste management funds) who have announced their programme for applications in 2025

The Parish Council will discuss Terms of Reference for the Parish Hall Committee at its December meeting. It will call the first meeting of the Committee before the end of the year. It is looking for volunteers to join, too. Can you offer to help?

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. We have to wait until there is a break in the rain.

FoLPH Open Meeting: 21 November

The FoLPH Open Meeting held in the Parish Hall had a full report from the Advisory Development Group - minutes to follow. Treasurer reported £45,434 in the bank. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 22 January 2025 in the Boardroom at Grange Mews at 7.30pm.

FoLPH events

The hall was packed on 23 November for the show from The Bellas, who have widened their repertoire, including a spirited rendering of Wannabe! The evening added £432.83 to FoLPH funds.

We are quite positive about being able to run another Grand Tythe Barn Quiz in early 2025: hope to have a date fixed after Christmas.

On Saturday 10 May we plan a Spring Fair (plants, cakes, baked goods, jams and chutneys) from 10am to noon at the Hall

Robert Cornford