Skipsea Village Hall Annual General Meeting 2026 Chair’s Report
Good evening everyone, and thank you for attending this year’s AGM.
This report aims to summarise the key developments, successes, and challenges of the past year, as well as highlight some priorities for the year ahead. Overall, this has been a year shaped by strong community spirit. While financial pressures continue, the commitment of our volunteers and the level of engagement across many of our activities remain a real strength.
I would also like to apologise in advance for any omissions. They are simply a reflection of the wide range of activity that takes place at the hall, rather than any lack of appreciation.
The village hall continues to rely heavily on the time, energy, and goodwill of volunteers. This extends not only to the committee, but also to those who support events, maintain the building, and contribute in countless other ways.
As a committee, we remain focused on building positive relationships within the community. While finances are, of course, important, our priority continues to be people. It is encouraging to see that the number of volunteers supporting the hall has grown over the past year, reflecting this ethos. Attendance across events continues to ebb and flow, but the hall remains a well-used and valued community space.
Turning to our regular activities, we continue to host a range of weekly events.
Our yoga sessions remain well attended, and I would like to thank Jan for her continued support. Skipsea Tots and Tiddlers continues to provide a stable and much-valued weekly group, led by Katie and Alice. As their children begin to move on, it is important that we look to recruit new volunteers—ideally parents of pre-school children—to ensure the long-term sustainability of this group.
The weekly Warm Space continues to be a vital offering. It provides a welcoming environment where members of the community can come together and enjoy a meal. Given ongoing pressures around energy costs and the wider economic climate, it is likely that this provision will remain important in the year ahead. I am very proud of the role the hall, its volunteers, and the wider community play in delivering this.
Our monthly brunch mornings continue to be a cornerstone of activity at the hall. They are supported by a strong and reliable group of volunteers and attract a steady number of attendees, including visitors to the area. These events not only provide valuable income but also reinforce the hall’s role as a welcoming hub for both residents and visitors.
Looking at our seasonal and quarterly events, these continue to provide a helpful structure for our programme of activities.
Our thanks go to Shauna for her continued work producing seasonal posters and promotional materials, and to Charlotte for supporting promotion through the parish newsletter.
Family bingo events have seen lower attendance than we would like. Feedback from other venues suggests that alternative formats may be more successful, so this is something we will review ahead of future events.
In contrast, family discos continue to be very popular. It is particularly pleasing to see young people from the village taking on the role of DJs—something that really reflects the inclusive and community-led ethos of the hall.
Our community cinema continues to be well attended when showing children’s films, although films aimed at older audiences have attracted smaller numbers. This is another area where we will review programming and approach.
The open-air cinema event was unfortunately affected by poor weather, which reduced attendance. However, the atmosphere and feedback from those who did attend were very positive, and we believe this is an event worth continuing.
Open mic nights have gone from strength to strength and are consistently well attended. However, many attendees currently travel from outside the village, and we would like to explore ways to increase local participation. My thanks go to Michelle for her continued support in running the bar at these and other events.
The annual bonfire and fireworks event saw lower attendance than expected. Informal feedback suggests that pricing may have been a factor, despite being competitive with similar events in the area. That said, the organisation and delivery of the event were excellent, and the professionalism and dedication of the volunteers involved should be recognised.
There was no summer fair or dog show this year, and we received no significant feedback regarding their absence.
However, the children’s stay and play sessions held over the summer were a great success, with strong attendance from local families. My thanks go to all the volunteers who supported these sessions.
The village nativity, held at the hall, was once again very well received. Thanks go to Alice and Charlotte for organising the event, and most importantly to the children who take part each year and make it so special.
In terms of bookings and income, last year’s reduced-price children’s party offer was replaced with a 50% discount on bookings in January. Uptake of this offer was limited, and we will review whether similar promotions are worthwhile in the future. “In it to win it” continues to provide a stable source of income.
The upkeep of the building continues to present a significant financial challenge. The recent failure of the solar panel inverter is one example of the ongoing maintenance required as
facilities age. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to maintaining the quality and usability of the hall, recognising how important the physical space is to the community.
I would like to take this opportunity to give particular thanks to Jonathon in his role as Treasurer. His success in securing grant funding has been not only impressive but increasingly essential to the hall’s sustainability.
We have also been pleased to welcome James as a trustee this year. His enthusiasm, ideas, and connection to the village are already proving invaluable.
