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March Update

Hello Friends,

Following a month end meeting yesterday with the elite team of the BI staff, the Chair of Trustees and the Treasurer yesterday, I am happy to bring you up to date with the first monthly update regarding your Village Hall.

The Trustees have offered the use of the building to CWAC and the Parish Council to assist in the support of our community at this difficult time.  We are awaiting their responses.

Several of our weddings and events have rescheduled for later in the year and in 2021 and we have offered refunds to those who do not wish to or are unable to reschedule.  We hope that when you are ready to rebook, you think of us!

We have taken delivery of the new Film Night at the Barbour drop down screen for in the Billiard room– it’s great to see this plan moving along.  The Parish Council grant has kindly paid for the screen and Film Night funds will cover the installation cost, when possible.

The financial aid offered by the Government for BI employees has resulted in the staff being place on furlough and ensures that the BI is in a stronger position for a positive return to usual services.

One suggestion made was that once we are able to reopen our first event should be a Jumble Sale, this will come in handy if like me you have carrying out a super-spring clean!

The Trustees will be bringing good news to one lucky 200 club member this Friday, when we hold the £500 prize draw.  Rest assured this draw will take place in accordance with current Government guidelines and, technology willing, a recording of the draw will be available.

Hoping you are all keeping well, take care.

Coronavirus and the Barbour Institute

Due to the understandable cancellation of all bookings, the Barbour Institute is now closed except for essential maintenance. Although there will be no one in the office, emails and telephone messages will still be monitored and, with the recently announced financial help for businesses, and the support of the Bolesworth Estate, the Trustees should be able to retain their small and vital staff during the shut down.  Bills will still have to be paid, of course, while the BI is closed but our hope is to be able to re-open when we are advised that it is safe to do so.

A number of weddings were to have taken place in late Spring and early Summer; one has rebooked for the Autumn and the others are considering what options are open to them.

We have taken into consideration all outgoings and have decided that the 200 Club will continue to run as normal, with the next draw being for £500 at the beginning of April.  Good luck to all our members.  If you haven’t joined yet, the new membership year will begin in November bringing in much needed funds to help keep the Barbour Institute going.  Look out for more information later this year.

In the meantime, if you are clearing out your cupboards during this enforced time at home and have space to store what you don’t want, please remember our Jumble Sale which will be re-organised later in the year.

The Trustees’ message to everyone who uses the Barbour Institute is to stay safe and well and we look forward to seeing you all in due course.

Pat Black

Chairman of Trustees