While our volunteer base continues to grow, recruiting new trustees remains a significant challenge. This is an area of high priority, and we will continue to encourage others to step forward.
Looking ahead, our key priorities for the coming year include:
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continuing to support and grow our volunteer team
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recruiting new trustees
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maintaining and developing our programme of events
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improving attendance at underperforming activities
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and continuing to manage and maintain the hall in the face of ongoing financial pressures
Above all, we will continue to focus on ensuring that the hall remains a welcoming, inclusive, and well-used space at the heart of the community.
Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the village hall this year—our volunteers, trustees, and all members of the community who continue to make this such a valued space.
As I have said previously, I believe that organisations benefit from new perspectives and fresh energy. With that in mind, and alongside increasing work and family commitments, I will be stepping down as Chair.
It has been a privilege to serve in this role, and I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved during this time. I have every confidence that the hall will continue to grow and thrive with the dedication of this committee and community.
Thank you.
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Skipsea Village Hall Income and Expenditure Account Year Ending 31st December 2025
| INCOME | Unrestricted | Restricted | Restricted | 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Classes | 1,487.00 | 1,487.00 | 1,666.20 | |||
| Hall Hire | 6,871.50 | 6,871.50 | 5,689.98 | |||
| Bar | 4,485.39 | 4,485.39 | 4,853.37 | |||
| Donations | 777.83 | 777.83 | 592.93 | |||
| Grants (restricted isforVE/VJ DayBrunch,WarmSpace, | ||||||
| Summer PlayScheme, ToddlerGroup electricalgardening | 2,350.00 | 5,506.56 | 7,856.56 | 33,238.00 | ||
| toolsand solar panel inverterreplacement) | ||||||
| Fundraising (restricted is Play Park) | 7,927.01 | 465.00 | 8,392.01 | 10,802.77 | ||
| Solar Electric | 1,160.07 | 1,160.07 | 1,539.33 | |||
| BankInterest | 343.27 | 343.27 | 428.45 | |||
| Gift Aid | 153.94 | - | 153.94 | 2,387.63 | ||
| 25,556.01 | 5,971.56 | 31,527.57 | 61,198.66 | |||
| EXPENDITURE | Unrestricted | Restricted | 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | ||
| HallHire Exp/Bond Refunds | 1,060.00 | - | 1,060.00 | 660.00 | ||
| Events Expenditure (restricted isgrantexpenditureon Summer PlayScheme, ToddlerGroupandWarmSpace) |
4,678.59 | 1,122.70 | 5,801.29 | 6,651.13 | ||
| Bar Expenses | 3,104.24 | - | 3,104.24 | 2,746.51 | ||
| Electric | 3,221.52 | - | 3,221.52 | 3,335.02 | ||
| Phone/Internet | 450.78 | - | 450.78 | 405.74 | ||
| Water | 1,675.92 | - | 1,675.92 | 2,046.24 | ||
| Insurance (restricted is Play Park) | ; | 2,059.90 | . | 243.40 | 2,303.30 | 2,372.47 |
| Caretaker/Cleaner | 2,433.29 | - | 2,433.29 | 2,669.72 | ||
| Bank &Card Charges |
48.20 | - | 48.20 | 74.09 | ||
| Repairsand Renewals etc. (restricted ison batterystorage | ||||||
| system, solarpanel inverter replacement, electrical | 9,852.80 | 13,457.59 | 23,310.39 | 25,085.11 | ||
| gardeningequipment and ride onmower) | ||||||
| Office Expenses | 349.89 | - | 349.89 | 339.90 | ||
| Licences, PRS, Music | 646.33 | - | 646.33 | 812.33 | ||
| Training | 44.30 | - | 44.30 | 753.00 | ||
| Professional fees | 50.00 | - | 50.00 | 50.00 | ||
| Play Parkmaintenance costs | - | 197.92 | 197.92 | 404.68 | ||
| 29,675.76 | 15,021.61 | 44,697.37 | 48,405.94 | |||
| (EXPENDITUREOVERINCOME)/INCOMEOVEREXPENDITUI | (4,119.75) | (9,050.05) | (13,169.80) | 12,792.72 | ||
| YEAR END BANK BALANCES | 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | ||||
| CurrentAccount : |
4,262.52 | 2,541.76 | ||||
| Deposit Account | 17,164.25 | 32,385.94 | ||||
| CashAccount | 404.21 | 316.48 | ||||
| 21,830.98 | 35,244.18 | |||||
| BREAKDOWN OF FUNDS | : | 31.12.25 | 3112.24 | |||
| Restricted grants (£1,500for electrical inspection, repairs and£53.80forWarmSpacenewspapers) |
zeoeog | GES | ||||
| Restricted is PlayPark | 6,912.63 | 6,888.95 | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 13,364.55 | 17,727.70 | ||||
| 21,830.98 | 35,244.18 |
Jonathan Platt - Treasurer
Charlotte Foreman - Independent Examiner
Skipsea Village Hall Treasurer’s Report 2025
2025 saw a lot of investment in the repair and renewal of the Village Hall, largely as a result of a number of successful grant applications which secured £7,856.56.
| Revenue Account | Restricted Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Income | £25,556.01 | £ 5,971.56 £31,527.57 |
| Total Expenditure | £29,675.76 | £15,021.61 £44,697.37 |
| Deficit | (£4,119.75) | (£ 9,050.05) (£13,169.80) |
Most of the deficit was accounted for by expenditure of grants received during the latter part of 2024 and spent during the early part of 2025. Firstly, on the purchase of a new ride of mower thanks to a grant of £2,000 from the SSE Thermal Atwick Community Fund, and installation of a new battery storage system costing £11,504.04 which was almost entirely paid for by the Northern Powergrid Foundation. Later in 2025 the Northern Powergrid Foundation were kind enough to make a second 100% grant of £,2,200 towards the cost of replacing our 14 year old solar panel inverter which failed in August 2025. The grant was received and the work completed in December 2025. Coupled with changes of electrical supplier, work to replace fluorescent lights with LEDs undertaken in 2024 we have been able to reduce our energy costs in 2025 by two thirds when compared to 2022.
During 2025 we had a number of repairs and renewals undertaken: Windsor Hall floor stripped and resealed £1,459.20; a number of the car park lights replaced £2,388; two broken inspection covers repaired £661.82; sewage pump repaired £768.00 and a bin store created £600.
During the course of the year we were also successful in receiving the following grants:
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Do it for East Riding of Yorkshire towards Warm Space in the autumn of 2024 £2,350.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council VE and VJ Day 80th Anniversary Community Fund via Skipsea Parish Council £200.00.
Lissett Wind Farm Community Fund £525 towards new battery operated gardening tools
SSE Thermal Atwick Community Fund £981.56 towards equipment for the summer play scheme, new toys for the toddler group and newspapers for Warm Space during the winter of 2024-25.
Dogger Bank Community Fund £1,000 towards the inverter replacement. Skipsea Parish Council, £500 towards essential electrical works. ERVHN, £100 towards Warm Space in the Autumn of 2025.
We are extremely grateful to all of these funders for their support.
Particular thanks must go to Ian and Michelle Newman for their continued support and fundraising which generated £900 during 2025, of which £450 was allocated to the Play Park. The amount of reserves allocated to the Play Park is now £6,910.63, slightly up on £6,888.95 at the start of the year.
Following generous donations of £777.83 (up 32% on last year) we were also able to reclaim £153.94 in Gift Aid from H M Revenue and Customs.
Jan Wadron’s yoga classes went from strength to strength during the year and generated £1,487.00 (31% up on 2024) and hall hire increased to £6,871.50 (including £390 from campervan overnight stays).
However, other income generating activity was down when compared to 2024: Feed in payments from the solar panels were £1,160.07 down 33% due to the failure of the inverter between August and December 2025; bar income was £4,485.39 (down 8%); fundraising was £7,927.01 (down 12%) which includes the monthly Brunch, term time weekly Toddler Group, Family Bingo, Community Cinema, Open Mic Nights and clothing bank (£60). A lack of attendance at a number of fundraising events during 2025 including a touring show Operation Beach Hut on 15 May, Comedy Night on 12 July and Bonfire Night on 8 November will impact on our ability to mount such events during 2026.
We enter 2026 with only £21,830.98, of which £1,553.80 is grant income most of which will need to be spent on essential electrical inspections and repairs, £6,910.63 for the Play Park and £13,364.55 of unrestricted reserves.
Skipsea Village Hall and its Play Park are outstanding modern, accessible community facilities when compared to many other villages. However, they will only remain so with the dedicated support of volunteers and the local community, so please come along to our fundraising events and if you would like to get involved, please talk to a committee member.
Jonathan Platt Treasurer